248) Milene Martines
Location: Spain
Sunday 1 February 2026
Hello Everyone. Does anyone know that there was a pet shop where Santander is now in Sandgate Road, it had a basement and a young lady lived there with her family. Her name was 'Annerley' or a different spelling, does any know/knew her? She was a 'small' girl for her age, but had a lovely personality. Thank you.
247) Peter Owen Male
Location:
Silchester
Saturday 17 January 2026
Hi my name is Peter I was born in Folkestone in 1955 and lived in Downs Road until my early 20s and went to school at Mundela Primary and later Hillside Secondary Modern for Boys.
246) Mike McCrow Male
Location:
Stevenage , Hertfordshire, UK
Saturday, 10 January 2026 02:29 Write a comment
I may have an answer for the photo of Ceasars Camp with comment referring to the large chimney. I was born in 1943 and lived in Cheriton. Our playground in the early 50's was almost any where surrounding Cheriton. At the back of Biggins Wood was a pond on the edge of the farmland, probably somewhere near where the Dormobile factory was built. We always referred to the area as the brickfields. This maybe the origin of where Tile Kiln Lane got its name. It is possible the chimney was part of the making of bricks and tiles.
Christine - site owner Monday 00:38
That makes a lot of sense Mike, I never thought of the Brickfields being there. I am sure they must have had a huge kiln attached to that chimney.
245) Jeremy Wright Male
Location:
St Marys Bay, Romney Marsh
Thursday, 27 November 2025 03:54 Write a comment
Christine great site!... In your section on Cheriton, the last two pictures show All Souls Church. The older photo shows the church with a big old house behind it. That was 1 Ashley Avenue and was the Vicarage where I lived from 1958 until 1963 as my father, Rev Canon Aubrey K W Wright was vicar at All Souls. The dormer window that can be seen in that photo was my bedroom!
244) Peter White Male
Location:
Park Road Hythe
Tuesday, 8 July 2025 04:35 Write a comment
Christine,
Brilliant website. I have been looking here for many years. I read you lived at Court at Street at one time. Could I ask whether you took the school bus from there in the late 1950s early 1960s when somebody used to ride their motorbike passed the school kids queuing for the bus every morning?
If so I know who that motorcyclist was (gulp). Sorry!!
Christine -site owner Friday, 17 October 2025 12:04
Thank you Peter for the kind words, but never fear, you didn't run me over on your motor cycle, I used to cycle each day to Newing Green, leave my bike in a garage there, and catch one bus into Folkestone and and another into Cheriton, as I refused to change schools when we moved to Court-at-Street.
Thanks again for the great photos you sent for my Healthcare page.
243) Bob Lind
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 23:41 Write a comment
I moved to Cheriton in 1956 when I was eleven and after living in London it was an exciting place to move to, much difference to what it is now.
I went to All Souls School for no more than two month and was in the class room next to the main road, I remember small tanks and brengun carriers coming out of Risborough Lane from the military camp to Folkestone west Rail station, the noise they made was so loud you couldn't think and the building shook.
The boy who sat behind me was Peter Kirksher who later in life played drum for Status Quo when they performed at Live Aid in the 1980's, Pete went to the Harvey Grammar School and I went too Morehall, the chimneys and the wall that were mentioned I believe were still there and I remember leaning against the wall eating an ice cream, that was the late 1950's.
There was a road bridge by the Star Inn which went over the old Elham Valley line which was demolish along with the pub to make way for the M20 motorway.
The pond at the bottom of Cherry Garden Avenue we called the Mill Pond and was there until they built the bypass (Churchill Avenue).
The picture of the Sanitary Steam Laundry may have been Fosters in the past but in the 1960' Fosters were at the bottom of Ashley Avenue and the one in the picture is the Advance Laundry in Stanley road, I worked there as a driver and at that time the Houses were occupied by the guys who maintained the machines and the site.
242) Charles Male
Location:
Dymchurch
Sunday, 22 June 2025 15:12 Write a comment
Anyone interested in music past in Folkestone can see many of the locals here
[kentbeat.uk]
241) Andi Markos Male
Location:
Old Milton
Saturday, 10 May 2025 08:24 Write a comment
Did anyone go to school or remember Carolyn Lesley Brook who was born and lived in Folkestone until about 1985/6. She would be 77 this year.
240) Colin Mitchelll Male
Location:
London England
Saturday, 8 March 2025 03:47 Write a comment
Congratulations! Such an interesting site! I am particularly fascinated by the pictures of the fishing folk.
I was born in Folkestone (Wiliam Harvey Hospital) in 1948, I only briefly knew my grandfather who originated from Brenchley near Tunbridge Wells; but family research reveals that in 1901 he married Emily Kate May from Folkestone who ran a fish shop on the Stade. Her father Edward was described as 'mariner'. They lived in Great Fenchurch Street that I believe was bombed out during WW2 and Harvey Street. The 'May' family tree can be traced back several generations and was very extensive. I enquired at the Fishing Museum to be told that sadly the Mays had moved away and were no more part of the local community. I left a copy of my grandparents' wedding certificate just in case to add to their records. No doubt several of my ancestors are depicted in this wonderful collection of photographs.
Colin Mitchell Saturday, 8 March 2025 03:59
Correction... of course it was the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone. My mother died in the William Harvey near Ashford.
239) Barry Willson Male
Location:
Folkestone
Saturday, 8 February 2025 03:35 Write a comment
Lived in Cheriton for years and moved around country quite a bit. Now retired back to Folkestone.
238) Derek Hart Male
Location:
Ferndown, Dorset
Monday, 6 January 2025 06:43 Write a comment
What a fascinating site! Although I have never lived in Folkestone, I am aware that generations of my ancestors lived on North Street and were associated with the fishing industry. My earliest ancestor, Richard Hart, was recorded as being a ffolkestone ffisherman"" on his marriage to Elizabeth Penny in 1691. My Great Grandfather, John Fraser Hart (1888 - 1957) was the auctioneer and fish salesman on the Stade and my Grandfather, John William Hart, was his Clerk until he was killed in 1940 while serving with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. I have written an illustrated "Partial History of Some of The Hart Family" and am happy to provide a .pdf version, free of charge, if anyone is interested.
Mark Hourahane Monday, 3 March 2025 20:11
Alan Taylor has written a book on Folkestone's fishing history and has a William 'Trunky' Hart in the list of names in the appendix.
I would be interested in a copy of your partial history PDF, please! You can find my e-mail address on the Folkestone & District Local History Society website at [www.folkestonehistory.org]
236) Nick Smith Male
Location:
Kent, UK
Monday, 25 November 2024 07:00 Write a comment
I inherited a lot of old photos and negatives from a ~distant relation who was a keen photographer living in Trimworth Road Cheriton. Many of the photos are of Folkestone and surrounding area. The attached one is Sandgate Road/Castle Hill Avenue, and I think it is the clock tower of Christ Church at the far end of the grand building (which is no longer there) Guessing it was taken late 1950s early 1960s. Any idea what that building was?
Christine - website owner Thursday, 20 February 2025 21:27
Without being able to see your photo, Nick I think you might be referring to the Majestic Hotel, previously called the Westcliff Hotel. You can see a few photos of it on this page: Folkestone Hotels Page 3
235) Pauline Tattersall Female
Location:
New Zealand
Tuesday, 27 August 2024 23:04 Write a comment
I have just been having a nostalgic look through the photos of Hythe and Folkestone and was thrilled to see the photo of the Four Winds Restaurant in Hythe. In 1963 I was a student at Folkestone Grammar School for Girls and at weekends and holidays I had job at Four Winds. My maternal grandparents lived in Ormonde Road, Hythe and my paternal grandparents at Capel-Le-Ferne. An aunt and uncle owned the John Dory Fish shop in Bouverie Square.
234) Christopher Neave Male
Location:
Weston-super-Mare
Thursday, 22 August 2024 18:30 Write a comment
Christine - thanks for compiling such a marvellous pictorial history of Folkestone.
A couple of snippets which might interest you. I worked at Seeboard in Hythe in the early 1980s; there was a book containing records of all war damage for both 20th century wars (bombing, of course, disrupted the electricity supply). One of the first records showed that a WW1 bomb destroyed two houses in the High Street, numbers 7 & 8 (looking up the street at the top on the left-hand side); they weren't rebuilt; the last time I was there (probably 30 years ago) the space contained an advertising board.
During WW2 a flying bomb hit and slid along the embankment (travelling westwards) by the Guildhall Street railway arch, destroying greenhouses and a number of houses in Brockman Road, as well as damaging houses in Coolinge Road (some which subsequently needed to be demolished).
I don't believe that this particular bomb destroyed the houses in Darlington Street (I believe that the electricity supply was undamaged), but, as I have been unable to find any photos of Darlington Street, I can't be sure. If you do come across any pictures of Darlington Street, I'd be very interested to see them.
Chris
233) Mike McCrow Male
Location:
Stevenage, Herts
Sunday, 28 April 2024 12:21 Write a comment
I was born in 1943 and lived in Kings Road. Went to All Souls and The Harvey GS.
Cheriton Library I frequent as a child. Over the door you can see 1938 in structure. So I would guess this w as the date it was built.
232) Chris Whitehead Male
Location:
Storrington, West Sussex
Thursday, 8 February 2024 09:40 Write a comment
My great grandfather ran a grocer shop in Dover Street at No 119. I am seeking any information on this. Thank you.
231) Chris Whitehead Male
Location:
Storrington, West Sussex
Thursday, 8 February 2024 09:40 Write a comment
My great grandfather ran a grocer shop in Dover Street at No 119. I am seeking any information on this. Thank you.
230) John Perrott Male
Location:
Maldon Essex
Thursday, 25 January 2024 16:53 Write a comment
Hi - stumbled across you great site when I was searching for photographs of Folkestone Warren. My family lived in Wear Bay road from about 1949 to the early 60's. That was before any of the houses and the Phizer factory was built and the road was only roughly surfaced - whereas Stanbury Crescent was just shingle surface. I was at St Eanswythe's school in the town until 1951 when I went to the Harvey. The head at the primary school was a Mr. Williams who was probably one of the most brilliant teachers I've ever met! So a belated (very) thank you to him. My whole childhood was spent playing in and around the Warren - long before it became a caravan site. Finding fossils at Copt Point, scrambling up the chalk cliffs - how we didn't kill ourselves I don't know! I was a bit of a bird-watcher in my teens, and I can remember counting 11 nightingales singing in the Warren one April in about 1953.
My summer job when I was at college was as a deckchair attendant on the Leas - military band every afternoon and most evenings, and the whole of the grass area on the Leas would have been littered with deck chairs. Moved away from the town about 60 years ago - but still visit occasionally when we're down that what. Miss the cross channel ships but what they have done to the old harbour arm looks promising! Memories!
Chas Ruler Tuesday, 12 March 2024 12:34
We're the Hughes family working the deck chairs at that time, father and 2 sons?
229) Gerard Charmley Male
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Wednesday, 10 January 2024 13:05 Write a comment
Re. the image of F. Gilbert's shop with the Langleys van - the two people are Frank Gilbert, the proprietor (my great-grandfather), and his daughter, Margery Gilbert. I remember Margery when she was in her 90's - I believe she died in the 1990's. She never married. Her youngest sister was my grandmother.
228) john Male
Location:
Hawkinge
Monday, 4 December 2023 16:24 Write a comment
Born in Folkestone in 1958 and lived in Folkestone since, spent many a childhood hour playing at the hills and fishing in the mill pond that was filled in to facilitate the M20 and is now the roundabout at the bottom of the hills. Nice to see the photos as it once all was prior to the channel tunnel and shopping estate. Progress they say.
227) Susan Browne
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 19:57 Write a comment
I was born in Folkestone and lived there for a mere seven years before we
moved to Dover. Of course we carried on visiting the place,
and I have fond memories.
I went to Robin Nursery School from the age of 2, run by a Miss
Gregory. I still have a board game of Sorry that she gave me. The nursery
was situated somewhere near Kingsnorth Gardens. After that school I
joined my sisters at St Margaret's and enjoyed the music, dancing
and speech and drama they were so good at. The school produced
pantomimes that were performed in the Winter Gardens Theatre.
My sister, four years older, was in charge of tkaing me home by bus. We
walked past a farm in Jointon Road, to the bus stop and then
rode up to the Black Bull Pub, and on home in Dolphin's Road
Continued below....
226) Susan Browne
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 19:56 Write a comment
Continued from above
Before those days, my mother took me to the sandy beach with those
arched alcoves on hot days. These was a smell there, like fish and
salt and urine. A few years ago I revisited and that smell was still there!
Once, my mother said I could go and meet my eldest sister from school.
I misunderstood her and walked all the way to Radnor Park by
the back roads asI remembered the route from the one time we had gone by
foot to school. I played in teh concrete culvert there, which
I had never been allowed to do, then thought my sister might have passed
by without my seeing her, so went back home to find my parents
distraught and on the verge of phoning the police. They said I was
lost, but i said I wasn't because I knew where I was!
To be continued below...
225) Susan Browne
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 19:54 Write a comment
Cont. from above...
Another time, when living at Dover, and I think I was about 11, I went
with a friend on the bus to the seawater swimming pool in Folkestone.
I can't remember if we swam, but I was never allowed to go in the
Rotunda Amusement Arcade so we thought we would. I remember going
in the over 18 "What the butler Saw" section which had flippy postcards
of ladies getting undressed. I didn't get the over 18 bit as I saw my
mother dressing and undressing all the time! We went on the penny
machines, meaning to not touch our bus fare home, but inevitably we did.
I like to think my friend was the one who ate into her fare first then
we kept trying to get it back but lost the lot in the end. We had to walk
all the way back to Dover, in our sandals. Luckily we were not bothered
by any "offers of lifts". Then a little visit to watch aniseed twist
being made in Andy Amos's and home. I didn't tell my parents about that
adventure for many years!
Thank you for this opportunity for sharing these memories. If anyone
remembers Miss Gregory and knows whether she kept the Robin
School going, I would love to know. I had a happy time there.
224) Sara Female
Location:
Southend on Sea
Wednesday, 19 April 2023 19:21 Write a comment
My nan, nee Lily Milton, b1901,grew up in South Street where her father had a small wet fish shop. Her best friend was Noelia Skegia whose family ran the restaurant.
I would LOVE to be able to have copies of the two old pictures of South Street. It is so frustrating to have heard all my nan's old stories, but not to be able to see where they happened. Those pictures are just not available anywhere to buy.
223) graham cann Male
Wednesday, 29 March 2023 13:38 Write a comment
Looking to find a Jenifer Sharp who lived in Cheriton near the Nail Box pub.I used to go out with you in the early 70s
222) Matt Meredith Male
Location:
Nova Scotia
Monday, 20 February 2023 06:18 Write a comment
My grandmother ran a shop called Kate's store, she was Dorothy Wenham, this was in the 60s or 70s
221) Chantelle Stone Female
Location:
Nottinghamshire
Monday, 30 January 2023 13:11 Write a comment
Hi I am looking for my dad's brother (Ronnie Collins), his dad (John Alfred Collins) owned the local grocer's on Marshall street in 1970 and passed away in 1984, just wondering if anyone remembers him at all?
Many thanks.
220) Rob Downs Male
Location:
Scotland
Wednesday, 21 December 2022 07:53 Write a comment
Hi
My wife grew up in Hawkinge, I in Lyminge.
We both went to school and later worked in Folkestone.
We have several photos that may be of interest, particularly of the Cat at Paddlesworth, our local for many years and through 3 Landlords.
Christine - site owner Saturday, 31 December 2022 15:07
Hi Rob,
Did you know Albert Hooker? The Cat was his local for many years, lived in The Street, Hawkinge.
Rob Downs Wednesday, 11 January 2023 05:55
Hi Christine
My wife Trish Downs nee Whittingstall knew him. He was a neighbour of her Aunt and Uncle Albert and Peggy Lynch.
Interestingly Paul Seward who was a friend from way back has been in touch and we are currently swooping memories.
Cheers
Rob
219) Ian Murton Male
Location:
Suffolk
Sunday, 17 July 2022 07:03 Write a comment
Can anyone enlighten me as to where Fenchurch Street was in Folkestone, as my Grand mother Esther Hannah Standing according to the 1901 census lived at No 51, I have goggle mapped it but nothing comes up. grateful for any help.
Christine - site owner Wednesday, 20 July 2022 08:04
Hi Ian,
This is the way I understand it.
There were Great Fancy Street and Little Fancy Street, both streets names changed to Great Fenchurch Street and Little Fenchurch Street. In 1937 there was a clearance order by the Folkestone Borough Council to demolish some of the properties in Great and Little Fenchurch Streets, but due to WW11 all the properties were not demolished. Then due to enemy action during the war, many more properties were damaged. The whole of Little Fenchurch Street, Great Fenchurch Street and part of Dover Street were demolished in the early 1950's and redeveloped. Dover Street was widened and renamed Harbour Way, Little Fenchurch Street became an extension to St. Michael's Street and Great Fenchurch Street was extinguished and houses in Harbour Way now stand on the site. So I am afraid your relative's house is long gone.
Ian murton Thursday, 21 July 2022 01:48
Hi Christine many thanks for the reply, you have managed to place together a lot of facts for me to add to my family tree now so you have been a great help. Ian Murton
218) Jo Female
Location:
Ashford Kent
Friday, 10 June 2022 09:08 Write a comment
Hi!
My paternal family all lived in Marshall Street from the 1900's and I have many memories of a childhood spent there.
I am now trying to help my great great- Aunt who is the last of her siblings alive to see if anyone has any photos of times gone by - sadly hers were all lost a few years back and she has none now, not even her wedding pictures.
She talks about (and I vaguely remember)the Marshall Street residents association or committee which was probably late 60's to late 80's maybe? Does anyone else remember this?
Chantelle Stone Monday, 30 January 2023 13:12
Hi I am looking for my dad's brother (Ronnie Collins), his dad (John Alfred Collins) owned the local grocer's on Marshall street in 1970 and passed away in 1984, just wondering if anyone remembers him at all?
217) graham cann Male
Sunday, 5 June 2022 17:00 Write a comment
hi.does anybody remember me from morehall school in cheriton in the 70s
216) Felicity Hellyer Female
Location:
East Sussex
Thursday, 14 April 2022 08:56 Write a comment
Hello everyone.
I've enjoyed looking at the pictures of your fabulous town. I'm hoping someone might remember the name Ivie Harrington? She lived with her husband Colonel Harrington, sons Henry and John in Kelston Lodge Pointon Road and then 19 Grimston Gardens. She died in 1971 aged 88. They would have been a wealthy possibly influential family. Certainly the Colonel was a member of the golf club in the 1930s.
With thanks
Felicity
Paul Seward Monday, 18 April 2022 08:31
After Grimston Gardens, Mrs. Harington (sic) moved into St. Olaves Hotel, at that time a private residential establishment, where my family were privileged to look after her. Her son John used to visit regularly. He continued the disinguished military tradition in the family. I see from Google that the family goes back to the 17th century, originating at Kelston, Somerset.
215) robert melrose Male
Location:
Hythe
Tuesday, 29 March 2022 11:34 Write a comment
Hi Guys
I am writing a history booklet of the house I live in Eastbridge House built 1877 1 East Street Hythe in 1952 in was re-configurated into 4 flats called Eastbridge Court address now 2 Station Road red brick building behind the trees on the roundabout at Aspendos in Hythe. I am desperate for an old photograph or architects drawing of the old house before it was changed Anybody's family lived there got old papers tucked away in a drawer ? reward for successful response
regards
Robert 07748658323
214) R. Angela Vause Female
Location:
Boise, Idaho, United States
Saturday, 29 January 2022 10:43 Write a comment
Hello,
Does anyone remember a William Saunders (fisherman), who also took people from the pebble beach, in Folkestone, in a tour boat around the harbor, in the early fifties. I was his daughters friend.
I'm trying to find a connection between him and my grandmother's brother George Knox (Dodger) a blind fisherman who repaired nets. He died in 1943. Fingers are crossed. Angela
Christine - Site owner Saturday, 29 January 2022 11:06
Hi Angela, the person you need to ask is Alan Taylor, president of the Folkestone & District Local History Society. He was very involved with the fishing industry, and now runs the fishing museum. I believe I have a photo of Dodger Knox repairing nets. I knew he was blind, but didn't know his name. So thank you for that. If you can't find Alan, let me know and I will put you in touch.
213) Liz Taylor Female
Location:
Folkestone Kent
Sunday, 9 January 2022 08:07 Write a comment
Hi I was born in Folkestone at the Royal Victoria Hospital and have lived here all my life. I lived in Cheriton from 1951 till 1970 when I moved to Folkestone.
The Library in Cheriton was there in the 1950's and way before then, but not sure about the date. I remember the CO-OP on the corner in those days it was two storeys as upstairs was where I bought my first pair of heeled shoes smile So have seen a lot of changes in this town and not all for the good!!!
Liz Taylor
212) Sylvia Turner
Location:
Deal, Kent
Friday, 26 November 2021 12:15 Write a comment
My mother and her sister, both under 10 years travelled by themselves by train from Reading to Folkestone on 19th March 1938. They stayed at St. Andrews convalescent home to help their bronchitis I believe. Maybe they were collected at the station? Mum had a difficult time with the nuns and her dislike lasted for many years afterwards.A big memory was they both suffered with splinters from the rough wooden flooring.
I would like to find out how long the stay was and if there is a register of 'attendees'
Christine - site owner Thursday, 23 December 2021 00:19
Hi Sylvia, I really don't know if any records exist from the St. Andrews Convalescent home. You could try contacting the Folkestone library, they might be able to help.
211) Caledonia Female
Location:
France
Friday, 19 November 2021 12:35 Write a comment
Hi Christine,
Glad to see the site is still going strong. Lovely job.
Best wishes.
Christine - site owner Thursday, 23 December 2021 00:21
Thank you Caledonia, yep still here.
210) Anne Maloney
Location:
Nottinghamshire
Thursday, 14 October 2021 01:28 Write a comment
Does anyone have any photos or memories of Folkestone Croquet Club that was situated in the Pleasure Gardens until the Magistrates Court was built over it in the 1970s?
We are trying to save the club's trophies from being sold off by the administrators of The Grand so any information about them would also be very useful.
Paul Seward Sunday, 31 October 2021 06:55
My mole at The Grand tells me that we are too late. THe trophies, latterly kept in a cabinet in Keppel's Bar, were sold at auction recently. I can only pray that you have other information.
Christine -site owner Sunday, 31 October 2021 09:46
This is the first I have heard about this, in fact I was not aware of the existence of the Croquet Club. I do hope the trophies have not gone from the town. It is also a shame the club couldn't have found another location. Does anyone have details about it, or photos? Did it have many members? In hindsight, the trophies should have gone to the museum, not a privately owned business.
Anne Maloney Wednesday, 13 April 2022 03:46
I am pleased to say that with the help of your MP Damian Collins, The Croquet Association, and a previous member of the club who now lives in New Zealand, the trophies were successfully withdrawn from the auction and proven not to belong to The Grand. They are now housed in Folkestone Town Museum.
If anyone is interested in taking up croquet then Three Hills Sports Centre is looking for support to re-launch Folkestone Croquet Club
209) Gabor Balint Male
Location:
Portsmouth
Monday, 27 September 2021 13:14 Write a comment
Hi, I am looking for bequests and heirs of Austen Hurgon, died 1942 Folkestone.
Can you help me please ?
I am looking for the next Emmerich Kalman lost werk :
The Blue House. Musical 'Laundriette' (A Farcical Musical Comedy) in 1 act, Text: Austen Hurgon
Urauffhrung: Hippodrome (Edward Moss & Frank Allen), London, 28. Oktober 1912 Conductor: Julian Jones, Director: J. Galbraith, Production: Austen Hurgon, Stage: Ryan, K: Lucile & Jays, Singers: Bert Coote (The Hon. Chippendale St. Arch, Proprietor), Cyril Clensy (Major Claude E. Starkey), Elsa Trepess (Lady Anastasia Dilling), Gerald O' Brien (O' Connor, Linkman), Shirley Kellogg (Cornelia Van Huyt of U.S.A.), Hippodrome Beauty Chorus of 40, The 12 Pinafored Babies, Augmented Orchestra of 45 Instrumentalists
KA: keine Druckausgabe!
Autographe: Verschollen
I would be very grateful for all useful information.
Thank you very much.
Best regards
Gabor Balint
208) Roger Newman Male
Location:
Hythe, Kent
Friday, 10 September 2021 21:03 Write a comment
Great to see so many pictures and information about all the old pubs. I have lived in the Hythe area since 1957 and probably had a drink or two in most of them.
I have a number of photos which includes pubs and my grandfather's coaches in and around them. My book is on the way but in the meanwhile a small information website is available to see at [www.newmansofhythe.co.uk]
Thank you - great read!
Christine - site owner Sunday, 31 October 2021 09:53
I remember seeing vans with the Newman & Sons logo everywhere when I lived in both Folkestone and Hythe, are they still in business?
207) Clive Griffiths
Location:
Near Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:03 Write a comment
I am writing from the West Coast of Canada ( near Vancouver). I was born and raised in Chatham, Kent with grandparents and aunts from the Elham area .. family name Kennett. I have fond memories of visiting an aunt who lived at East Cliff Rd. .. up the hill from the Fish Market and Harbour. She ran a B &B during the season and I would go off on my own (age of 7 then)down to the beach, market, harbour for the day until teatime 6PM. !!
I can expand on this message if it is of interest to current Folkestone Folk ... I stumbled on your site while researching family ties in the area of 46 Sidney Street and surrounding villages inland from Folkestone.
I find it a most entertaining site and the photos kindle many recollections of fun times.
Stay safe and well, sincerely Clive Griffiths.
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:22
Hi Clive, I personally don't know of an East Cliff Road, there is just East Cliff that runs from the Tram Road, or East Cliff Gardens that runs from Radnor Bridge Road to Wear Bay Road.
You may already know this, but for many years, all births, deaths and marriage records were held at Elham. So even though the index sheets indicated a person was born, married or died there, it could have been anywhere in the surrounding district, including Folkestone. Baptism, Birth or Death certificates are a better record of where they actually lived.
So glad my site brought back so many fond memories for you. Thank you for sharing with us.
Christine Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:42
By the way, I have a 1948 Kelly's Directory, and at that time there was a Mrs, Highton living at 46 Sidney Street, would that have been a relative of yours?
206) Rosemary Wells Female
Location:
Dover
Thursday, 29 July 2021 05:01 Write a comment
I have been searching for photos of the Folkestone School of Arts and Craft which I attended 1960 - 1962. I believe it is the building shown on your site at 2 Bouverie Road East, which was Pelham House School in 1919.
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:26
Hi Rosemary, yes you are correct, the art school was indeed in the former Pelham House School.
205) Gerry Stone Male
Location:
Sussex
Saturday, 17 July 2021 08:24 Write a comment
For those who are not aware there is a webcam panning Folkestone Harbour which is well worth watching,
[www.camsecure.co.uk]
204) graham cann Male
Location:
lancashire
Friday, 9 July 2021 16:29 Write a comment
Hello
does any one remember me from Morehall school Cheriton
203) Shalon Hoyle Female
Location:
Iowa, USA
Sunday, 4 July 2021 18:43 Write a comment
I am looking for information on the Folkestone Church Refuge. It is listed as Glenburn, Quested Road, Cheriton, Folkestone. It was an 8 room house that was ran by a Superintendent, assistant and matron. The residents were listed as servants, but also inmates. My great aunt lived there in 1911. I have contacted the Kent Archives and they have no information on the home. Any information is greatly appreciated!
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 6 July 2021 22:18
Hello Shalon,
I have checked through all the directories I have, but have had no luck finding the Folkestone Church Refuge. Â The earliest directory I own that has a street directory is 1928, but for some unknown reason Quested Road is missing from it.
Earlier ones I checked were 1882, 1907 and 1927, but none had a street directory. Â I checked out the lists of institutions, clubs, churches, hospitals and dispensaries, but could not find a listing. Â I also checked the alphabetical listings of residents, as it also listed some businesses and organisations, but again, nothing. Â The next directory I have is 1949, and this does list Quested Road, but all addresses are numbered, none were called Glenburn.
So I am afraid I have drawn a complete blank. I am assuming you found the information you have on the 1911 census, so not much point in me looking at that for you.
I am sorry I can't be of more help. You could try the Folkestone & District Local History Society, they may be able to help you.
Shalon Hoyle Wednesday, 7 July 2021 08:54
I did get the information from the 1911 Census. Thank you so much for your effort!
202) Ian Murton Male
Location:
Suffolk
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 14:46 Write a comment
Can anyone remember what blacksmiths there was in Folkestone in 1950, as my father was a blacksmith when I was born, and I was born in Folkestone in 1950
Christine Warren - site owner Tuesday, 15 June 2021 17:48
Hi Ian, I personally don't remember a blacksmith, but I was just a child at the time. I have a 1949 Kelly's Directory, but would need to know the name of the firm he worked for, and then they would have had to pay for a commercial listing. Either that or I would need to know the name of the street he worked on, then I could find the business.
I looked at the list of Private residents, and there are three Murtons, an Edward, Daniel and William. If your father was one of those, I can give you his home address, that's all I have I am afraid. I wouldn't have thought there were many blacksmiths left by the 50's. Anyone know if Ovenden's used blacksmiths?
Christine - site owner Thursday, 17 June 2021 09:51
Hi again Ian, I have found a list of Smiths, Blacksmiths & Farriers for the year 1949
Kemsley & Son, 100 Stanley Road, Cheriton Ph 85386.
Ovenden J & Son, 9 Radnor Street,
& The Stade, Folkestone,
Rolfe & Son, Forge Yard, Bradstone Road, Folkestone
Trowell ,Charles Henry, Chapel Street, Hythe
Wise, Percy William, 9 Cheriton Road, Folkestone.
Not sure how you would find out which of these employed your father, as I doubt any of them are still in business today
Christine - site owner Thursday, 17 June 2021 10:25
I tried to let you know you have an answer here Ian, but the e-mail address you left is not valid, so I hope you come back.
Ian Murton Friday, 18 June 2021 14:52
Hi Christine Edward was my father, William was my dads older brother and Daniel was his younger brother. I was born in Wear bay Crescent so I would expect my father to have worked close by, but having said that he was a scaffolder at Dungeness Power station before he died in 1971 whatever info you have I would be extremely grateful for. I have two cousins Robert and Peter who were Williams sons and Peter apparently lives in Warren road.
regards
Christine - site owner Friday, 18 June 2021 19:13
Hi Ian, Edward was 63 Wear Bay Crescent, Daniel was 28 Ivy Way and William was 8 Ingoldsby Road.
The closest business to Wear Bay Crescent among those I listed above would have been Ovenden's who was in both Radnor Street and on The Stade. He could have walked down the steps from The Durlocks, which would have taken him right to Ovenden's in Radnor Street. I have no current directories, but I am sure you can track your cousins down online.
Ian Murton Saturday, 19 June 2021 13:20
Many thanks Christine, loads of help
Fred Elliott Monday, 21 February 2022 09:32
Just reading site and the question about blacksmith. Saw the name Percy William WISE. He was my great grandad.
I was born Royal Vic hospital. Most of time lived in Dallas Brett Cresent
Christine - site owner Wednesday, 20 July 2022 08:22
Fred Elliott: If your family had been in Dallas Brett Crescent for many years, chances are they were originally moved from one of the Fenchurch Streets or Dover Street mentioned above, because they built Dallas Brett in order to move all the displaced residents when their houses were demolished. I was told they were given those houses with free rent for one year, but for many, when they had to start paying, they had great difficulty because the rents were much higher than they were used to paying in those old houses near the harbour.
201) Dawn iRENE Jackson Female
Wednesday, 19 May 2021 09:03 Write a comment
My Great Great Grandmother,Emily Britcher, lived at the Toll House Lower Sandgate Road and was the tollhouse keeper from 1881 -1901 (and possibly until her death in 1905 when 65) She lived there as a widow and with oldest daughter
Christine, site owner Wednesday, 19 May 2021 09:42
How lovely Dawn. The house of course is still there, but is now a private residence. Your Great Great Grandmother must have had to collect the tolls from mainly horses and carts or carriages. I can remember when they collected from cars, who else remembers that?
Paul Seward Thursday, 20 May 2021 12:55
Need you ask, Christine? Once a year the road was closed to prevent it becoming as public right of way. Lord Radnor was a keen motorist and the Sunbeam Talbot Motor Club held annual speed trials down there. It made for good viewing at the bottom of the Zig Zag path, where there was a terrific bump in the road!
Christine, site owner Friday, 21 May 2021 11:37
Ha ha, now we are both showing our age Paul. I didn't catch the speed trials though. I think I once saw a price list of tolls, and it had a different price if you just had a motorcycle versus one with a sidecar. I don't think you had to pay on a push bike though did you?
200) Marjorie Smith (of Groncke) Female
Location:
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, USA
Friday, 23 April 2021 14:44 Write a comment
My Mother's aunt, Sophia Marie Caroline Groncke, lived at 14 Victoria Grove, Folkstone, in 1911. I've found a photo of the house but am looking for any stories about it. Apparently it may have been the home of Elizabeth A Duncombe, per the census. I've been told my great-aunt suffered from tuberculosis and was not able to travel to the US when her family came over in 1912. Would greatly appreciate any information anyone may provide! Thank you so very much!
Christine - site owner Saturday, 1 January 2022 20:30
Hi Marjorie, If you are on Facebook, may I suggest you post your question on the pages +++Blast from the Past+++ or Folkestone Past as you may have more luck getting a reply there. They have more readers than I do, and a notification method when you receive a reply. I hope you have some luck finding out about 14 Victoria Grove.
199) Nick Male
Location:
ESHER Surrey
Thursday, 15 April 2021 11:18 Write a comment
My last memory of sugarloaf is 1960/61/62.
My grandmother was Elsie Roach and lived in a cottage with a well on sugarloaf with her parents
In the early part of the century.
Is their any family? Or does anyone have any memories to share.
Was quite a Lady, she would sell tobacco and cigarettes along with alcohol to the passing ramblers.
198) Nigel McGinley Male
Location:
Chiswick
Thursday, 15 April 2021 06:20 Write a comment
Great to see some memories from my misspent youth in the 60s
197) Sonia Warren Female
Location:
Courtenay, BC, Canada
Thursday, 18 March 2021 15:28 Write a comment
I have a memory as a kid with my Mum. That we are standing outside a glass tank that was a swimming pool by the lifts by the Leas. I was small around 1967. My older sister was swimming and my mum telling me I would learn to swim, as she herself couldn't swim.
Sonia Thursday, 18 March 2021 15:30
Does anyone remember this?
Christine - Site owner Thursday, 18 March 2021 21:48
Hi Sonia, underneath the Leas, near the lifts, there were two places for swimming apart from the sea. I suspect you might have been inside the Marina, the indoor pool. The outdoor pool was opposite, closer to the sea, but had no glass walls. Regrettably I have no photos of the inside of the Marina, but if you would recognise it from the outside, you will find pics on the West Beach page. The original name for it was The Bathing Establishment, but was The Marina in the period you are talking about. It's demolished now, as is the outdoor pool.
Gerald Stone Tuesday, 6 July 2021 06:16
I remember those swimming pools well. A few of us used to go for a swim in the indoor pool on a Sunday morning in the mid 50's. It was known as the Rock Pool and was very warm and because of the humid air there was condensation running down the windows.
The outdoor pool was very cold though and was famous as a place where Sam Rocket trained for his Channel swims!
196) Louise Nordestgaard Female
Location:
Adelaide, South Australia
Sunday, 14 March 2021 00:12 Write a comment
Hi. I am seeking information on my GGG grandparents and family who were born in Folkestone but moved to Vlissingen in Holland for 18 years before returning to England and emigrating to South Australia in 1838. I'm wondering if it was a common thing for English to move across and whether they would have integrated or remained part of an English colony in Holland. Thomas Tapley was a baker in Vlissingen and moved later to Rotterdam where my GG grandfather was born. There is talk of them being involved in smuggling but I don't know whether that would be true. He was reputed to be a smuggler in South Australia. I wonder whereabouts in Folkestone the family lived and where the family hotel in Dover was-I think where the Premier Inn is now but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.
Jane Marshall Wednesday, 5 January 2022 08:56
It was common for movement between Kent and the Netherlands to occur. You can find a lot of information on this excellent website
[www.openarch.nl]
Type in Tapley and quite a few names pop up.
195) Richard Hunt Male
Location:
Norwich
Sunday, 7 March 2021 13:27 Write a comment
Recently discovered my father was born at 77 Marshall Street, Folkestone in 1918. He moved to Tyson Road later on
Daphne Jay Sunday, 4 April 2021 16:07
What was your fathers name? My mother was born at 2 Princess Street in 1921, so very near Streets and birth dates.My Mother is still very well and just had her 100th birthday. I see you live in Norwich, so does my Mother.
192) P Cook
Location:
Bedfordshire
Monday, 22 February 2021 04:51 Write a comment
I was after some information about an old victorian hotel I used to stay at with my family in the later 60's. It was on a hill overlooking the sea with decorative ironwork balconies. Each floor was painted a different colour inside and it had a ballroom and dining room. I remember I could see the cranes of the harbour and we walked down to a beach with arches at the back. I was only 5 or 6 so don't remember the name of it. Would be interested if anyone remembers it.
Christine - site owner Thursday, 18 March 2021 22:08
Hello P. Cook,
My first thought is that the hotel in question might have been the former St. Andrews Convalescent Home, that took on another life as the W.T.A. Guesthouse in the 50's and 60's. This was a hotel for the use of Union employees, and was on the East Cliff overlooking the harbour, and the sands with the arches are directly below. The building is still there, but has been converted into flats. You can find photos of it on the Buildings page.
191) Chris Collingwood Male
Location:
Spain
Tuesday, 16 February 2021 05:00 Write a comment
As a child I live with my parents in military housing at Reachfields on the very edge of the army training grounds.
The military ranges at Hythe were each lettered, A, D, E and F. The towers locate at the far ends of the ranges were similarly lettered. I do not recall either a 'B'or 'C' range.
Tom Peek Saturday, 13 July 2024 09:51
Hello Chris, did you remember a young lady 'Marjorie'that lived on the front row and worked at the laundry opposite?, would be 1967/8
190) Alan H Male
Location:
Ashford
Sunday, 31 January 2021 12:48 Write a comment
Does anyone remember a dance band from the 1930s known as G-D-B. Thought to be the Grove Dance Band. Any information would be very helpful.
189) Alan H Male
Location:
Ashford
Sunday, 31 January 2021 12:42 Write a comment
Does anyone remember a dance band from the 1930s known as G-D-B. Thought to be the Grove Dance Band. Any information would be very helpful.
188) Pam Wraight nee Sutton Female
Location:
Capel le Ferne nr Folkestone
Saturday, 5 December 2020 10:56 Write a comment
I have just come across this site, absolutely fascinating, spent hours going through everything. Born here in 1947. Excellent.
187) robert beer Male
Location:
newcastle australia
Monday, 30 November 2020 23:16 Write a comment
many happy times spent at grans 1960 to1966 at thanet gdns playing on the beach and the mud in the harbour also four names on tontine street gotha bombing are beers i am also related to george lester family so many happy times i'm 65 now.
John Clough Tuesday, 3 January 2023 09:17
Hi Robert, just seen your note. I remember Thanet Gardens too. I am about the same age as you and used to live on the East Cliff in the 1960s. Do you remember the Co-op on the corner of Thanet Gardens? Mum used to send me there to buy things. Her Co-op number was 7007. At the far end of Thanet Gardens there was a building raised above a wall with "London Knitwear Company" on the front of it, if I remember correctly. And then, on Warren Road, there was a grocer's (Rolf's?), a Post Office and an off-licence.
186) Graham Hale Male
Location:
Reading Berks
Thursday, 26 November 2020 11:02 Write a comment
I was born in Dover but lived in Folkestone and Hythe from 1953 until 1962. Whatc A great web-site I posted on here in 2018. I hope more people find this.
185) Andrew Lock Male
Location:
East Sussex
Tuesday, 10 November 2020 08:52 Write a comment
Was there ever a public aquarium in the town in the 1960's? I remember whilst on holiday going down some stairs to a basement with tropical fish tanks.
Christine - site owner Thursday, 18 March 2021 22:31
Hi Andrew, I vaguely remember tanks of fish in the back room of the Shell Shop on The Stade, but I am not sure if it was called The Shell Shop back then. He used to have a grotto, that contained tanks of fish, and it was very dark in there. They are the only tanks of fish that I remember.
184) Nina Female
Location:
Folkestone
Friday, 30 October 2020 08:02 Write a comment
Hello! What a fabulous website!!
Many of my family came from around Folkestone. My Great Great Grandmother owned the Model Hand Laundry in Cheriton (Mrs Susan Fowler, was Bailey)
I'm trying to find out about a confectionery shop at in Grace Hill? I know my Great Aunt worked there in the 30s and my Grandad says it was owned by Auntie Frances. I have found 2 Frances' in the family, by the surname Bailey or Cutter. I'm just not sure if it was owned by them or just some random lady they called auntie...
I notice someone left a comment about Charles Crescent, my great grandmother lived there, her name was Nina Fowler, I wonder if you remember her?
183) Andi Markos Male
Location:
Spain
Sunday, 18 October 2020 12:03 Write a comment
Did anyone here work at Bowketts bread shop in Guildhall Street in 1967 or the Versatile flooring shop oppposite the Helping Hand Agency shop?
182) Dr J Hall Male
Sunday, 27 September 2020 13:37 Write a comment
A lovely website. Thank you for sharing.
Happy memories from 80s and 90s childhood visits to Folkestone grandparents in the summer and games of air hockey in the dome/rotunda
Folks with an interest in the history of Folkestone, and in geneology might enjoy a to visit this 2004(!) blog: [freepages.rootsweb.com]
181) Christine - site owner
Sunday, 27 September 2020 10:03 Write a comment
Apologies for not responding for a while. This page is supposed to notify me each time someone leaves a message, but the feature is more miss than hit!
Thanks to everyone who has said nice things about my website, I really appreciate it.
Those wondering about me, it's no mystery, I grew up and married in Folkestone, emigrated to Canada in 1968, as had started a family and found it hard to make a living there on one wage. Being homesick, I started collecting old postcards and was so thrilled to see how lovely Folkestone had looked in Edwardian times that I wanted to share the images with other Folkestonians. Hence my website.
I am 76 now with grandchildren & great-grandchildren here, so will never return except for visits, but my roots will always be deeply buried in Folkestone, and I care very much what they do to it. The past is important to us all, and should always be respected as we move into the future.
Marjorie Smith Friday, 23 April 2021 14:49
Christine!! What a fabulous website! How I wish I could visit Folkestone. I'm in the US and have never made it to the place of my grandparents' lives. Thank you, so very much, for creating the webpage. And, 76 isn't old... I'm 75! Thank you, again.
Christine - site owner Friday, 23 April 2021 19:58
Thank you for the kind words Marjorie. I do hope you manage to get to Folkestone one day, it's a beautiful place, and if you do, allow lots of time, because there are many many things to see all over the UK.
180) briony latchford Female
Location:
France
Tuesday, 25 August 2020 09:49 Write a comment
What a wonderful website but, coming from the area (Folkestone and Hythe) it would be lovely to know who you are!!! Give yourself some credit ... maybe it's there and I can't see it? Have passed it round family and friends - talk about nostalgic. Congratulations.
179) Ian Gregory Male
Location:
Texas
Monday, 24 August 2020 21:10 Write a comment
Grew up in Acrise, left in the 60's, have no clue about the funfair's name, I'm 74 now, give me a break! But what a great job you've done. Just figured it out.
Paul Seward Sunday, 27 September 2020 05:50
Not at The Limes, Pay Street?
178) wendy bell Female
Location:
Hawkinge
Wednesday, 12 August 2020 07:17 Write a comment
A lovely site, and good to know people have happy memories of Folkestone and the area.
177) Jane
Wednesday, 3 June 2020 05:11 Write a comment
Does anyone remember, in the 60s to 70s(where nos 14 and 16 Grove rd have now been built) a walkthrough that went under the tracks to the Railway club?
I'm specifically interested in any info about a yard that was there, with big, double black gates with a smaller step-through door in them, it possibly had something to do with brewery or maybe a dairy as there was a bottle washing area there.
Thanks for any info and help
Mike Monday, 22 June 2020 06:39
Hello Jane.
My late parents bought a house in Grove Road in the late 60's, and I lived there until I married in 1984 and moved to Cheriton. I have no memory of a walkthrough to the Railway Club , but I can clearly remember the premises with the big black doors...if memory serves me correctly, it was owned and operated by John Lukey and Sons, a local wine merchant I think. I distinctly remember the sound of the bottles being broken, and the smell of the alcohol sometimes when the doors were open.
When they were closed they made a useful goal to kick a ball against in the evenings! Thank you for stirring an old childhood memory for me...I realise how much I miss Folkestone, not having lived there now for nearly 30 years.
Jane Thursday, 25 June 2020 12:42
Many thanks Mike!
That's great,i couldn't find out any info at all anywhere else.
So no walkthrough under the railway that you can remember?
Mike Challis Friday, 26 June 2020 04:35
Hello again Jane, it's nice to hear from you.
I'm pleased to have been able to assist you with your enquiry.
I don't remember any access under the railway tracks from Grove Road...my Dad worked for British Rail at the harbour for a long time, and so, as kids, my sister and I used to go to the children's Xmas party at the Railway Club in Canterbury Road, which was a short walk through Skew Arches. If I'd known of a shorter route, being lazy, I'd have definately taken it!
Best wishes.
Jane Monday, 27 July 2020 15:47
Many thanks Mike, you've helped a great deal!
176) Barry Male
Location:
Dundee, Scotland
Wednesday, 22 April 2020 04:08 Write a comment
(176)Hi all. Great site. I found it when looking for pics of Folkestone in the 70s and 80s, which is when I used to go there on holiday. I still have one relative left in Folkestone. Also, my late uncle Trevor Crump used to work in, and run the Shoreline chippy in Tontine Street. I loved the area of the old High Street, Harbour/Beach and Tontine Street. Great memories, I'm glad I was there when it was still fab. (Picture at bottom of page)
175) Richard Wallace Male
Location:
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Friday, 17 April 2020 11:21 Write a comment
A few more snippets, this time for your transport page. On about the 14th row of photos the picture at Seabrook of the EK depot looks to be when it was new (1931) - it was built on the site of the old 'Sandgate' station on the branch to Sandling. It was never used as an alternate to the new Bus Station as it was only a garage, mainly for coaches but for some buses up to the mid-50s. The reason for buses using the square was because they had to move up from the pre-war terminal for country services which was at the harbour up till then, moving up due to threat of bombing/shelling. Buses would never be stabled there overnight - there was a large garage at Kent Road, Cheriton established from 1916. I can locate the date of the photo on the right even closer. The bus came to Folkestone (from Dover) in May 1962 and the Shorncliffe service was revised in June 1966 and would no longer stop where pictured. On the next row the phot on the far right is near certain to be at Herne Bay garage as this was the only depot to use 'Garage Only' display. Lastly, the centre photo of FFN 446 is owned by a friend of mine and is still active and I was driving it only just over a year ago! I may have also worked with your former husband as I was a conductor at Folkestone many moons ago. Small world! Hope this info helps
Richard Wallace Saturday, 18 April 2020 10:33
I must apologies after further research I have now confirmed that the photo I thought was at Herne Bay was at ASHFORD! Sorry, they also used the 'garage only' display.
Finally the photo of your former husband driving EFN 179 (a 1950 Guy bus) was taken between June 1964 (when it arrived at Folkestone) and June 1966 when the service changed.
174) Richard Wallace Male
Location:
Kenilworth Warwickshire
Friday, 17 April 2020 08:57 Write a comment
Interesting selection of photos of 'old' Hythe. We lived in St Nicholas Terrace and then Palmbeach Avenue at Palmarsh. A couple of points - the first photo of the partially collapsed tower on the ranges has answered a question I have posted on the Dymchurch Martello tower site. The two towers remaining once had A & D painted on their side (these were numbered 14 and 15) but these have long gone and no-one has any recollection of the letters. Your picture confirms the letters as you can see 'E' on the side. I think this was tower 19 which has now collapsed as you can see in the other photo. It does pose the question - why the gap between A and D? There were no other intermediate towers. Grove House is interesting as at one time one of the joint owners of Dymchurch fair lived there - one Ken Marks. His brother, Robin, lived somewhere off Twiss Road. As for the donkeys pictured on the beach these were kept in stables in Prospect Road and run by a Miss Twyman. I see you also went to Tofts! I have some tickets somewhere from gigs I went to in the 60s!
Peter White Tuesday, 3 November 2020 17:35
Miss Twyman ran a horse riding school in Prospect Road. The donkeys were owned by Joe Keeler aka Donkey Keeler who kept them up Blackhouse Hill at a smallholding opposite Cliff Road. He would lead the donkeys tied together in single file down to the area on the seafront at the top of Stade Street then walk them back at the end of the day.
173) David Austin Male
Location:
Warwick
Monday, 23 March 2020 04:58 Write a comment
(173)This image is thought to date from 1905-1915 and features a group of school children embarking onto a ferry from the south railway pier. The large number of spectators on the promenade marks this out as a special occasion. Please can anybody comment on the event and date?( Picture at bottom of page)
172) graham cann Male
Location:
United Kingdom
Saturday, 21 March 2020 11:22 Write a comment
hi.is there a jennifer sharp still out there.i went out with you for a few years.i live in beachborough rd you live just around the corner.you used to send your sister round to tell me your mum and dad have gone out so you could come round (lol now)
171) kevin whiteman Male
Location:
United Kingdom
Sunday, 8 March 2020 04:19 Write a comment
hi,great site , love just browsing through. i found on hotels page 3 you have a picture of "woodlands folkestone " this building is still standing, its at the bottom of earls avenue and is called tudor lodge number 63, its now flats
170) Ian Burgess Male
Location:
Dover, Kent
Sunday, 26 January 2020 04:02 Write a comment
Hi, i was born in charles crescent in 1961 .We lived next door to the Garnets on one side and the Robinsons the other.The Brisleys lived opposite.My grandad came to live with my Dad when my parents divorced but i never knew who my grandmother was,anyone know?
169) m Male
Saturday, 25 January 2020 09:33 Write a comment
did anyone live in connaught road folkstone on here in 1978 please or know of any info or community pages that may help as i am trying to trace somebody connected to family history? - thank you
168) Chris Roche Male
Location:
Carshalton
Sunday, 19 January 2020 05:07 Write a comment
Trying to touch base Christine I having grown up in and around Folkestone think I have something to add one side of my family were Birch from Sellinge cousin Les Birch known as Mr steam for the traction engines we as youngsters pretty much lived in the warren.
167) John Male
Location:
Brisbane Australia
Saturday, 21 December 2019 05:38 Write a comment
I was born in Folkestone hospital and lived in Hawkinge until emigrating to Australia in 1972.
I attended Hawkinge primary and Morehall secondary school.
My Grandparents lived on Albert Rd Folkestone. Tofts was the Friday Saturday night place to be. Remember seeing Osibisa at the Leas Cliff Hall where I met my girl friend of 18 months until I left under protest to Australia with my parents, I had just turned 17. Whilst I'm now 64 I still have fond memories of Folkestone
166) John Male
Location:
Brisbane Australia
Saturday, 21 December 2019 05:38 Write a comment
I was born in Folkestone hospital and lived in Hawkinge until emigrating to Australia in 1972.
I attended Hawkinge primary and Morehall secondary school.
My Grandparents lived on Albert Rd Folkestone. Tofts was the Friday Saturday night place to be. Remember seeing Osibisa at the Leas Cliff Hall where I met my girl friend of 18 months until I left under protest to Australia with my parents, I had just turned 17. Whilst I'm now 64 I still have fond memories of Folkestone
graham cann Friday, 19 June 2020 17:02
do you remember the swap swap in folkestone.i went to morehall aswell
Mick Roxburgh Monday, 5 April 2021 15:21
You may know my brother Peter ,he fits the dates you have shown .He lives in Thailand.
165) Sara Hogan Female
Location:
Belgium
Thursday, 21 November 2019 07:00 Write a comment
I have so many fond memories of afternoon trips from Hythe to Eastcliff sands. My favourite thing to on the way there was the swing boats near the sunny sands tea room. Does anyone have a picture of them?
164) steve mac Male
Location:
athelstan road
Saturday, 9 November 2019 10:46 Write a comment
Hi does anybody know if Noel Redding lived in Folkestone? I was told he lived in Foord Rd in the 1960's.I know about Seabrook but not Folkestone... thanks Steve.
Paul Seward Friday, 20 December 2019 11:03
If you know about Seabrook you may be interested to know that, staying in a pub in Oxfordshire the other week we met his fiancee Jill (then aged 17 and before he found fame). She even had a pic on her phone of the two of them on the RHDR.
graham cann Friday, 7 February 2020 11:50
yes he did.i lived in beachborough road
Richard Wallace Saturday, 18 April 2020 07:16
He went to the Harvey Grammar School in the early 60s. When he found fame I think he later bought his mum a café at Dymchurch as I can remember him drinking in the City of London pub there once or twice when he was down in the village(circa 1969/70).
Peter White Tuesday, 3 November 2020 17:40
Noel's first gig was in the Hythe Youth Club in the Church House in St Leonards Road. At that time he was lead guitar with his band The Lonely Ones. He also played in the Institute in Prospect Road
Pamela wren Wednesday, 3 March 2021 02:10
I used to go to Noels bedroom with my friend in the 60s in seabrook and Noel would play his guitar for us
163) Ed Moore
Location:
Marshall Street, Folkestone
Saturday, 2 November 2019 08:38 Write a comment
We've just bought a house on the corner of Marshall street and Invincta road, Folkestone. We can tell from the deeds that it was some sort of shop. I'd be fascinated to know more.
Paul Seward Thursday, 7 November 2019 11:01
Nip into the reference library on Grace Hill and look at Kelly's Directory. From GSV it looks like there could have been shops on at least three corners of the Xroads.
Christine - site owner Friday, 22 November 2019 17:30
You don't say which house is yours, but as Paul said, there has been commercial premises on three of the four corners.
I checked my 1952 directory, and number 45 was listed as Corner Stores, so probably a grocers. 48 was Radio Relays Ltd., and a grocer by the name of Thomas Bowler and Son was at number 50.
Karen Hawker Tuesday, 25 June 2024 09:12
My grandparents and their family lived at 49 Marshall St for 100 years +. I remember the corner shop in the late 1970s as being just that - sweets for the children, tinned goods and provisions for the grown ups. I think that one would have been number 45. Bowler's (Tom Bowler really was his name) was a more substantial shop and was going a lot longer.
162) Ed Moore
Location:
Marshall Street, Folkestone
Saturday, 2 November 2019 08:35 Write a comment
We've just bought a house on the corner of Marshall street and Invincta road, Folkestone. We can tell from the deeds that it was some sort of shop. I'd be fascinated to know more.
161) Mary Kitcher
Sunday, 20 October 2019 08:01 Write a comment
I recall as a child (1960's) a fish and chip shop near the gas works, ? Broadmead Road. Lovely fish and chips wrapped in newspaper which we'd eat by the toll road. Can anyone confirm the fish and chip shop location please?
Christine - Site owner Sunday, 20 October 2019 08:06
George Loulli had a fish & chip shop at 5 Broadmead Road in the 60's. Not sure about the Toll Road though. The only toll road in operation that I remember from my childhood was Lower Sandgate Road, and I am not sure, but I think they had done away with the tolls by the 60's. There used to be a toll house on Canterbury Road, up on the hill, but that was gone years before that.
ken white Sunday, 20 October 2019 08:42
yes it was georges fish and chips we used to get them on the way home from movies .just under the railway arch.
Chris Ashdown Sunday, 29 March 2020 07:07
Georges fish and chips what a memory 4 pence for chips and 6 pence when new potatoes were in, never seemed to change from those two prices, two doors along was the barber and then a fishing shop also owned by the off licence
160) Fliss
Friday, 27 September 2019 13:25 Write a comment
We've recently moved onto Cheriton Road and have been told by our local builders that our house used to be Cherrystone Sweet Shop, run by Susan Boxhall. Does anyone remember it? In renovating the place we discovered an old doorway from the porch to the living room that had been boarded up but had old cigarette ads on the glass. Other little clues such as hundreds of very old empty chocolate button packets.
Would love to hear memories of the place, if anyone has any.
ken.white Tuesday, 1 October 2019 12:31
hi. I remember a boxhalls news agent where would get dad a newspaper and cigs . I left cheriton in 1965 so much has changed if I recall there used to be a drug store next door .sorry cant help with chocolate wrappers .we live in Canada now .
Laura Palmer Saturday, 5 October 2019 10:51
I used to go there on my way home from school sometimes, in the early 90s. It was such a funny, old fashioned little shop, with all the old skool jars of sweets along the walls. My friend and I used to obsessively buy NikNaks crisps, and american Jolly Ranchers in the brief period of time they were sold here, but we'd also be all about getting like "50p of sherbert lemons" or Kola Kubes or whatever.
The lady who ran it was an eccentric-seeming old thing, tottering about...she must have been younger than she seemed to us, since I found out she only passed away last year.
Oh and in the room in back, there was a tiny tiny restaurant, like, maybe 3 little tables, where you could get like...basic homecooked stuff like stew, or a roast, or tea. I don't think we ever ate there, but maybe my mother went in for a cup of tea once or something.
Ronnie Day Tuesday, 29 October 2019 09:53
I used to go there often, they were open sunday afternoons, it always seemed a very quiet shop on entry and the owner was a man in mid 50's that had glasses and a moustache and always wore a blue/grey coloured coat with pockets.
Maureen Rossi Wednesday, 9 September 2020 12:05
We lived next door when we were first married in the early 70's. Mr Boxalll ran it more as a cafe then I think with his daughter., though they did have cakes etc for sale.
It did seem a quiet shop but it seemed to have the sign above the shop/ cafe for years after we left.
Fliss Monday, 3 May 2021 13:14
Thank you everyone for your replies!
159) John Dearn Smith Male
Location:
Dubai
Friday, 19 July 2019 11:13 Write a comment
You have a picture of the harbor entitled 40 to 50's. It shows an RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch near the old wooden jetty. My Father Sydney William Smith operated such a launch for Harbor trips after WW2. In 45 to 47. It was called "The Black Prince". His Mother Mary Jane Smith was the Innkeeper of the Packet Boat Inn between 1869 to 1899. Her sons Harry and Robert apprenticed with the Railways and became Chief Engineers on the cross Channel Ferries in the 1890's.
158) Eva Valerie Field nee Kimmings Female
Location:
Halesowen
Wednesday, 8 May 2019 04:56 Write a comment
My father and mother both worked in Vanes bakery in Totine Street. My father was a baker there until war broke out and my mother service in the shop. My father's name was William (Bill) Kimmings and my mother Margaret (Meg) Longhurst. My parents told me many stories of working there and how my father used to do the deliveries (after baking the bread) all over Folkestone. I know that when they married in March 1940 my father made their wedding cake with Mr & Mrs Vanes help. It was a skill that stayed with him until he died
157) Edward Male
Location:
Deptford
Saturday, 27 April 2019 05:19 Write a comment
Mum and Dad had a caravan on the Romney Marsh and as a family we came to Folkestone a lot, I remember Dad used to park on a green area at the top of the cliffs aboveThe Warren, where we would spend the day walking down into the Warren, playing games etc.
Just returned from a few days camping in the Warren and on walking into town from the campsite came across the large green area off Wear Bay Road, between the 2 Martello towers, I am sure this is where we used to park and picnic, I see that it is now fenced off with no vehicles allowed, can anyone else remember if this area was used by cars, this would be in the late 50's early 60's. Thank you
Gerry Stone Wednesday, 15 May 2019 08:03
Yes it was used for car parking around the time that you mentioned Edward. I can also remember seeing the refuse lorries tipping their loads over the cliffs during the late 1950's too!
I'm not sure what that was all about but perhaps someone else may have an idea why.
156) Richard Male
Location:
London
Monday, 22 April 2019 13:04 Write a comment
I had a great time during the 1960's staying at the Warren camp site with my family, being able to wander the beach and cliffs making my way to and from the town and amusements. My friends were Graham Shorter and Elaine and Janet Hagger and I can't believe I still remember their names. All that freedom to run wild at a really young age was wonderful and I have such fond memories of Folkestone.
155) Christopher Ashdown Male
Location:
1 Water Meadow Close
Monday, 22 April 2019 08:08 Write a comment
Hi all
Used to live in Radnor Park Cresent with family and sister pam , had good friends at number 30 Colin smith and his sister Pat
I used to investigate the martello towers as a boy especially the one at the top of the warren and also at end of leas, both I guess death traps and borded up but fun for a 14 year old, Remember the warren being fenced off as a large minefield for a long time
Went to St Eansworth school then Hillside school first at dover road then at Park farm rd forms 2a1, 3a1, 4a1 etc
Remember theold ship Deal which just did freight cargo and bearthed in the fishing boat harbour and dried out at low tide, Had a friend Stan Gale who's dad was a fisherman i think owned FE5, most of the fishing boats were converted sailing trawlers with just a wing engine pocking out on one side, then a brand new boat FE20 and a open boat called Gleamer
Now moved to just outside Great Yarmouth, but lost touch with all when i joined the navy in 1962
John Gale Sunday, 12 January 2020 12:42
Hello, I remember Christopher well, although he has got my name wrong John not Stan, he's right about FE 5 "Happy Return did belong to my father Billy Gale, I went to sea in her. As for the Gleaner FE 76 owned by Alfie Waller I started my fishing career in her with Dave(Lergy)Milton as Skipper
John Gale
Christopher Ashdown Sunday, 29 March 2020 07:14
Nice to hear from you again John, I now live just outside Great Yarmouth, spent most of my life at sea, royal navy then oilfield, and finally a workwear shop online
Was the Happy retun one of those converted with a wing engine, i seem to remember many were. Its sad to se the pictures now with the harbour empty of fishing boats, guess we are both enjoying retirement now
John Gale Saturday, 5 December 2020 15:12
Good evening Christopher
Sorry I have been so long getting back to you.Yes Happy Return FE.5 did initially she did have a wing, then an Atlantic engine, but she had an Ailsa Craig 4 cylinder 46 h.p. Diesel fitted in 1959, When I left school I first went to sea in Gleaner FE.76 the open boat owned by Alfie Waller and skippered by Dave( Lergy ) Milton. I then went in the Mary Mayne FE.73 Fergy Noble owned and skippered her, after that I joined the Fair Chance FE.20 before crewing with my dad Billy (Moses ) Gale,when he bought the Silver Wings FE.185 from the film director Don Chaffey, I skippered her, I later came ashore to run Folkestone Trawlers. The Happy Return is still afloat, and fully restored as a sailing lugger 116 years after being launched, I now help run the Folkestone Fishing museum, unfortunately because of the dreaded covid we have not been able to open, but in the meantime we have written a fully illustrated hard back limited edition book on the history of the Folkestone fishing industry.
All the best and keep safe
John G
Emily Blacklock Tuesday, 28 December 2021 08:04
My name is Emily. I am currently trying to find information on the Mary Mayne which belonged to my great great uncle. If you could, please reach out. I fish out of Nova Scotia, Canada.
Thank you in advance,
Emily
154) IAN DAVIS Male
Location:
Old Rectory Close, HAWKINGE
Thursday, 18 April 2019 19:10 Write a comment
Hi, just discovered this site when searching for Hills in Folkestone.
I am a volunteer with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership where we help to conserve the sites around most of these hills and to restore chalk grassland in the Area, all new volunteers are welcome and it is a great way to learn about the area.
153) Jeff Hicks Male
Location:
Cheriton Gardens
Tuesday, 16 April 2019 09:37 Write a comment
Hi Just wondered if you knew about Baronet Alfred Mellor Watkin? He lived where I live now in Cheriton Gardens and dug the first Channel Tunnel attempt in around 1860.
He's buried in the graveyard opposite Morrisons. The entrance to the Channel tunnel is boarded up but it's on the Warren. (Picture at bottom of page)
Jeff
Paul Seward Wednesday, 24 April 2019 03:14
Indeed! He has his own road leading off Pavilion Road. The reason is that the land was originally a smallholding known as Pavilion Gardens, owned by the directors of the Pavilion Hotel. The smallholding supplied the hotel. When the land was developed the roads were named after the directors, Watkin, Bonsor, Edward et al.
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 28 May 2019 06:41
I learned something today! Thank you very much Jeff and Paul. Thanks also for showing us the grave Jeff.
152) Zoe
Monday, 15 April 2019 12:53 Write a comment
Hi there,
I am looking to find a man who played a folk gig in Folkestone in 1963, who is my mother's real father. We believe he played at the Prince of Wales pub. His name was Eddie or Edward (don't know his full name), he had light brown hair, and was part of a two piece band (name also unknown). Apparently the music had hippy/protest/folk vibes. Let me know if this rings a bell at all, for you or anyone you know, it would be of much help.
Many thanks!
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 28 May 2019 06:47
Zoe: have you tried posting this message on a few of the Folkestone pages on Facebook? There are quite a few with a much bigger readership than here, you might have better luck tracking him down. A good one is XX Blast From The Past XX or We Love Folkestone
151) Louis Backer Male
Location:
Chilton, Oxfordshire
Wednesday, 20 March 2019 16:46 Write a comment
Nearly forgot - the huge long concrete apron that runs into the sea by The Warren. What was it for, when was it built and was it military? I also recall playing on old railway tracks nearby and exploring huge storage sheds (presumably long gone) which contained what I think were old military vehicles from WW2, they were huge and green.
Gerry Stone Saturday, 23 March 2019 16:41
I believe the concrete apron was built as part of the sea defences. It was built, or extended, in the late 40's, early 50's. As youngsters we used to watch the works from a distance and with 'whippy' sticks exchanged chunks of wet clay with the workmen!
We perched in a tree with interwoven creepers (the crows nest) which gave us some height in the battles!
There were also tunnels into the cliffs on the front which were a source of clean water, where it filtered through the chalk and exited through a rusty pipe.
A primus stove and tin can provided the means to make a cuppa.
The railway tracks provided a way of enlarging halfpennies when run over by trains which we could occasionally pass off as pennies!
smile
150) Louis Backer Male
Location:
Chilton, Oxfordshire
Wednesday, 20 March 2019 16:31 Write a comment
As a child during the 1960's, we used to take 3 weeks holiday every year (escaping the grimness of Seven Sisters Road, Tottenham) and stay in a flat in the "Czech House" in Earls Avenue. Abiding memories were the American-style ice cream bar in the centre of town, the huge amusement park, boating lake, funicular railway and standing in awe within Rowlands rock shop in the steep Old High Stret, watching them make their famous confectionary. I used to enjoy accompanying my father early in the morning to fish for mackerel off the beach or pier and take the catch back for our lunch or supper. Folkestone seemed quite a colourful, vibrant and genteel place then. I daren't go back for fear of disappointment!
149) Julian Sinclair Male
Location:
Capel le Ferne
Monday, 4 March 2019 14:55 Write a comment
Was interested in your picture of Surrenden Road as my mum and family also lived there in the 1950's. They were the Browne family and my grandad had a TV and radio shop in Sandgate Road - it was called Andrews.
Dont know about anyone else but didnt Folkestone look amazing in those days. Oh to go back to visit the elegant Edwardians
Christine - Site owner Monday, 11 March 2019 23:16
I was living at number 3 Surrenden Road in the late 50's/early 60's, and my maiden name was Brown. Small world eh? (No 'e' on my name though) Ha ha.
Do you have any photos of your Grandad's shop? I would love to see it. Where in Sandgate Road was it located?
Paul Seward Thursday, 14 March 2019 09:40
Remember the Browne sisters well, Doreen and Sandra, of 1 Cornwallis Avenue. The shop was roughly where the Town Walk enters Sandgate Road. There is a pic somewhere in one of the local history books.
148) Nicholas Goodge Male
Location:
Chinnor,Oxfordshire.U.K
Saturday, 2 March 2019 20:43 Write a comment
Between the late 50's and early 70's, together with family and friends I spent many Summers and Christmases at Folkestone. I found this website by accident and for almost three hours enjoyed the nostalgia of past experiences and acquaintances brought by the extensive collection of photographs. Starting at the Moore's Hotel, for the most part we stayed at the Aston Hotel with John and Rita Verkaik. Anybody remember them?
Thank you Christine, so informative and interesting.
147) Graham barton Male
Location:
Folkestone.1
Monday, 25 February 2019 12:56 Write a comment
Hi my name is graham
Barton I left st marys primary school in 1974 and went to Wyndgate secondary until 1979, would like to hear other people's memories from that time as I loved my times at those schools
146) Graham barton Male
Location:
Folkestone
Monday, 25 February 2019 12:53 Write a comment
Hi my name is graham
Barton I left st marys primary school in 1974 and went to Wyndgate secondary until 1979, would like to hear other people’s memories from that time as I loved my times at those schools
Tina Green Saturday, 26 July 2025 08:54
Hi I left in 1977 and also went to Wyndgate.
145) Tanya Female
Location:
Somerset
Monday, 18 February 2019 04:15 Write a comment
hi, I am doing some family history research on Folkestone and looking up old maps. In 1901 and 1911 they were living on Invicta Road and Marshall street. The early 1900's map shows Walton Farm and Wingate Villa. Does anyone know anything about the history of the houses in that area? Thank you
144) Helen Williamson Female
Location:
River, Dover
Sunday, 17 February 2019 10:12 Write a comment
I have come across this site by chance. I lived in Folkestone from 1947, then aged 14 months, for many years.
I have already seen a post that mentions the school I attended.
I am very interested to read more.
My late father was a well known accountant who was the accountant when Inter City Tours, later Saga, was formed.
143) Della Dickerson Female
Friday, 8 February 2019 09:25 Write a comment
I have Just seen your website and was so interested to see the comments. My mum was Dorothy Gamble from Aerodrome Road in Hawkinge. She left there when she married my dad in 1962 at the age of around 38! Her mum and dad were Gertrude(cissy) and Jack (John) Gamble and she had brothers Dick and Alf.
I think she was born in Cheriton and then my Grandad built the bungalow which is still there today.
She worked in the shop on the corner of Aerodrome Rd and as a teen/early 20s was in the fire service.
My husband and I went for a visit to Hawkinge about 5 years ago, just before my mum died, and she was too frail to make the journey but I couldnt get over how the big open feilds of the Drome had been filled with houses and almost nothing I remember of my childhood visits is left. She said she wanted to remember it as it was and it would be too upsetting.
She had the Folkestone Herald sent to her for years and I bought her all the books on Folkestone, Cheriton, and Hawkinge that I could find, and I have always had a special place in my heart for this part of Kent.
I saw the name 'Brisley' in one of the comments and I know she had a friend, Joan Brisley.
Does anyone else remember my mum?
Helen Seeley Saturday, 29 June 2019 02:21
Hello
I don't remember your mum but we are distant relative! My maiden name was Gamble and I vaguely remember Aunt Cis and Uncle John. John was my grandfather William Gamble's uncle although they were very close in age and brought up as brothers. Feel free to send me a FB friend request to possibly share more family history. My dad is alive and kicking and has a very goodmemory of the family - he would undoubtedly remember your mum! Helen
wendy bell Wednesday, 12 August 2020 07:15
Joan Brisley died recently, her son Victor cared for her for many years, she was a character in Hawkinge and much loved.
142) robgolding Male
Location:
Haighton Court CT20 2LW
Monday, 28 January 2019 10:36 Write a comment
I have just moved to Haighton Court on Sandgate Road, backing onto Balfour Gardens and the Leas. I am keen to know more of its history. We know it was built in 1903 for an Earl of Chicester-but not much beyond. Any info or pics would be much appreciated.
Amazing site by the way...although,yes, it absorbs hours!
141) Tony Quarrington Male
Location:
Folkestone
Monday, 21 January 2019 10:19 Write a comment
I am about to embark upon writing the history of the Old High Street and would be very grateful if anyone here would be willing to share their reminiscences of living, working and playing in the street.
Oona Settembre Saturday, 28 November 2020 22:12
I lived on the old high street from approx 1970 to 1981. What memories are you looking for?
140) Chris Neilson Male
Location:
Adelaide
Monday, 14 January 2019 19:05 Write a comment
Hi my name is Chris . I grew up in Hollands Avenue and therefore have the East Cliff and The Warren firmly etched in the memory.Summers spent traipsing up and down the Little Switzerland Caravan Park road and playing football on Jocks pitch will always stay with me.(who Jock was is a mystery).
139) Alan Smith Male
Location:
SPAIN
Sunday, 13 January 2019 10:22 Write a comment
Ronnie said he know two sisters worked at the Laundery at Hythe
I worked there in 1959 there names were Lucy & Pearl
I also see you live in Espana
138) Ronnie Day Male
Location:
Spain
Hello to all, I saw this site some years back and thought it was good for all interested in our old town, history lives on after we die and also proves our existence. I have seen some names I remember here but there are many in my mind still and although I have found some on FB others are still elusive, I will list a few here and see what comes up.
About me, well, I worked in the butchers in Bouverie Road West for a while,the greengrocers in Tontine street,the Chinese also,sometime with Alan Hughes on Miss Folkestone,KING radio with Charley Evans,in his steakhouse too, VC coffee bar was the choice of the day as it was close to the Guildhall pub!
People I remember Alan Barton,Brian Coulson,Andy Pope,Midge Elliot,Katie Deane,Ann Laing,Cristine Looker, Renata Clarke,Pat Rayner?(I), Jesse Parsons(mentioned on this site),Veronica Jones,Sheila White,Denise Holmes,Marion Kennett,Angela Bowden,Sue Bull, Stuart Fairbrass,there were sisters that lived in Holland Ave that worked at the laundry in Hythe,Sylvia Toman,Barbara Woollett and her sister too,Barry? that was often in the Hillside club,Jimmy? that I heard had passed on,Guy?,Colin Musson had a brother too,Mick Saunders, Ann Amor? had a sister too, Dave Poyle?,Brenda Wynn, Mick Freeman,Colin Hart.......enough to go on with I am exhausted let's see what come up from you old Folkestonians.
Ronnie Day Saturday, 22 December 2018 08:45
To add to this I forgot to mention Janet Rye, her sister posted photos here, Lynn Ewart, I hope she is well and remember saying she was joining the WRACS I think it was back in 1975. I also remember the best record shop in Folkestone and maybe Kent Folkestone Gramophone Company, he told me once that they carried 12,000 singles as stock.
Lynne Sunday, 12 May 2019 16:36
Hi, It's Lynne here, Janet's sister. You're right she did join up in 1975 but in the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps not the WRACS. She's alive and well and living in Wales now. How did you know Janet?
Ronnie Day Tuesday, 29 October 2019 09:58
Just seen this now, i met Janet from a friend of hers Cheryl?, she was my friends girlfriend who lived in Hythe. Be nice to have contact with her if its ok.
Ronnie Day Saturday, 30 November 2019 10:06
Obviously it wasn't. Good I am allowed more than one error in my life.
Christine - site owner Sunday, 13 April 2025 17:47
Don't worry about it Ronnie, this isn't like Facebook, people don't get notified if they have a reply, if they don't come back they don't see it. Shame but there it is. She might surprise you one day.
137) Alan Smith Male
Location:
SPAIN
Wednesday, 7 November 2018 03:27 Write a comment
Cristine
Thank you got it now
But my first name is Alan
Christine - site owner Thursday, 8 November 2018 10:44
All fixed now Alan, I only had your e-mail address to get your name from.
P.S. My name is Christine with an 'h' smile
136) Alan Smith Male
Sunday, 4 November 2018 21:52 Write a comment
I used to go to the Skating Rink on Saturday mornings.
I was at Brockhill from 1955-56 till 1959 Anybody remember me?
My grandparents ran the Hythe Reporter.
We lived in Palmarsh Crescent next to Godards Dairy.
We had a flat in London
My first job was at the Eclipse Laundry in Hythe,
I remember one boy there had the same Birthday as me, David Blackman I think was his name. He lived at the fishmongers in Hythe.
I remember the Rock Pool Down the Marina in Folkestone. I used to go with Mr Bond my first and best teacher at Brockhill. I also remember Mr Dolton and Mr Setterfield.
All my holidays were spent in Palmash with my gran.
135) Kathrine Langley Female
Location:
Ashford Kent
Wednesday, 24 October 2018 04:05 Write a comment
I lived in Cheriton Road from 1956 until 1970, I attended All souls primary and Folkestone Grammar School for Girls 1967 to 1970, I went to Cheriton Baptist Church where I was in the choir, entered the #@*%!ure exams, sunday school etc.
I am trying to make myself a memory book of events and pictures but am having trouble finding photographs so would be very grateful if anyone has any they wouldn't mind sharing with me. I am interested in the uniform of the grammar school - it changed from green when I started to very trendy royal blue suits before I left.
My friend at primary school was Bobby who's parents ran the shoe menders next to Elizabeth's bakers. (now sadly gone).
I returned to Cheriton in 1974 and often spent my lunchtimes in the sunshine cafe so I remember it well.
Barry Willson Tuesday, 2 April 2019 12:00
Bobby Dyer?
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 2 April 2019 16:13
Was Bobby Dyer related to Sheila, Kathleen, Reg, Peter or Ricky Dyer who lived first in Risborough Lines, then in Canada Close? I married Peter in 1963.
Barry Willson Wednesday, 3 April 2019 01:30
Hi Christine, I don't know if he was related to the other Dyers that you have mentioned. He had an elder brother called David.
Christine Wednesday, 3 April 2019 01:46
Thanks Barry, I suspect they were not related or I would have heard of them. Coincidence that both families lived in Cheriton though.
Lynne Rye Sunday, 12 May 2019 13:11
Hi Kathrine,
Is Langley your maiden name? I lived in St Hilda Road from when I was born in December 1954, attended All Souls primary and went from there the to the Girls' Grammar School. I also went to Cheriton Baptist church. I remember the shoe repair shop and Elizabeth's well
graham cann Tuesday, 8 February 2022 17:34
hi.i used to into the cafe with the bikers and play pinball great times
134) Graham Hale
Location:é
Reading, Berks
Monday, 15 October 2018 23:03 Write a comment
I lived in Folkestone from 1952 until 1961. I moved from Dover when my parents bought a new house in Wear Bay Road. I attended St Nicholas School in Wiltie Gardens. It was a private school with around 90 pupils (it is now a nursery school). I would like to find anybody still residing in the area who attended the school. I left in 1960. I moved to Hythe and attended Brockhill Secondary School in Hythe for a year before I moved with my Father to London. I remember the Head Mistress was Miss Squires (also taught Music), there were teachers called Miss Fry (Taught Art and English) and Miss Williams(Taught us Geography) and Miss Nicholls(taught us French) who lived in the adjacent house to the school. I really enjoyed my time there and learned so much with excellent teachers. We used to go to Radnor Park for sports playing Cricket & Rounders as I remember. I have a school photo taken in the Garden at the rear of the house; I could scan and send this for the site if you think it would be appropriate.
Other memories are the Department stores Bobby's and Plummer's. There was also Rowlands Rock in Tontine Street (I went to school with one of their children).
Cont. next entry
Helen Williamson Sunday, 17 February 2019 10:19
I too went to St Nicholas. My name then was Helen Hills. I remember so well the teachers you mention.
Miss Frye gave me tennis lessons and Miss Squire also taught #@*%!ure.
I was so happy there.
I went on to go to Dover Grammar for Girls.
Lesley Fakley (nee Fordham) Wednesday, 16 September 2020 05:42
I also went to St Nicholas school and left to go to Holywell Secondary. I have several photos taken in the garden.
133) Graham Hale
Location:
Reading, Berks
Monday, 15 October 2018 23:02 Write a comment
Cont. from previous entry
In the field behind our house there were Roman Remains; I think it was a villa with most of the foundations showing and a natural spring. The land was adjacent to a Pfizers warehouse. I used to go for walks around the harbour watching the Channel Ferries docking. Also my Father used to fish from the breakwater. On the Sea Front there was an Amusement Arcade and a Funicular Railcar which dated back to Victorian Times.
My Grandparents lived in Shorncliffe. My Grandfather was Manager of the Dover Labour Exchange during WW2 and received an MBE from King George for his service there during the War Years. My Father attended the Harvey Grammar School along with his Brother in the 1930,s
I am sure I have more memories of Folkestone. If I can assist in research from the 50's I would be happy to help. I now live in Reading Berkshire; but would like to revisit the town.
132) Alison Manuel Female
Location:
Auckland, New Zealand
Thursday, 6 September 2018 22:29 Write a comment
Lived at 18-24 Old High St( Milletts)from 1989-1982, my husband was manager. It looks very different now.
131) Alan Hall Male
Location:
Chard, Somerset
Wednesday, 29 August 2018 08:22 Write a comment
Recently discovered this site - and what an excellent site it is too! So - let's see if I can jog a few memories and perhaps hear from some old pals - and neighbours.
1. Schools: Attended All Souls Primary, 1954-1961; Morehall Sec. Mod., 1961 - 1966; Harvey Grammar, 1966 - 1968.
2. Born and raised in the bungalows, Cheriton. Lived there until they were demolished, circa. 1967.
3. During school summer holidays, 1966 - 1968, worked at the Boating Pool near the Rotunda. (Helping people get in & out of boats and other things to 'keep the show on the road'.)
5. Anyone recall Kingsnorth Gardens, 1950 - 1967? My father - Mr. Albert Hall - was the foreman there for that period.
6. I am related to the Bowyer family; my maternal grandmother's sister (surname Austen) lived in Somerset Road, Cheriton (circa mid- 1950's.). I am also related to the Noble Family.
7. And finally, does anyone recall the T.V and Radio repair workshop in Morehall Road, Cheriton? Originally trading under the name of Bayley and Duke. Tony Duke became a very good friend of mine and was the initiator of my life-long career in Radio and Electronics. Sadly, Mr. Bayley died from an accident circa. 1963 and then Tony passed away several years ago. He and I used to be in regular postal correspondence.
And finally - My parents passed away several years ago, and I haven't visited Folkestone since I attended the funeral of my mother, a Mrs. Rose Mary Hall. (Died aged 93 years).
130) Alan Hall Male
Location:
Chard, Somerset
Tuesday, 28 August 2018 18:39 Write a comment
Born in 1949; left in 1968. Childhood spent in the bungalows in Cheriton until 1966 when they were demolished. Schools: attended All Souls primary, Morehall Secondary, Harvey Grammar. There a few questions in the Photo Gallery that I can answer, so if anyone would like to enquire, please do so.
And if anyone remembers me (!), please get in contact - thank you.
129) Sue Female
Location:
Folkestone
Saturday, 25 August 2018 14:02 Write a comment
Hi - I am trying to find out if anyone else remembers a mosaic floor and well in the hills above hill road, George gurr crescent area. I have strong memories of playing there as a child of about 7 or 8, so I guess around 1956-57. I can't find any reference to it on maps etc so any information would be of interest.
David Stone Sunday, 3 March 2019 21:00
Isn't there a Roman pavillion at East Cliff that was uncovered for a while but later reburied to preserve it?
Christine - Site Owner Monday, 11 March 2019 23:05
There was a large Roman Villa uncovered on the East Cliff in the 1920's, which included a tiled floor. For a while in the early 30's it was open to the public, 4d for adults and 1d for children. Then it was covered up again until recently when it was excavated again, although a lot of it had fallen into the sea. I don't know if it is still open, or if it has been covered again. There is a page on this on my site called Roman Remains.
I haven't heard of a mosaic floor in the hills above Hill Road, unless the Smallpox Hospital had a tiled floor, as that was up there, and would have been demolished by the 50's.
Graham Hale Thursday, 26 November 2020 10:57
I lived at Wear Bay Road in Folkestone from 1953 - 1960. In the land behind our house there was a Spinney which had the remains of an old Roman Villa in it. I seem to remember some mosaic flooring.There was a natural Spring there to. It was a great place to play.
128) graham cann Male
Location:
lancashire
Thursday, 23 August 2018 11:50 Write a comment
hi,does anyone remember the sunshine cafe cheriton a haunt for me in my younger days.i went to moorhall school had some good mates then.the corner shop used to sell cigs in a small bag for 10p.i think the head was nick named taz
Alan Hall Wednesday, 29 August 2018 07:37
Graham Cann asked about the Sunshine Cafe in Cheriton: "Does anyone remember it?"
Yes: I do! Spent many a happy evening there with my mates from the bungalows in Cheriton. Distinctly recall listening to the "Who" on the juke box they had there.
At the time, there was a rumour that the two guys who owned and run that place lived in the old Edwardian house that was halfway up the scarp face of the North Downs above West Cheriton. That building caught fire once and was burnt to the ground. I still recall standing in the back garden watching the flames.
graham Saturday, 29 September 2018 12:52
i lived in beachborough road.went out with a girl called jenny i nicknamed her sunshine went out for 3 years in the end she chucked me (i was being a right bas....)still think of her sometimes in those hot pants
graham Friday, 9 November 2018 15:51
any one remember me from morehall sec school
graham cann Friday, 19 June 2020 16:56
hi.does anybody remember me from morehall school cheriton.i lived in beachborough rd
127) Jo Milton Female
Location:
Southend on Sea
Friday, 3 August 2018 15:59 Write a comment
The first harbour picture is post 1940 WW2. Part of the clearance of the Beach district has been done, but the remains of bomb damaged South Street where my great grandpa had his shop are still there. I'm not certain how soon after the parachute mine damage occurred that the demolition commenced. My great grandparents had to leave their home because of the damage.
126) George Male
Location:
Palmarsh
Monday, 9 July 2018 09:31 Write a comment
Sorry forgot to put Warren In front of Halt.Senor moment.
125) George Male
Location:
Palmarsh
Monday, 9 July 2018 09:27 Write a comment
. Hi,Christine,
looking at the Romney Hythe light Railway site today and seeing the one you mention about approaching the Warren,i think you will find this to refers to the halt just before New Romney where there is a halt by the A259 for the visitor centre.It was built a few years ago so folk could use the train as well as car or bus.
I am pretty sure this is called the Halt.Not to be confused with Folkestone
George.
Christine - site owner Sunday, 13 April 2025 17:52
Thank you George, I didn't know about that one. I will get it changed on the page.
124) Janet Female
Location:
West Yorkshire
Monday, 18 June 2018 17:25 Write a comment
The pictures and postcards of Hythe are fascinating - particularly those of the Martello Tower. It was my great grandfather, Arthur James Glock, who first converted it in 1928. I would be very interested to see any additional pictures or documents that you might have. Please may I have a copy of the older photo of the tower?
Thank you
123) David Male
Location:
North of Watford
Saturday, 21 April 2018 13:59 Write a comment
Anyone have any memories of Westbrook House School, Athelstan School or Feltonfleet School?
David Tuesday, 29 May 2018 12:34
I was there for a short while in c.1959. Then moved to Cornwall.
David Tuesday, 19 June 2018 04:41
I was there c.1959, who are you?
David Wednesday, 20 June 2018 10:52
I organised the 2007 reunion and aM writing a history of the school. I was there 1964 - 1967 before heading off to Bethany.
122) David Male
Location:
North of Watford
Saturday, 21 April 2018 13:59 Write a comment
Anyone have any memories of Westbrook House School, Athelstan School or Feltonfleet School?
Andrew Larpent Tuesday, 31 December 2019 06:31
Hi, I was a pupil at Westbrook House from 1958 to 1964. Headmaster was Mr Foster. I remember him as a gentle, sometimes gruff, kind man and a wonderful teacher. As a prefect in my last year I was privileged to be taken for rides in his car after church on Sundays to Hythe where he would buy us iced lollies. I remember Sunday walks in crocodile to the Leas or to Ceasar's Camp. Great memories of a happy time while my parents were living in Germany with the Army.
121) Kathy Lundy Female
Location:
Toronto, Ontario Canada
Wednesday, 4 April 2018 15:09 Write a comment
My great uncle, Alfred George Enderby, a gunner with the Canadian Field Artillery was stationed in the Ross Barracks at Shorncliffe Camp during the Spring of 1916. He was enrolled in the School of Musketry in Hythe.
At the moment, I am transcribing his diary that records his impressions of leaving Vancouver, British Columbia, travelling by train across Canada, crossing the North Atlantic on the HMS Missanabbie, and arriving in Plymouth in March of 1916.
He writes in detail about his impressions of Folkestone and the surrounding countryside.
He receives a weekend pass to visit his mother (my great-grandmother) in Leicester. She also comes to visit him on Easter weekend , 1916, and stays at Moore's hotel. They spend time walking around Folkestone.
Uncle Alf was only 25. Sadly, he was killed in action in Belgium in 1917.
120) Susan Female
Location:
Margate
Saturday, 27 January 2018 07:08 Write a comment
I went to St. Mary's Convent, no longer there and was a regular at The Acropolis, Archie's, we called it. I went out with Archie for a time, my Dad not happy! Lived in the country, Lyminge, so Folkestone was exotic to me!! Anyone else remember Archie?
Paul Seward Thursday, 1 February 2018 11:51
A very pleasant guy, and his brother Andy.
Their parents were very hard workers. The best place in town to get a salad baguette while admiring the female clientele. The place seemed to be a magnet for the Swedish girls who came over to learn the lingo. Or perhaps it was just the pulling power of the Brunts, Shrubsoles and Warrens of this world.
119) Susan Female
Location:
Margate
Saturday, 27 January 2018 07:08 Write a comment
I went to St. Mary's Convent, no longer there and was a regular at The Acropolis, Archie's, we called it. I went out with Archie for a time, my Dad not happy! Lived in the country, Lyminge, so Folkestone was exotic to me!! Anyone else remember Archie?
118) Eileen Guest Female
Location:
Portishead
Saturday, 2 December 2017 07:59 Write a comment
I am the daughter of the late Jim (James) Fitzgerald who was caretaker and lollipop man at St Mary's school, Dover Road, Folkestone for 40 years. I would love to hear anyone's memories of my dad as he knew so many generations of Folkestone families.
Jackie Langford Thursday, 12 April 2018 17:19
I went to St Mary's from around 1959 to 1966 and have very fond memories of Mr Fitzgerald as we always called him. I remember him clearly as the lollipop man to see us across the road as well as his caretaker duties. He had a cheerful smile and word for us and used to greet us as we arrived for another day at school. He also used to deliver the crates of milk to the classrooms with our free school milk, I can still see him in my memories lifting the crate up onto the boiler in our classroom as we used to like the chill taken off the milk in the winter, He was a very important person to us at the school. How lovely to be reminded of him.
Jenny Shephard Thursday, 12 April 2018 22:01
Yes I remember Mr Fitzgerald , I attended St Mary's School from 49 to 54 . Very nice man and always pleasant to the children . I believe he lived in a house , which was part of the school , now sadly half demolished .
Rosemary Woodward Friday, 13 April 2018 06:12
I went to St Mary's in the mid 60's. I remember Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald. I think they lived in the house which later became a playschool. I also remember they had a dog.
Nicky Parker Friday, 13 April 2018 06:16
Wow I remember him lovely man.
I also remember a new boy joining our class he couldn't speak much English and he really helped him .
Kim Bell Friday, 13 April 2018 06:18
I remember mr Fitzgerald I attended St Mary's from 62 to 68 and when I was older about 16 I bumped into him over the Rose and Crown at Rhodes Minis he had a natter with my mum remembered us all lovely man
Viv Gillespie Friday, 13 April 2018 06:20
I remember him too, lovely man..was at St Mary's for my junior years & left in 1970. He had a boxer dog named Ben.
Helen Devereese Friday, 13 April 2018 06:23
I remember him to always had a smile he was also the lollipop man he lived in the house between infants and juniors happy days.
Jesse Parsons Friday, 13 April 2018 06:27
I remember him nice very nice person.
Barbara Hughes Friday, 13 April 2018 06:30
Our mum was good friend to your mum and dad barbara philpott now hughes we had good times we all went to Scotland in the war x
Joan Brickell Friday, 13 April 2018 06:32
I remember Mr Fitzgerald when he was the lollipop man for St Mary's school in Dover Road. He and his wife lived in the little house in the centre of the school.I believe there is a memorial bench to him on the East Cliff overlooking the harbour and sands.
Beryl Swaffer Friday, 13 April 2018 06:35
I remember Mr Fitzgerald. I just remember he looked kind and nice.
Val Hibbert Friday, 13 April 2018 06:53
Yes, I remember him too. Lovely man. Same years there as Jenny above.
Tania Leighton Friday, 13 April 2018 13:49
I remember him well I went to St Mary's school and I remember the time that his dog Ben bit his leg. Bless him he still managed to carry on with his lollipop duties etc with his leg all bandaged up. He was a lovely man and always had a kind word for us kids.
Sue Bradfield Friday, 13 April 2018 19:12
Yes I too remember your Mum & Dad Eileen. I lived at no 82 Dover Road . Mum worked in Ushers & The Little Shop for a while . My name was Susan Harris & I had a sister Gillian & a brother Martyn . Was your Mums name Molly
Andy Markwell Friday, 13 April 2018 19:33
Yes I remember Mr Fitzgerald well our caretaker and lollipop man with the dog that followed him everywhere! He was always cheerful. I was at St Mary's primary until summer 1978 great memories!
Karl Neve Friday, 13 April 2018 20:20
I'm a volunteer at the Folkestone museum & we are in the middle of auditing all the collection. The other day we photographed some pictures from the 1960's of local people & it happens that one of those was of Mr Fitzgerald. It shows him with his 'lollypop stick' in the middle of the road whilst children cross. As far as I know, due to copywrite, they can not be copied but if you enquire at the museum, you may be able to view it. I was at St Marys from 70-76. Both Mr & Mrs Fitzgerald were always very nice as I remember.
Susan Nicholson Monday, 16 April 2018 06:40
Yes I do...he had the best
Smile and white teeth and lovely dark hair...that was around 68 years ago, I was 7 and he reminded me of my dad with those features and lovely friendly nature
Debbs Heath Tuesday, 17 April 2018 13:42
He had a white boxer dog. When he checked everything after school was finished he would go around with him.
Julie Peters Wednesday, 18 April 2018 07:47
I remember him loveliest man I have ever met I also remember your mum as lunchtime supervisor I think lovely lady as an adult used to see your dad over Tesco going shopping always happy to chat x
Lesley Anne Woolven Wednesday, 18 April 2018 12:59
Yep, I def remember Fitz and Mrs Fitz who was a dinner lady. I taught in Dover Road from 1976 until the juniors moved up to join the infants in Warren Road. Well remember Fitz going round the classrooms with a tobacco tin collecting up the maggots that fell through the gratings in the ceiling! (You see the pigeons that used to live in the loft above the classrooms had been trapped inside and died!). Oh dear!! And I also remember Fitz doing handyman tasks...a hammer was his tool of choice...even with screws! A lovely man and a great character. Him and Mrs Fitz spent a lot of their time looking after PG's children, John and Jane.
Malcolm Berry Wednesday, 18 April 2018 13:03
Mr Fitzgerald what a great fella I always used to see him lunchtime with his White boxer Ben Outside his house and next door to the school hall and remember the big pine tree outside his house as well Mrs Fitzgerald was my favourite dinner lady and she would always let me leave my cabbage and Swede so I could go out to play after lunch started in 67 - 73
Pierre Croucher Thursday, 19 April 2018 08:19
I remember Mr Fitzgerald well.Lovely man,if my memory serves me right,i heard he was a ex boxer????
verona clatworthy Friday, 22 February 2019 15:26
I attended St Mary's Primary School from about 1969 to 1974,I lived in Harbour Way,and have the best childhood memories being there...I remember Mr Fitzgerald ,also Mr Pendleberry Green,and Mrs Plandry..best days ever
117) Dutchie Male
Location:
The Netherlands
Monday, 16 October 2017 07:35 Write a comment
Hello everybody from Folkestone,
I am from the Netherlands and browsing through some of the photos from my deceased grandfather I found an interesting one. He apparently participated in a "dance match" held in Folkestone in 1951.
The photograph shows a large advertisement reading "Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone represented by Barbara Morley's team Vs. The Hague".
My grandfather was from The Hague, The Netherlands.
The ad further reads: "Adjudicators include Guy Howard and Stella Williams - Friday 3rd August, 1951. Leslie Baker and his Music with Joyce Clark".
It would be great if somebody has more info about this event, I am guessing dance events like this one were held more often in your town. I am hoping pictures from that day survived the test of time showing my grandfather..
many thanks in advance.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 1 November 2017 08:14
Goedenmiddag Dutchie
Sadly I could not find any pictures. What I can tell you is that the event was part of the Farewell Dance at the end of a week of cultural exchange organised for 160 guests from Middelburg by the Folkestone Branch of the All Nations Sports and Cultural Organisation. As you say, the Folkestone team was led by Barbara Morley, the team from The Hague being led by Johannes Constandse.
Christine - site owner Saturday, 11 November 2017 10:59
Hi Dutchy, I asked on your behalf on a Folkestone page on Facebook, and a scan of newspaper clippings were shown to me by Hilary Casey, whose mother used to take part. Not as good as a photo, but next best thing. I will send it to you by e-mail.
116) David Snow Male
Location:
Lisboa Portugal
Thursday, 14 September 2017 14:24 Write a comment
Marvellous site.
Christine Thursday, 14 September 2017 20:22
Thank you David! smile
115) David Cooper Male
Location:
Suffolk
Thursday, 17 August 2017 14:24 Write a comment
Interested to find this site, I live in Cheriton 1950-1970. Was wondering about 26 Grimston Gardens as being an address referred to on a birth certificate. I know we never lived there - was it a nursing/birth unit before it became a language school?
So sad to see the open air swimming pool closed and concreted, I can remember swimming there in October!
David
Mark Hourahane Saturday, 2 September 2017 12:07
That's quite an easy one... the School of English Studies had three properties - Flowergate, .
From 1950, Flowergate Nursing Home occupied number 26. Whilst SES started in 1957, they moved into the building in the 1960s, with the home still there at first. Consequently, it retained the name Flowergate. I can't remember the exact date offhand... around 1968, I believe.
Someone lived there whilst the nursing home was there, who had an OBE. I forget the name, though!
Mark Hourahane Saturday, 2 September 2017 16:04
Sorry, part of the message went missing... the school started in Flowergate in 1963 and expanded to include the two neighbouring properties - Middle House and Henry House.
The chap who lived in Flowergate was Edwin Herbert Edlin, OBE... and I believe that he was promoted to CBE in 1962. He was Director of Finance for the Ministry of Transport.
David Sunday, 3 September 2017 10:02
Thank you Mark. I have a vague memory that mum was away for a short while and came back with a baby brother. That would have been in September 57.
114) Lyn Christiensen Female
Location:
Ivybridge, Devon
Monday, 31 July 2017 14:48 Write a comment
I spent 6 very happy years in Folkestone as a boarder at Brampton Down School, to this day, I still think of the town as home. It was without doubt the loveliest town I have ever lived in.
Lyn Christiensen Monday, 31 July 2017 14:51
Forgot to say between 1963 and 1969
Barbara Smith Saturday, 30 September 2017 04:34
Dear Lyn,
I was there 58 to 64 but I can't remember hardly ever going out of the school except for long walks. how did you manage to get around and see the lovely town?
Barbara Smith
Barbara Smith Saturday, 30 September 2017 04:38
What was your maiden name?
Lyn Christiensen Sunday, 1 October 2017 09:54
I think you must be the Barbara Smith with a sister Jenny who was in my year, rather than the younger Barbara Smith with the red hair who Mill made eat her meat standing up. - Linda Hand
Jill Tuesday, 23 January 2018 09:32
I was at Brampton Down and Folkestone is no longer the town it was - it is a bit sad
113) Caroline Brenchley
Sunday, 30 July 2017 00:20 Write a comment
Hello
My family are folkestoners going back many generations (grand-fathers side) my question comes from my uncle he recalls a bakery on Dover road.. could have been called "miles and sons" does anyone recall this bakery? My nan was a Miles and her father originally was a bakers assistant in Canterbury (census records)( john marsh miles)at some point this side of my family moved to Folkestone. I have searched photos online and records but cannot find the bakery. Any information would be gratefully received for my family tree. Thank you
Mark Hourahane Saturday, 2 September 2017 11:40
143 was a bakery for many years... I can trace it back to the 1890s as part of the Grove End Hotel which became York Hotel. It then became 2 Grove Houses, remaining a bakery. Various bakers occupied it, including H. J Offen as Grove Bakery until 1913, E. Hopper & Sons in 1915 and H. Pope from 1916-1923, when it got numbered 143. He stayed until 1937, then Horace Hopper took over from 1938 until, it seems, 1939 or 1940.
There's a gap in information during the war, but John M. Miles occupied it with Hilda, John R. and Mary E. Miles in 1946. John M. and Mary were still there in 1947, when it was listed in Kelly's Directory. They were not in the Electoral Roll for 1948, nor were they there in 1945.
It was taken over by W. Bolton in 1949, who ran it until 1958. In 1960, it became C. A. Phillips (along with 145), a confectioner. The next directory, 1962, has Phillips in 145 only, with 143 being T. M. Saunders electrical engineer & contractor. He remained until 1973, then it became E. R. & J. Bates builders in 1974. If the numbering is the same now, it's the leftmost shop of the block with Londis.
In short, they ran it for a small time after the war.
112) Chris Cooper-Slipper
Location:
Toronto
Thursday, 27 July 2017 17:20 Write a comment
Your history page on Hawkinge is amazing. My father, Michael, served as a pilot there from May 22 -May 26 with RAF 605 flying Hurricanes during the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk.
Paul Seward Friday, 28 July 2017 11:32
Well worth Googling this brave gentleman. You barely scratched at the surface of his fascinating history, Chris. Guess the modesty is hereditary!
Christine - site owner Friday, 28 July 2017 12:04
My word, he certainly is worth Googling! I just read the obituary of Michael Cooper-Slipper, and he was quite a hero during the second world war, and then became involved with the doomed Avro Arrow in Canada, my husband, who was in the RCAF, was still angry with the government about the cancellation of that aircraft to the day he died. [www.telegraph.co.uk]
111) Margaret Gabbe nee Michell Female
Location:
Near Canterbury
Saturday, 8 July 2017 11:32 Write a comment
My grandfather Frank Michell was a drapery assistant in a shop possibly Tontine Street,. My dad used to talk about bombing when he would've been a small boy.id love to find out which shop it was.
Christine - Website owner Monday, 10 July 2017 00:37
If it was in Tontine Street Margaret, the shop could have been Gosnold's, which was badly bombed drapery shop. However, I don't see your Grandfather's name on the list of killed or injured, so if that was the shop, I can only assume he wasn't working that day.
There is an account of the Air Raid here: [www.warrenpress.net] and a list of the injured here: [freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com]
Maggie Gabbe Saturday, 23 September 2017 10:11
Thais Christine..maybe it was another shop. My dad remembered the happening pretty well. He was only a small boy.
110) Jo
Location:
Southend on Sea
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 06:36 Write a comment
My nan, Lily Milton, was injured in the Gotha Bomber raid. She had just turned 16 on May 11 and was working in Gosnolds as an assistant. She was buried under a pile of rubble and bodies and her nose was broken among other injuries. The manager of the store paid for her to go to a convalescent home, where I believe he also went, as she had some psychological injuries too. When she was in her 80s a German man proposed to her at her sheltered accommodation. She was highly indignant at the cheek of the "Hun"!
Christine - Site owner Monday, 10 July 2017 00:43
I imagine her psychological injuries took a lot longer to heal than her physical ones. How nice that her employer paid for her recovery though, with no NHS back then, medical bills were quite expensive.
I chuckled at her proposal reaction, I guess if you have lived through that, you would never get over the hatred of the enemy.
Megan Johnson Thursday, 11 January 2018 09:07
My grandfather was Ernest Frederick Milton and my great grandfather was Henry Minter Milton so I am wondering if your Nan was related to them? From her age it seems possible she was a niece to my grandfather? Do you know the names of her parents? Henry Minter Milton had 10 children, 9 of whom seemed to have survived to adulthood, so perhaps it was one of them? I would be interested to hear anything about the Milton family and understand from Christine that there are lots of Miltons still in Folkestone
Dennis Nelson Tuesday, 6 February 2018 02:22
Jo, do you know if your nan had any brothers and sisters. My grandmothers sister was married to John Milton who owned a couple of fishing tackle and cutlery stores in Folkestone. One of them is on here somewhere and I have 1 of the other store at 12 Tontine St. I have many old photos including one with Olive, Lill, Nell and John from 1969 and one of John's wedding in 1921
Christine -Site Owner Wednesday, 7 February 2018 02:22
You must be related to Rosemary Milton then Dennis. She has written to me a couple of times in the past, telling me she was related to John Milton, and sent me a photo of his shop. I think she said he was her father. I haven't heard from her in some time now though.
Jo Monday, 30 July 2018 15:39
Lily Milton was the daughter of Edward Milton, fish merchant, who lived in and had a small shop in South Street that was demolished following air raid damage. She had umptynine brothers and sisters - Ted, Jack, Wally, Chicks, Nellie, Dee, are some of them. There were eight of them. Lily outlived all of them and passed away in the early months of 1995 at the age of 93. There is a fishing tackle shop in Tontine Street that used to be run by Jack and a friend.
109) Jo Female
Location:
Southend on Sea
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 05:52 Write a comment
I do feel the town has been badly let down by the destruction of the Rotunda and the failure to use that space. Here in Southend our old Kursaal was demolished and became housing, Never Never Land closed, the pier burned down, and Peter Pan's playground languished. Things looked bad.
We now have Adventure Island, a thoroughly modern, well run popular "fun fair" and if only the same could be done at Folkestone it would revitalise your tourist industry. That is a huge waste of a site. As a little kid I loved visiting the Rotunda
Christine - Site owner Monday, 10 July 2017 00:51
A lot of work is going on currently on the site of the Rotunda, and it will run from the harbour right round to what is now the Lower Leas Coastal Park, formerly the Lower Sandgate Road. However, there is no funfair in the plans, it will mostly be accommodation, shops and restaurants. I think we all loved the Rotunda, and miss it, but with no ferries, and people finding cheap holidays abroad where the weather is more guaranteed, they have had to accept the tourist industry will never be what it was, and will now be aiming for a different market, e.g. people living in Folkestone and commuting each day to London on the fast train for work.
108) Jo Female
Location:
Southend on Sea Essex
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 05:46 Write a comment
I last used the Zig Zag path in the 1970s.You need to know where to look. Unfortunately the sign now says "access to viewing point only". I have a feeling the path became dangerous and is now out of use. The tea house path is an entirely different route
ken white . Tuesday, 18 July 2017 12:44
back in the late 40s we used it as a quite way to the beach. also for courting.
107) Lesley Fakley (Fordham) Female
Location:
Ferndown, Dorset
Tuesday, 27 June 2017 14:07 Write a comment
I lived in Folkestone from 1950 to 1975.I went to St. Nicholas Preparatory School, in Wiltie Gardens, Miss Squire was the Headmistress. I then went to Holywell and Folkestone College.
106) Dale Komander Female
Location:
Germany
Tuesday, 30 May 2017 07:39 Write a comment
Hello, I have just found your site and will earmark it for later! You have one photo of the School of Musketry with a row of houses to the right. Of course (and sadly) the SofM is no longer there, but the houses (Military Terrace, built mid-1800s) are still going strong. I believe they're now listed buildings. My mother lived in one of them up to her death in 1998. I know Hythe well as I used to live there (1960s) and when mum moved there again in 1986 we used to spend a lot of time there, so I'm thrilled to see these photos, many thanks!
105) Tracey Female
Location:
Hertfordshire
Monday, 29 May 2017 19:52 Write a comment
Hi Christine,
Found your site while researching my paternal grandfathers sister and family Leonard & Rosina Netherton nee Howard, I discovered lived in the Old Aerodrome Buildings, Dymchurch Road, West Hythe on the 1930 Electoral Register. Rosina died in 1931. The next mention of him and the airfield was in the Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald 04 February 1933 which noted that a Possession Order had been served on January 24th by the Council who declared it unfit for human habitation. By 1939 widowed Leonard was living with his single step daughter Rosina and another widowed lady called Emily Mount in Sunrise Cottage, Burmarsh Road which I found on Google Streetview although suspect the property has had some adaptions since then!
I was unable to find any information or photographs about the Dymchurch airfield on your site and thought you and readers might like to see what I found online about the old place. There is some interesting information at Pastscape
[www.pastscape.org.uk]
and photographs of the airfield at the Kent History Forum.
[www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk]
I would love to hear from any descendants of the Nethertons or anyone who has information on the family and why they lived on the old airfield.
103) Amanda Female
Location:
Toronto
Thursday, 4 May 2017 06:17 Write a comment
Just to add to previous message lol I went to st eanswyths had my pic in the paper for the harvest festival pointing at a marrow!! My grandfather is buried in the rose garden across the street in the church went back a couple of yrs ago Folkestone has changed but the memories never will loved the seaside and the caves on the beach getting the #@*%!les in bags with some vinegar 99 icecreams on our way to the beach great memories and going on the ferry for day trips to le harve
102) Amanda Female
Location:
Toronto
Thursday, 4 May 2017 06:10 Write a comment
My grandparents had the Clarendon Hotel on tontine street spent many a happy summers there
Ronnie Day Tuesday, 29 October 2019 10:01
First pub in Folkestone to have a video jukebox back in the mid 60's.
101) wingmandusty Male
Location:
Folkestone
Tuesday, 25 April 2017 12:55 Write a comment
I Have been in Folkestone all my Life and Love looking at Past Photo's
100) Sonia Warren Female
Location:
Courtenay, BC, Canada
Saturday, 1 April 2017 20:21 Write a comment
Wonderful website. I grew up in Folkestone before moving to Canada. My family were all from Folkestone. I've been researching our family and found my GGgran mother at 1 Battery Terrace in the 1881 Census but I can not find any trace of this road. Was it by The Bayle?
Paul Seward Sunday, 2 April 2017 09:16
It looks like it, Sonia. Bayle Terrace was to the north of the town ditch, which ran into the Bayle Pond.
From the Folkestone Herald 23.08.30
"About The Bayle Gun. When the Corporation men dug up the old Shakespeare gun (Guildhall Street specimen), and was discovered it dated back to the aforesaid Tudor period a squad of excavators cast their eyes on the “gun†which was placed on The Bayle. But soon after the pickaxes set to work the Lady of the Priory (the late Mrs. Napier Sturt), through a representative, caused the work to stopped. The gun stood, and still stands on private property. Had this not been the case the piece of ordnance would probably have had a place amongst the old iron at the dust destructor. But stay. Perhaps this particular gun was once included in the armament of the Battery, which once had place on The Bayle. This battery, the site of it. is still in existence. Hence Battery Terrace and Battery Gardens."
Sonia Warren Sunday, 2 April 2017 10:01
Thanks for the info Paul. I'll have to see if I can find an old map on-line. It's been fun tracing the family history through Folkestone and looking at the streets now and still finding the houses the family lived in. Can't find any trace of them in 1891. But the search will continue.
Mark Hourahane Sunday, 2 April 2017 10:10
You won't find a map to that scale online, Sonia... because you're looking for a row of houses, not a road. There's a 50 feet to the mile OS map that's quite old in the library - that'll have your terrace. I will check next time I'm there.
I suspect it is where Bayle Court is now in Bayle Parade. That was marked as "Misn. Ho." on the 1907 25 inches to the mile OS map.
It is definitely on The Bayle as there's reference to it online.
Paul Seward Sunday, 2 April 2017 15:37
Herald - 16.11.1907 :- Leasehold houses for sale by Banks and son 28,32,34 and 38 The Bayle - formerly Battery Terrace
Christine Tuesday, 4 April 2017 13:48
Hi Sonia, Mark has been doing a little sleuthing for us, and has come up with these pics, first showing Battery Terrace on a map, then showing the row of houses as it is today. We are not sure if the building itself has been replaced, and I do feel it had to have been longer originally, as we have found addresses from No. 1 to about 38, but this is the site of Battery Terrace, although it is possible it was once on both sides of the street. (I had to put it onto a web page, because each time I tried to post the pictures here, it accused me of using a bad word!) [www.warrenpress.net]
Sonia Warren (nee Johnson) Thursday, 6 April 2017 20:50
Wow! Thank you so much guys for your sleuthing and pictures. Very much appreciated. So interesting to be able to put the pieces together. The family moved from Battery Terrace to The Bayle, Thanet Gardens, Peter Street, Dallas Brett Cres then my home at Brabner Close. I wish I had started this when my parents were alive. My Dad played for Folkestone FC too. Makes me want to come home for another visit. Is it possible to get copies of the the pictures and map on the website?
Mark Hourahane Sunday, 30 April 2017 15:01
As you may have heard, my original thoughts were incorrect. Battery Terrace runs from the pond to the corner opposite the British Lion.
It's possible they were there when the change occurred, so The Bayle address and the Battery Terrace address are one and the same. It is now 28-40 The Bayle, numbered evenly (I guess two of them had been sold in Paul's discovered announcement above).
Mark Hourahane Sunday, 30 April 2017 15:05
By the way, the map is the 50 inches to the mile map in the library upstairs. It's in the left cabinet.
You can ask them to copy an A4 section for 10p, although it'll just be on a photocopier so not that great a copy. They're huge, old maps... so a little awkward to get on the photocopier! As you can see, it's right on the edge of one sheet.
99) ken white Male
Location:
wasagabeach ontario canada
Friday, 10 March 2017 10:03 Write a comment
HI.WE LIVED IN CHERITON FROM 1939 TO 1965 MAUREEN BAILEY WAS MY WIFE HAD TWO KIDS. I WENT TO MOREHALL AND SHE WENT TO HARCOURT SCHOOL.I USED TO WORK ON RAILWAY AT THE JUNCTION
caroline smith Friday, 10 March 2017 13:49
I did see the ebay photo, but it was after the sale had ended, contacted the seller to see if I could buy it as it was unsold but didn't hear back, which is a shame. With regards to the garden, unfortunately when we bought it, it was so overgrown we had to have 28 trees cut down and clear everything except trees with TPO's, give me a few years and I promise I will start to make it look like a garden again! Still renovating the house....its taking some time!! Two years in, hopefully be finished by the end of this year.
98) Caroline Smith
Location:
Sandgate
Tuesday, 7 March 2017 23:58 Write a comment
I have recently moved to Sandgate, into a house called Leas Crag, Radnor Cliff Crescent. Have been trying to find out some history on it but can't find anything other than it was built by Otto Marx in the early 1930's.
My house runs along the footpath; ending from Radnor Cliff Crescent up to The Leas. Its the footpath where the old tram used to run from Sandgate Hill which closed around the end of the second world war if that helps.
Be great if anyone has any history for me.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 8 March 2017 05:46
A good place to start is with the Deeds of your property. Leas Crag was built for Alderman R.G. Wood, sometime Mayor of Folkestone. He was, ex officio, a Justice of the Peace and the proprietor of a Gents' Outfitters at the top end of Tontine Street.
The house was built in the southwest corner of a Sports Ground stretching all the way to the Metropole. It incorporated a nine-hole golf course. The railway ran from the end of the Leas on the opposite side of the path. The bridge abutments on Radnor Cliff Crescent are still in situ.
All I can find out from the local paper is that he had trouble with the heron visiting the pond at the bottom of your garden. From personal memory I believe that the property may have offered residential accommodation to elderly people in the early 70s.
Christine- website owner Wednesday, 8 March 2017 08:35
That's great Paul, I had nothing on that house. Seems to me I remember R.G. Wood, and the shop, do you know the years he was in office? I was looking at the area on Google Street View yesterday, and was looking closely at those abutments, they almost look like castle walls. I didn't know that the railway had gone across a bridge there. I love days when I learn more about my home town - thank you, and thank you Caroline for asking the question.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 8 March 2017 11:47
R G Wood - Mayor of Folkestone 1935-41, followed by George Gurr. I should have made clear that the Sports Ground had the Golf Course and not the house! The course was roughly where Cliff Road is now. Good pix on Britain from Above.
Christine Wednesday, 8 March 2017 12:12
Oh, then I don't remember him, I am not quite that old! smile I have come across his name many times though.
caroline smith Thursday, 9 March 2017 16:15
I am so delighted that you have some news on my house, thats the first bit of information that I have managed to receive! My husband is delighted, yet sad that there was a golf course at the rear of the house, but not longer there!! Have tried to find deeds but they no longer exist. Also, there is a strange concrete bunker about four feet to the side of the house, have asked structural engineers, architects, the council, we are all bemused, even a friend of mine who is very interested in strange structures......no one can work it out! Be great if anyone has any ideas, almost looks like a pigsty but walls are very thick and have a ramp leading up to the?? Am so delighted that I have heard back from you, thank you so so much!!
Christine Thursday, 9 March 2017 22:29
I believe Wood Avenue was named after R G Wood wasn't it Paul?
No idea about the bunker, does it have a top on it? Is it big enough for people to get inside? Wondering if he had his own air raid shelter built.
caroline smith Friday, 10 March 2017 11:17
HI Christine, Yes, the bunker/pigsty has a roof, and room for about ten people, so long as they crouch down! I absolutely love this site, both you and Paul have been so helpful, I finally have some history for the house! Thank you, be great if there is any more info out there!
Christine Friday, 10 March 2017 13:24
I was browsing E-bay on the off chance there might be an old photo of your house, and found this, dated 1930. Unfortunately, the photo is sold, and the listing ended, but this is probably how it looked when first built, I imagine the garden looks a lot nicer these days with maturity. It looks to be a beautiful home, I am very envious of you Caroline! smile
Christine Friday, 10 March 2017 13:32
Looking again at that listing, it appears the photo didn't sell, so if you are interested, you might still be able to buy it if you contact the seller. The listing is here: [www.ebay.co.uk]
caroline smith Friday, 10 March 2017 14:02
caroline smith 11 minutes ago
I did see the ebay photo, but it was after the sale had ended, contacted the seller to see if I could buy it as it was unsold but didn't hear back, which is a shame. With regards to the garden, unfortunately when we bought it, it was so overgrown we had to have 28 trees cut down and clear everything except trees with TPO's, give me a few years and I promise I will start to make it look like a garden again! Still renovating the house....its taking some time!! Two years in, hopefully be finished by the end of this year
Paul Seward Sunday, 12 March 2017 16:40
Wood Avenue indeed named after Alderman R.G. Wood in a similar gesture as George Gurr Crescent, Penfold Road and others. I'm very interested in Caroline's mention of a bunker as I know that there is a similar construction not far away. More anon on that one.
Paul Seward Friday, 17 March 2017 13:07
Having visited the bunker I reckon that it is an air raid shelter. It has a six-inch thick concrete roof, with the entrance facing the house. Being built on sloping ground, Leas Crag was probably not suitable for an Anderson. The construction close by has been blocked off but I have arranged with the owner to open it up again at some stage. It is boarded up at the end but the accessible sides are constructed of railway sleeper interspersed with brick, so probably another homemade shelter.
Christine Friday, 17 March 2017 13:25
Thank you for checking this Paul, it's so nice to be proved right! lol
Nicola dyos Wednesday, 14 February 2018 01:37
Hi leas crag was owned by my great aunt Mrs Lena
Leducq my mum has very fond memories of Holiday there I believe i might have some pictures of it somewhere I will find them and post to you
Pat Saturday, 24 February 2024 11:55
Hi Nicola. Was your great aunt Lena Leducq married to Alphonse Louis Leivin August Leducq? Her maiden name would have been McCarthy. If so her father was my great uncle.
97) David Connolly Male
Location:
Canberra Australia
Tuesday, 7 March 2017 03:35 Write a comment
Greetings from sunny Canberra in Australia. My connection with Folkestone started in 1956 when my family moved to Cheriton (RMA) from Australia. I attended Sir John Moore Primary School and benefitted greatly from the dedicated teachers like Mrs Clayton, Ms Hollis and Mr Elsemore. Two of my siblings and their families remain residents in the area. After leaving Primary School in 1961, I attended Brockhill CSS in Saltwood until 1966. I have many fond memories of this school especially travelling to school by steam train from Folkestone West to Sandling. Jack Setterfield was the Principal at the time. (more memories to follow).
Christopher Jack Cooper Sunday, 2 July 2017 17:28
My grandfather was Jack Setterfield! Thought you might be interested.
Michael - Canada Monday, 19 November 2018 13:32
I attended Brockhill CSS from 1954 until 1960. Jack Setterfield was Principal. Mr. Dalton was Vice Principal. Sam Biggs was gardening teacher, and Bill White was music teacher. A wonderful school! Great fun learning.
David Connolly Tuesday, 28 May 2019 06:22
Thanks for the post Christopher. Your Grandfather (Jack Setterfield) was the heart and sole of Brockhill. I have fond memories of him, not only as the Principal, but as Captain of the Army Cadet Unit.
96) Linda Allen Female
Location:
East Sussex
Wednesday, 1 March 2017 04:25 Write a comment
Looking at the photos, have realised that dad's best friend was Ted Sellen, son of Jesse.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 1 March 2017 11:26
No doubt you've been on GSV, where, at No. 67 Canterbury Road, the painted advert is still visible (just)
Tim Sharp Friday, 19 May 2017 14:54
Hi ,
I am Ted Sellens Grandson, been back in Folkestone for 30+ years now
95) Linda Allen Female
Location:
East Sussex
Wednesday, 1 March 2017 04:19 Write a comment
loved your website. brought back so many happy memories. My dad, Henry Herbert Thomas Allen, was born and raised in Folkestone and was head boy at Sidney Street School (lived next door). His best friend was Jesse Sellen, the butcher, and we would visit him when we came to Folkestone to stay with my aunt in Ingoldsby Road each year. I was actually searching for a photo or reference to the Pavilion laundry where my nan worked when I discovered your wonderful site.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 1 March 2017 11:40
Hi Linda
The demolition of the old Pavilion Laundry, in later years called the Reliance, reminds us of the time when the Royal Pavilion Hotel was owned by the South Eastern Railway. The laundry was exclusively devoted to the washing from the hotel, and this gave employment considerable number of hands. Hereabouts, too, were the Pavilion Gardens where vegetables and flowers were also grown for the hotel use. The Pavilion piggeries models of cleanliness were also included in this area. These members of the porcine breed served double purpose in the fact that they gobbled the hotel 'wash'(sic) together with an added supply of barley meal, with the result the Pavilion Hotel could boast that the pork supplied its customers was fed and bred its own farm. The land on which the laundry and the gardens stood at one time to the South Eastern Railway. This was, in later years, acquired by a syndicate who erected on part of the site Watkin, Russell and Bonsor roads, after three successive chairmen, viz., the late Sir Edward Watkin, Sir George Russell, and Mr. Cosmo Bonsor. The old Pent stream meandered, too, through here. There was plenitude of foliage, a pretty little cottage and a rustic bridge filled in the picture. This all belongs to the past, but the names have mentioned, together with Pavilion Road, perpetuate the connection with the South Eastern Railway and the hotel.
Christine - site owner Friday, 6 October 2017 12:07
Hi Paul
Do you know if there are any drawings or paintings in existence of the Pavilion Gardens? I have heard of them before, but never seen them.
p.s. I now have a couple of photos of the Winter Gardens, Pavilion Hotel on the Hotels first page.
94) Penny Ansell Female
Location:
Yorkshire
Wednesday, 22 February 2017 09:30 Write a comment
Does any one remember going to TOFTS for dancing and listening to bands in the 60's We used to get really good ones there Like Geno Washington, Georgie Fame etc.,
Ruth Clampitt Tuesday, 28 February 2017 09:10
Yes every Friday and Sunday, Saturdays usually went to the Leas Cliff Hall. Saw Rufus Thomas at Gifts, great memories.
JAYNE L WATSON Saturday, 11 March 2017 14:48
I remember Tofts well, Fridays and Sundays, sure I saw T Rex there once. Saturdays the Leas, Amen Corner!!
Jean Friday, 6 October 2017 08:32
My husband Keith was in the resident band, The Playboys. Remember the gigs you mention very well. Doris Toft would have had a fit if she had known we were drinking vodka in the dressing room.
Susan Saturday, 27 January 2018 07:15
Yes I was a regular 'up' Tofts. But my last bus home was 10.30 so I think I missed the best bits. How innocent it all was, no alcohol, maybe a purple heart or two, but I never saw them.
93) Roger Joyce Male
Friday, 27 January 2017 03:40 Write a comment
does anyone have any pictures of 8-10 Trinity Crescent - the old Meyrick court Hotel?
Paul Seward Friday, 27 January 2017 16:40
Hi Roger
I believe Danny Hallett is still in town - he should be able to help you.
Christine - Site owner Saturday, 8 August 2020 12:37
Hi Roger, I have now found an artist's impression of the Meyrick Court Hotel, and have placed it on Page 2 of the Hotels section.
92) Evan Owen Male
Location:
Welsh Wales
Monday, 9 January 2017 11:12 Write a comment
I saw the photos of Queen Alexandra House in Earls Avenue, Folkestone.I was wondering if anyone has any old pics of 24-26 Earls Avenue.
Paul Seward Tuesday, 17 January 2017 10:12
A much better angle on this one
[www.britainfromabove.org.uk]
Note how every available open space has a tennis court or two!
91) Tony Carr Male
Friday, 23 December 2016 07:59 Write a comment
I think the car being hoisted onto or off a boat in the harbour was crossing on the Autocarrier. As far as I remember it just carried cars and presumably their drivers - it was rather small compared with the ferries but there probably wasn't much motor traffic. My father was CID officer on the harbour 1946-51. One day when I was perhaps 8 yrs old my father and I were on the Canterbury and he was chatting to the captain I noticed we were moving and that was my first trip to Boulogne. I remember the harbour there still in ruins.
Paul Seward Friday, 23 December 2016 11:31
I'm sure you're right, Tony. One day the rope broke, depositing the vehicle unceremoniously onto the quayside. The Monte Carlo Rally cars used to call into Autopilots for a quick service before going over.
Paul Seward Thursday, 12 January 2017 15:34
Best available is at
[www.britainfromabove.org.uk]
zoom in to see the properties in 1931.
90) Michael Ford Male
Location:
Sydney , Australia
Sunday, 18 December 2016 22:33 Write a comment
Our family owned and operated the Devonshire Hotel from 1958 to 1962, Leslie & Marjorie Ford my parents arrived from Australia late 1957. Our neighbours were the Rockett family next door including their labrador dog who I used to play with.I have fond memories of the High St.and the coffee bars including Mick who owned El Toredo's, Acropolis (Archie), Morellis, That cinema at the top of the High St(we used to sneak in for free), camping at the Warren, dancing at Toffs Jazz Club, I also used to work on the cross channel ferries across the road during the school holidays, which was fun. I could go on! but it would take too long. Its a Great resource you have created and I will drop in again.
barry sands Friday, 5 April 2019 11:50
Mick, remember those days well, great times,fond memories, Now 76, same wife Sue, 2 children, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, living back near Folkestone. regards Barry Sands your old mate.
89) Ian Tyler Male
Location:
Hythe
Tuesday, 6 December 2016 15:04 Write a comment
Folkestone rock pool
I knew the rock pool well as I swam there from 1957 until 1964 Ish with Folkestone swimming club. Sam Rockett trained me to swim the channel but Life moved on and never achieved my goal. I knew Janet Rockett more than her brother as we did life saving training in winter on the wooden floor. I have a photo of Folkestone swimming club in the rock pool from the newspaper about late 50's
John C Tuesday, 11 April 2023 12:02
Did you do a bit of water skiing as well Ian?
88) Ian Tyler Male
Location:
Hythe
Tuesday, 6 December 2016 15:03 Write a comment
Folkestone rock pool
I knew the rock pool well as I swam there from 1957 until 1964 Ish with Folkestone swimming club. Sam Rockett trained me to swim the channel but Life moved on and never achieved my goal. I knew Janet Rockett more than her brother as we did life saving training in winter on the wooden floor. I have a photo of Folkestone swimming club in the rock pool from the newspaper about late 50's
Penny Ansell Wednesday, 22 February 2017 09:14
Hi Ian, I have just seen your reply to my question about the rock pool. I would love to see the photo that you have if possible. You can email me at penansell@gmail.com
87) Steven West Male
Location:
Plymouth, Devon, UK
Tuesday, 6 December 2016 06:42 Write a comment
I was born 200 yards from the Clifftop Cafe in Capel, so some fond memories of running up and down the Warren as a kid when visiting grandparents. My father used to work at the cafe when it was owned by a man called Vic and tells of going up and down the warren daily, selling ice creams on the beach. Used to be a very busy place. There are two cave like areas in the cliffs, off the paths, that were gun placements in WW2 and these are not too far below the cafe, but no doubt now overgrown. Its been years since I have walked down there, but am there this Christmas so may go down and have a look.....
86) Steven West Male
Location:
Plymouth, Devon, UK
Tuesday, 6 December 2016 06:42 Write a comment
I was born 200 yards from the Clifftop Cafe in Capel, so some fond memories of running up and down the Warren as a kid when visiting grandparents. My father used to work at the cafe when it was owned by a man called Vic and tells of going up and down the warren daily, selling ice creams on the beach. Used to be a very busy place. There are two cave like areas in the cliffs, off the paths, that were gun placements in WW2 and these are not too far below the cafe, but no doubt now overgrown. Its been years since I have walked down there, but am there this Christmas so may go down and have a look.....
85) Peter White Male
Location:
Hythe
Wednesday, 30 November 2016 04:49 Write a comment
I wonder if you were a schoolgirl when living in Court-at-Street in the late 1950s early 1960s? When I worked at a grit factory in Aldington I would ride my blue Norton motorbike through Lympne then past the Welcome Stranger where quite a few school children would be waiting for the school bus. I am sorry to admit I used to ride as fast as possible past the waiting children in order to show off. I never gave a thought to any danger to the children so if you were one of those children I apologise most sincerely.
Christine- website owner Thursday, 1 December 2016 20:04
Ha ha, that's funny. It wasn't me though, I didn't ever catch the bus from there, I used to ride my bike to Newingreen, leave it in the garage there, and catch the bus into Folkestone for school.
82) Alan Blackman Male
Location:
Kansas City USA
Saturday, 26 November 2016 15:14 Write a comment
Firstly - fantastic site. Spent hours pouring over the photos and stories.
I lived in Hawkinge and attended Harvey from 1971- 1976
Our house backed onto the aerodrome as it was. Many happy memories of discovering new treasures buried out there. Attended more than one dig when we uncovered such beauties as ME 109's
Amazing times!
Worked down the Old High Street growing up firstly in the Joke Shop demonstrating the latest tricks, then for Ray H? Engraving ID bracelets in the shop window and selling mugs with people names on to the tourists. Got in the newspaper the day the 2nd world war shop next door caught fire and we had to douse the wallets on the inside of our shop on the top floor to stop it from burning too !!
Happy days !!
81) Trevor Male
Location:
Gravesend
Tuesday, 27 September 2016 10:49 Write a comment
Just been reminiscing over the pictures of Moyle Tower on the seafront in Hythe. In the late 60's our school took over the place three years running for a week in May. A creepy old place, with drafty cabins in the gardens decked out with unstable bunk beds. Strange tasting cocoa before bed each night. Great times.
80) Kai Male
Location:
Capel-le-Ferne
Thursday, 18 August 2016 15:07 Write a comment
I'm sure The Roach Pond was so named because it contained lots of Roach fish Rutilus Rutilus.
I used to fish a lot there as a kid. It's a shames it's all but gone.
Christine - website owner Thursday, 18 August 2016 23:05
Thank you Kai, that would make perfect sense. I am surprised though, because I always assumed the pond would have been salt water, being so close to the sea, but I guess it couldn't have been if it had Roach in it.
Come to think of it though, I have a photo of cattle drinking from it, so yes, it must have been fresh water.
Thanks again for the information.
79) Pam Female
Location:
Sussex
Wednesday, 27 July 2016 11:05 Write a comment
Cameron Macintosh has staged a new version of 'Half a sixpence' at Chichester festival theatre , its set in Folkestone and uses many of its location on stage and many of the lyrics use places in and around Folkestone , being set in Edwardian times it made me think of this site and its many past photos , I'm sure it will transfer to the west end its a must see.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 27 July 2016 15:27
It is based on H.G. Wells's novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul. Steele plays Arthur Kipps, an orphan who unexpectedly inherits a fortune, and climbs the social ladder before losing everything and realizing that you just can't buy happiness. Wells drew on his knowledge of the locality while living at Sandgate.
78) Sue May
Monday, 25 July 2016 20:55 Write a comment
I went to Folkestone Girls Grammar School back in the 60s as a boarder, first at Westbourne House, which was part of the Technical College as there was no room in the Grammar School boarding house. The Tech. school needed the beds for tech. girls, so we then went to The White House in Wellington Place in Sandgate, now demolished and was closed down in a hurry as we were studying for our O levels. The 8 boarders were then moved to Clewer House in Coolinge Lane, where I finished my schooling.
As sixth formers we were allowed to go into some of the coffee bars in town. One was Morrellis, the other we frequented was The Acropolis in The Old High Street. The latter was run by a Greek family and a number of Greek students who were learning English at a local college used to go there and play backgammon or tavli as they called it.
I wondered whatever happened to The Acropolis and when it was closed? I do recall that one of the sons (was he called Archie or Andy?) used to drive a white E-type jaguar, which was very impressive back then. Does anyone else recall these details at all?
Paul Seward Tuesday, 26 July 2016 12:01
I remember those times well, Sue. Mr. & Mrs. Sambucci and their son Tony at Morelli's Sadly Mrs. S. died just a few weeks ago. Slightly surprised that you were allowed to frequent the Acropolis but maybe you did not go up to the first floor! Seemed to be a very dark disco up there where local lads such as the Brunts, Shrubsole et al would take the Swedish girls who came over to learn English. Archie had the E-Type, not sure what, if any, wheels his brother Andy had. Once we were old enough, we graduated to the Lion in the Bayle but still used to call in after closing time to see Archie's father, George, who made a mean salad roll and was a very understanding host. Happy days!
Susan Saturday, 27 January 2018 07:21
I went out with Archie for a while, very young, that's how he liked them! 16 I think. He had a blue MGB at that time. My dad was not impressed and hooked me out of there one night. Most embarrassing. I went upstairs and remember Tony Brunt and Pete someone. All rather innocent compared to today.
77) christine smith Female
Location:
spain
Monday, 25 July 2016 05:45 Write a comment
Hello Mark, glad to hear from you again. I did leave you a reply somewhere but not being an expert at this type of communication it got lost and I saw later that you thought I hadn´t posted again.... I see you have investigated this and probably a lot of other cases. Isee you have been to her grave in Horn Street. I can´t imagine the state it must be in. Mum and I used to go regularlyl when I was a young girl. Mum had grown up in Somerset Road and as a single girl was known as Kathy Hood. Her father had trained the Folkestone F.C at some time and was known as Sammy. Before the accident they has been evacuees with family in Gloucester. They hadn´t been back long lbefore it happened. Thanks for giving your time. Look forward to lfurther postings and hopefully Janine witll have first hadn information for us....
76) christine smith Female
Location:
spain
Monday, 18 July 2016 15:00 Write a comment
hello Christine,
Have just seen a very interesting message from Janine and also Mark but allthough I wrote a reply commenting on the fatal accident involving my half sister I see that it hasn´t been published although I thought I had filled in the message reply box correctly. Janine is the niece of two of the victims of the hand grenade and I would love to make a connection with her. Can you help?
Christine Smith Monday, 18 July 2016 15:14
Hello Janine, I ansered your post but it must have got lost as it didnt come up. Hopefully this will come up and you will see it. I have always wanted to know more about what happened that fateful day and it is only recently I was able to read a press cutting reporting the inquest and learnt more details. Patsy the little girl was my half sister and had just had her 5th birthday a couple of months before. She also had a twin brother. Their father had been killed in Egypt two years before......Are you auntie and uncle still alive? I would like to hear all they ever told you about that fateful day. Thanks a lot for your post..
Mark Hourahane Wednesday, 20 July 2016 15:45
Hi Christine,
Nice to see you back on the site - we thought we'd lost you with the unfortunate situation on the old guestbook! I know you had requested to be put in touch with me last year - sadly I was abroad and the message got lost amongst a lot of junk mail - sorry about that!
If you send Christine an e-mail (her address is on the main home page at the bottom), I'm sure she has Janine's e-mail address and can put you in touch.
If you ask her to put us in contact, too, I located Patsy's grave and would love to talk to you further about that.
75) Janine Female
Location:
Dorking Surrey
Thursday, 7 July 2016 16:27 Write a comment
I discovered your site by sheer luck, I was searching for an incident in Cheriton in which my uncle, my auntie and an unknown little girl found and played with an unexploded bomb during WW2. I think it would have happen in Somerset Road. Sadly I understand the little girl was killed and my auntie had serious injuries. My uncle was luckier and was ok. My mother, a Kirkham, was born in 1920 in the hospital on Military Hill growing up in Cheriton, the family moving from Stanley Rd to Somerset Rd to Ashley Ave. She was one of eight children. My parents met when my father was stationed at Shorncliffe in 1938. My grandmother finally settled in Cheriton High Street, a few doors up from a little food shop run by sisters, known I think as Spelzines. It was by the pedestrian bridge over the railway. Cheriton was my second home and I have so many happy memories of spending time with my Nana. Going shopping with her being just one...... now who remembers the massive bunch of bananas that hung in the greengrocers near the junction with Risborough Ln. Happy days.
Mark Hourahane Monday, 18 July 2016 08:50
Hi Janine,
I have information and articles on this incident as the little girl's step-sister has been on this very board asking! Sadly, we haven't been able to get in contact with her as yet.
The boy who had the mortar, David Wise, lost a foot. Kathleen Patricia Donoghue died. It did not happen in Somerset Road - Kathleen lived there but went to play in Ashley Avenue.
If you would like to get in touch with Christine (her e-mail is on the homepage), she can put us in touch.
74) Penny Ansell Female
Location:
Yorkshire
Wednesday, 25 May 2016 06:14 Write a comment
Does any one remember the Brevit/Brevet Club ?
P{aul Seward Sunday, 29 May 2016 15:23
In the basement of the Folkestone Hotel on the corner of Bouverie Road/Castle Hill Avenue. Never patronised it myself as I thought it was for seasoned drinkers. Tell me I'm wrong!
penny ansell Tuesday, 31 May 2016 09:03
My friends Mum and Dad owned it and we used it as a meeting place I don't remember seeing any seasoned drinkers though
Patrick O'Connor (Paddy) Tuesday, 21 February 2017 07:43
When I used the Brevet club in the 1960s, it was owned/run by Bob Lilley who'd been the second RSM of the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS). He'd been with the original 'L' troop under David Stirling when it was formed in 1941 and only when really pushed, would describe his wartime experiences.
Penny Ansell Wednesday, 22 February 2017 09:22
I am trying to find Janice Lilley, His daughter. She married a chap from Switzerland I think but can't remember his surname , Any idea.
Andi Monday, 2 May 2022 13:17
At Bob's funeral 4 black suited men arrived and disappeared directly afterwards.
73) penny ansell Female
Location:
Yorkshire
Wednesday, 25 May 2016 03:15 Write a comment
Does any one know the where abouts of Jerry Rocket. His dad and Mum ran the indoor swimming pool. We were teenagers together.
He had a lambretta and we went all over on it.
Love this sight, so much info THANKYOU
72) Barry Taylor Male
Location:
Whangamata, New Zealand
Tuesday, 24 May 2016 16:38 Write a comment
Kiaora
Have just found your brilliant website while digging around finding what I could about the Imperial Off Licence in Ashley Avenue which in the 1950s and very early 60s was run by my grandfather, Percy Taylor.
I was born and brought up in Downs Road, attended Mundella, then St. Eanswythes under Mr Williams I think, then Harvey. Emigrated to NZ after Uni.
How the place has changed in a mere 60 years! Looking back I think us kids of that generation were very lucky with the environment we had - the hills, the seafronts - how terrible the old front under the Leas looked the last time I was back- the sprung floor in the Leas Cliff Hall where you shoot people in the air with a bit of cooperation!
Will be making the last return this year- it's a long way!
penny ansell Wednesday, 25 May 2016 03:08
Hi Barry, Yes we were very lucky to grow up in Folkestone. I lived in Dover Road until I got married in 1971. I love to go back. Enjoy your forth coming trip
Jan Pedersen Thursday, 21 July 2016 06:51
Hi, Barry,
You may find the bits on my blog interesting
[evenmoretales.blogspot.co.uk]
71) Penny Ansell Female
Location:
Yorkshire
Friday, 20 May 2016 11:18 Write a comment
Has any one any pictures of the Marina Rock pool.I was bought up in Folkestone and used to go there all the time. I know it was demolished in 1966
Christine - website owner Friday, 20 May 2016 16:50
Hi Penny, do you mean the Marina Indoor Swimming Pool? I have never heard of it being called the Marina Rock Pool. Only other name it has had as far as I know, is The Bathing Establishment - this was in Edwardian times. You will find it on several of the cards on this page: [www.warrenpress.net]
penny ansell Saturday, 21 May 2016 11:59
Thanks for the reply Christine .. Yes I do mean the indoor one but we used to call it the rock pool because of its look. I swam in it every day It had another pool under the dance floor I think to. It was photo's of the inside that I was interested in seeing. But I will have another look at the cards.Thankyou any way I love your site by the way.
ian murton Saturday, 21 May 2016 15:01
Hi Penny it was certainly called the Marina Rock pool, and was run by Sam Rockett and his wife, as a member of the swimming club many happy nights spent there.
Christine- site owner Saturday, 21 May 2016 16:59
Well I have learned something new today! I don't have any photos of the inside, so if anyone reading this has any, I would love to receive a scan to add to the page please.
penny ansell Sunday, 22 May 2016 09:06
Hi Ian, We must have been members of the same club then. I was coached by a chap from Dover but can not remember his name
I would have gone there right up until it was closed. A very sad day. I knew Sam Rocket and his son, Jerry and I were friends. I am 68 now how about you? Best wishes Penny
Barry Taylor Tuesday, 24 May 2016 16:14
Hi all
Certainly remember the Rock Pool. I was a pupil at St. Eanswythes mid 50s, we used to swim there in the months when the outdoor pool was closed. Never forget the smell of chlorine! I remember Sam, an I think I went to school either at primary or Harvey with Jerry. Also now 68, memory is slightly hazy! (Kiwi since 1971)
Barry Allsworth Monday, 15 August 2016 16:37
Many memories as a family in the 50's of using the 'Indoor Pool' as we called it.
Sam Rocket was a Channel swimmer who was a friend of my father and let him use it himself for training. Being about 25 metres long must have been tedious for long distance training.
Hillside Sec Mod also used it for swimming lessons and I also remember using it for winter repairs to Folkestone Yacht Club boats.
Jerry Rockett was one of the founders of the Redoubt Sailing Club in Hythe and he became World Champion in Solo class yacht.
ricky flood Tuesday, 5 February 2019 05:35
ricky flood we used to train in the rock pool for water polo by bill Floyd police officer we were allowed to use it by sam rocket after public hours we would collect key from his hotel just down the road got into trouble several times for breaking viewing glass several times rick flood doug pilcher alan barnet colin pilcher peter Hand#@*%! micky rickwood several others best team in south east Folkestone swimming club as apposed to pool club jim roland used it for sub aqua
70) J evans
Sunday, 1 May 2016 18:11 Write a comment
I was very interested in the memories of Princes Hotel. My grandmother was a resident in the 1950s and 60s and we used to spend a week there every school holidays. Major Beaumont was indeed the son-in-law of the lady owner, a Mrs Bladon. Although the hotel had casual guests, there was a core of elderly and rather grand residents. As a child I had to greet them all by name....good morning Miss Aisher, Good morning Mrs Holland Walker, Good morning Sir Harold etc. The set up was ideal for old people. The day started with early morning tea in one's bed room, all meals were provided in the dining room (tea in the lounge) and you could also entertain. My grandmother used to give regular bridge parties for her friends. She could also have her children and grandchildren to stay whenever she wanted. If she was unwell, meals were brought up on a tray. It all sounds very grand, but in fact the hotel was a little shabby and her room did not even have a private bath. She had to go to the loo down the hall and, if she wanted a bath, go down the corridor in her dressing gown. I have no idea how much it cost, but she was not super-rich and she could comfortably afford it. Mercifully she died before it was pulled down in 1977 (?), but I did hear that one of the reasons it was demolished was because the building was so old-fashioned, it was impossible to bring the plumbing up to modern standards.
CHRIS McNAIR Tuesday, 3 May 2016 14:41
4/5/2016
Your observation that the Princes Hotel was full of old people confirms my memories . The staff below stairs spoke of them as such.I can recall trays being being made up for the bedrooms . In my later life I have stayed in many Hotels and now realise that what was missing was the buzz and urgency of guests arriving and leaving.
I can confirm that the plumbing was archaic in the staff area with sacks of vegetables stacked in the hallway outside the showers.
I remember noteing that all the windows of the basement staff bedrooms had iron bars and that there was only one exit to go upstairs.
Mrs Bladon was indeed the owner.
Somehow my original contact with this site has gone half missing so I do not know if there have been any other replies
CHRIS McNAIR Tuesday, 3 May 2016 14:41
4/5/2016
Your observation that the Princes Hotel was full of old people confirms my memories . The staff below stairs spoke of them as such.I can recall trays being being made up for the bedrooms . In my later life I have stayed in many Hotels and now realise that what was missing was the buzz and urgency of guests arriving and leaving.
I can confirm that the plumbing was archaic in the staff area with sacks of vegetables stacked in the hallway outside the showers.
I remember noteing that all the windows of the basement staff bedrooms had iron bars and that there was only one exit to go upstairs.
Mrs Bladon was indeed the owner.
Somehow my original contact with this site has gone half missing so I do not know if there have been any other replies
69) J evans
Sunday, 1 May 2016 18:10 Write a comment
I was very interested in the memories of Princes Hotel. My grandmother was a resident in the 1950s and 60s and we used to spend a week there every school holidays. Major Beaumont was indeed the son-in-law of the lady owner, a Mrs Bladon. Although the hotel had casual guests, there was a core of elderly and rather grand residents. As a child I had to greet them all by name....good morning Miss Aisher, Good morning Mrs Holland Walker, Good morning Sir Harold etc. The set up was ideal for old people. The day started with early morning tea in one's bed room, all meals were provided in the dining room (tea in the lounge) and you could also entertain. My grandmother used to give regular bridge parties for her friends. She could also have her children and grandchildren to stay whenever she wanted. If she was unwell, meals were brought up on a tray. It all sounds very grand, but in fact the hotel was a little shabby and her room did not even have a private bath. She had to go to the loo down the hall and, if she wanted a bath, go down the corridor in her dressing gown. I have no idea how much it cost, but she was not super-rich and she could comfortably afford it. Mercifully she died before it was pulled down in 1977 (?), but I did hear that one of the reasons it was demolished was because the building was so old-fashioned, it was impossible to bring the plumbing up to modern standards.
68) Becky Female
Location:
Sandgate
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 14:45 Write a comment
Hi. I was wondering if anyone may be able to help identify some random Sandgate structures.
For the first time since i was a kid i walked from Chichester woods across the top of sandgate, past the 2 martello towers, and down through the woods that come out onto Encombe.
When coming down the woods there are 2 strange things. The first is a concrete sunken horseshoe seat about halfway down. Even as a kid i wondered who would have built it and why it was there. Then at the bottom just before you begin the little muddy path that leads out behind the houses there are some grand concrete steps that lead up to a curved wall, with a cove built in, that looks like there should be a statue there.
Was there a grand residence there once? Does anyone have any info on this? Even if there was, the horseshoe is still really far up into the woods.
Thankyou
Paul Seward Tuesday, 12 April 2016 15:59
[www.britainfromabove.org.uk]
Try this link and zoom in for a good shot of the original Encombe House. For the history call in at the Sandgate Society (Old Fire Station) on a Saturday morning.
Paul Seward Tuesday, 12 April 2016 15:59
[www.britainfromabove.org.uk]
Try this link and zoom in for a good shot of the original Encombe House. For the history call in at the Sandgate Society (Old Fire Station) on a Saturday morning.
Becky Wednesday, 13 April 2016 09:37
Excellent. Thanks ever so much
67) DAVID DALE Male
Location:
United Kingdom
Tuesday, 12 April 2016 09:10 Write a comment
lived as a youngster in and around Folkestone Initially at a small hamlet known as Shuttlesfield until my grandparents who I lived with died when I was thirteen, then I moved into Folkestone beginning with several addresses. My primary school was at Hawkinge, but I was at Morehall secondary school between 1956 and 1959, and my first job was in the Clifton Hotel. So your photos of the Warren was well enjoyed with many memories.I can relate more later.
66) chris cutting Male
Location:
folkestone
Wednesday, 30 March 2016 18:19 Write a comment
born and bred 45yrs in the town and know the rotunda very well worked on the fairground many a season
those were the day's you could not move for the amount of people down there when the sunday market was open in the summer months plus summer school holidays plus i can remember the boats on the boating pool and just about remember the out door swimming pool as well
this is what made folkestone
know look at that part of the seafront it is a total mess this town has gone down hill in the last 30yrs plus it will never be the same as it was
so much for progress
65) Simon Godwin Male
Location:
Deal
Tuesday, 1 March 2016 08:16 Write a comment
Do you have any memories of Westbrook House School (1947 - 1968) and the teachers and pupils. The school, itself is sadly derelict now and the website is slowly going that way. I'm compiling a book on the history of the school and the family that founded it. Any memories, pics, documents would be gratefully received.
Neal Tuesday, 7 June 2016 10:45
Hi Simon, Yes I am sure I could compile some. I was there 63 - 70 let me know what you want.
Simon Tuesday, 19 June 2018 04:58
Neal who? Please email me.
64) graham cann Male
Location:
lancashire
Tuesday, 23 February 2016 12:29 Write a comment
hi.not been to folkestone for donkys years.i went to morehall in the 70s and later on hung out with the lads from school
drinking at the sherry gardens pub.the nail box pub and the morehall pub all in cheriton.whats it like down there now
Christine - site owner Tuesday, 1 March 2016 08:44
Hi Graham, things have changed in Folkestone, especially the pubs. The Morehall is currently being turned into flats. The Cherry Pickers (that I think you mean when you say Sherry Gardens) is closed following a fire, and will never be a pub again. Last I heard, the Nailbox was still open, but I stand to be corrected on that.
grahamcann Friday, 9 July 2021 16:44
thanks.replys are very slow on this site
63) nigel griggs Male
Location:
hythe
Sunday, 7 February 2016 17:13 Write a comment
The house where as we use t know her as old ma Sheridan still does exist it is the first older house to the left of your arrow, also picture outside stadecourt hotel is my dad, brother, girl Ext door and me leaning on the railings. I have a lot of jack Adams photographs of Hythe if you are interested.
62) Ron Lynch Male
Location:
Wilts
Friday, 29 January 2016 10:06 Write a comment
What an interesting website.I am writing my memoirs for my family. My childhood was spent in Folkestone in the 1930's. I have written about the gasworks but can't remember which street it was in. I went to StMarys School and Harvey Grammar until evacuated. My grandparents lived in a small terraced house in Sandgate with a family of 11 or 12. Other grandparents with about 8 in an even smaller house in Hythe.
Georege.Hills Saturday, 30 January 2016 09:52
Hi the gas works was in Ship street.
61) Daphne Jay Female
Location:
Glemsford Suffolk
Thursday, 28 January 2016 09:25 Write a comment
Thanks for the lovely site.
Hello my name is Daphne Jay (nee Marsh).I was born at 12. Kent Road Cheriton, in 1948.
My mother was born at 2 Princess Street Folkestone in 1921.My mum is still fit and well and living in Norwich, at 95 years old.
A few memories from my mum, Ivy Olive Marsh (nee Marsh) yes that is right, same name.When mum was 9 years old the family moved to The Alexandra Tavern in Bridge Street. Richard Marsh, mum's father took over as licensee from his father.Mum can remember her Grandfather George Ames being caretaker at the smallpox Hospital, Crete Road, the entrance was half way up Dover Road. Does anyone else remember this Hospital? Has anyone any photo's? When was the Hospital demolished? Mum attended Mundella and George Spurgen School. Has anyone any photo's of 1920's? Mum had some but were lost in the bombings.When mum left school she worked as a mothers help, looking after two little girls a Jacqueline and Susan Noble, anyone know their whereabouts? It's lovely hearing mums tales of her beloved Folkestone. If anyone has questions about 1920's to 1940's she is sure to have the answers.Thanks Daphne Jay.
Alan Hall Thursday, 30 August 2018 10:15
Smallpox hospital, Crete Road: Yes, I remember it - not that I was ever an inmate! (Why do I seem to have a memory that it had a red roof - or something?)
You mention a Susan Noble. Was that person ever related to a certain Claude Noble, (a Folkestone resident) who married a lady called Katherine (usually known as 'Kath')? She was an aunt of mine.
Daphne Jay Monday, 29 October 2018 13:56
Hi Alan,Susan Nobles father was a Leslie and his wife was Marion. Leslie went to grammer school and really good at hockey.They lived in Sandgate Road opposite Trinity Church. Leslie was shot down while flying with the air force. Leslie's father was an insurance man and Leslie's mother's father was an editor with a London newspaper.My mum is now 97 years and still remembers all this.Mum cannot remember if the smallpox hospital had a red roof though.
Michelle T. Wednesday, 11 August 2021 18:28
A couple of years ago (through a DNA test), I found that I am a relative of the Noble family from Folkestone. However, I do not have much information about Leslie Noble. Do you have more information about Leslie and his family that you could share? I am compiling a family tree and would love to know more about them!
Daphne Jay Monday, 23 August 2021 09:02
Hello Michelle,My mum use to work for Leslie Noble back 1930's. Mum had her 100birthday earlier this year.Mum is still good in mind and everything else.When she worked for Leslie and wife they lived in Sandgate Road. Mum says as a child Leslie lived in Garden Road. He went to Harvey Grammer School. In the war Leslie went in RAF rear gunner in the planes. He was shot down just off the English coast and buried there ,he was 32 years.After that his wife took the children away from the danger at Folkestone, and Mum lost touch. The two little girls were Jacqueline and Susan they must be in thier eighties now. Think one of them become a nurse and went abroad, if you come across them ,please let me know.
Michelle T. Sunday, 21 November 2021 22:05
Hi Daphne! Thank you for your reply. Congratulations and happy birthday to your mum! That is amazing.
It is so very interesting to learn more about this part of my family. It sounds like your mother knew the Noble family for quite some time! I can imagine that it was very devastating to lose Leslie that way. I do not know much about Jacqueline and Susan personally, but I do know that Jacqueline became a nurse in the U.S. and Susan stayed in England.
Daphne Jay Monday, 22 November 2021 13:20
Hi Michelle, Do you know if Jaqueline or Susan are still alive?
Michelle T. Monday, 22 November 2021 23:20
Hi Daphne! Yes, they are both still alive. I do not have direct contact with either of them, but I do know that they are living :)
Daphne Jay Wednesday, 24 November 2021 14:10
Hi Michelle, Thank you for that update on little Jaqueline and Susan (well not so little now) Mum says they would be 86 and 84 now. I rung Mum and told her that they are still alive, she was so pleased. Do you know where they are living? and did they have children.
Michelle T. Monday, 10 January 2022 22:35
Hi Daphne! I am so glad that she was pleased :) I apologize for not checking this board more often to reply. I check my email much more often if you'd like to talk more about the Noble family via email. My email address is michtab@regent.edu. I hope to talk with you soon!
-Michelle
60) Kelvin Philpott Male
Location:
Yate
Tuesday, 26 January 2016 13:21 Write a comment
Hi Christine
Sorry, I should have said at the start of my previous message what a wonderful site you have made here. It really brought back memories and taught me things I did not know before.
59) Kelvin Philpott Male
Location:
Yate
Tuesday, 26 January 2016 13:10 Write a comment
Hi Christine
I was born in the house at the end of Beachborough Rd opposite the Harvey Grammar School. It was a nursing home then. We lived in Wearbay Rd on the corner of Stanbury Cres. We were evacuated to lancashire but returned to Folkestone in 1948. I went to St Eanswyths primary school under Mr Williams then the grammar school under Oliver Bertoud and Cyril Ward. Robin Eyers name rings a bell. I am not sure if I knew him or he may be the Robin that my sister Patricia went out with for a while. More info later if of interest
Gerry Stone Sunday, 24 March 2019 13:31
Hi Kelvin,
I too remember the two headmasters that you named. Others that spring to mind include, "killer" Howard the gym master, "polly" Evans woodwork, "taffy" Howell RI and music, H O Emerson languages, "spider" Beck Mathematics.......small world eh?!
p.s. Robin Eyers name also seems familiar.
Gerry Stone Sunday, 24 March 2019 16:10
Having a senior moment when I listed the woodwork master! I should have put polly Pollwin.[b][/b]
Also remember the tuck shop run by Mr Stubberfield, the caretaker and his wife?
58) Graham Harris
Wednesday, 20 January 2016 21:17 Write a comment
Just wanted to say -
Really enjoyed looking at your site.
I spent a week in Kent in the late 1960s/early 1970s when I was at primary school. In fact,we stayed at Moyle Tower in Hythe. My memory is that it was an amazing place. We stayed in little wooden
chalets in the garden. I recall the common room that was in your photos - with its large window overlooking the sea. I seem to remember a grand staircase too.
We went for days out - the Dymchurch steam railway, some lovely castles, Dungeness beach. Ah lovely memories.
57) Joan Brickell
Location:
Folkestone
Sunday, 17 January 2016 09:47 Write a comment
Love your web site, just to put the record straight John and David Brickell together with their sister Janet Ewins (nee Brickell) and her husband John Ewins owned The business of Rowlands Rock shop from 1966 , in 1976 they all fell out, as families do and John and David carried on the business without them until 1996 when David left the business and John continued until just before his death in 2007. John worked in the business all his life making seaside rock starting in the 1950's working for Jimmy Rowland.It was extremely hard work but a lot of fun as well as it catered for the "bucket and spade" holiday makers of Folkestone when the town was "buzzing"
56) Jo Peirson
Wednesday, 13 January 2016 22:11 Write a comment
Just been looking at your pics, loads of memories. I grew up in Cheriton, I remember I went to All Souls school in 1950, then to Harcourt School for Girls, and then to Bobby's. I worked in the suitcase dept., that was a good job, loads of commission.
I remember summer time at lunch break, a few of us ran to the lifts to get to the beach for a quick swim, then a quick change into work clothes and back to work. No worries about wet hair, we all had swimming hats on. Bobby's was one of the best jobs in Folkestone then. I have so many happy memories of those years.
55) Mike Dixon Male
Location:
Portslade-By-Sea
Thursday, 31 December 2015 03:17 Write a comment
What a wonderful website! Beautiful pictures of a beautiful town. The council are doing a grand job looking after the Leas area which with cut backs in local authority spending can't be easy.
I read during a recent visit to Folkstone that the town use to have more Rolls Royce cars per population than anywhere else in the world! It was the playground of the rich...much like today! I will be visiting Folkstone again in early February and a friend and I have booked 2 premier rooms, with seaviews, at the Burlington Hotel. Can't wait!
54) Ian Murton Male
Location:
Suffolk
Wednesday, 30 December 2015 07:49 Write a comment
Hello, some really great memories here for me, I am just about to retire tomorrow and have been reflecting on my happy childhood, I went to St Eanswythes and then Hillside secondary modern from 1955 through 1967. we lived in Wear Bay Crescent and then Calgary crescent. The Marina rock pool and the open air swimming pool were always in use, i have returned several times to my homes and even taken my children to see them
Vicky Ryan Thursday, 9 June 2016 12:11
Hi Ian I remember you from when my sister Maureen Moore lived in Wear Bay Crescent. She had a son called Glyn and lived in the top flat next door to Mrs Cloke. I used to go there sometimes and play with both you and your sister Esther. My name is Vicky.
JON BARKER Saturday, 17 September 2016 11:23
ARE YOU THE SAME IAN MURTON WHO LIVED AT 9, CALGARY CRESCENT? If so, please get in touch, I have something of yours. Thanks, JON BARKER
jon@basaproductions.com
53) Bill Parker Male
Location:
Bolton Lancashire
Wednesday, 4 November 2015 09:05 Write a comment
I love this site I lived at no 63 Seabrook Road 1979 till 1983 when I married Deborah Elizabeth Morris of 26 Blackhouse hill Hythe and moved to 32 Queen Street Folkestone My Father was the caretaker at seabrook lodge school and no 63 Seabrook Road was the caretakers house. My Father Derek Squire Parker was caretaker until the school closed. My Father sadly passed away 27-12-2011 in Bolton Lancashire.
52) Amy Sackree Female
Location:
Cheriton, Folkestone
Tuesday, 13 October 2015 13:11 Write a comment
On this document i have got pictures of cheriton high street. On the picture with the mound of dirt you were unsure of where this was, it looked very familar to me and i found it on google maps it is by the main traffic lights in Cheriton, where you have the Coral betting shop and newsagents further down. Also where the old post office was is now a computer shop next to Deep south tattoo shop where May#@*%! used to be. Hope this helps :)
Amy Sackree Tuesday, 13 October 2015 13:15
Also i have enjoyed seeing the Cheriton pictures, was nice to see how it used to look after having lived here my whole life
51) Chris McNair Male
Location:
auatralia
Thursday, 8 October 2015 00:52 Write a comment
I worked and lived at The Princes Hotel , Bouverie Road West Folkstone in 1955/6 and have a few memories
I can share
Christine - Site owner Thursday, 8 October 2015 00:55
I don't think I have the Princes Hotel on my Hotels page Chris. You don't happen to have a photo of it, do you?
chris mcnair Thursday, 8 October 2015 01:26
Hi Christine
You do have a photo,It was called Huberts Hotel before and was on the site of the Police Station in Bouverie Road West.It was bought by an insurance co. a better name for it would have been Fawlty Towers
chris mcnair Thursday, 8 October 2015 01:58
Hi Christine
I was going by memory, The name of the hotel was Hunderts Hotel and was demolished in 1977. Its on Page 3
Paul Seward Saturday, 10 October 2015 10:45
Would love to read the memories, Chris. Was the guy who ran it Capt. Beaumont? Did you have one or two permanent residents? Any other staff names?
Chris McNair Saturday, 10 October 2015 15:33
Hi Paul
Right first time .I will be forever grateful for the advice he gave me as a 13 homeless boy
Memories to follow soon
ChrisMcNair Sunday, 11 October 2015 19:42
Hi Paul
I worked as a kitchen hand and never went into the main buildig so did not meet any of the guests.
The staff were Head Waiter.Eddy
Chefs Jan from Poland
John a #@*%!ney
Hall Porter Pete ?
Maid Monique Italian learning english I have a vague memory she was royalty. She was sweet and mothered me
Manager Capt.Beaumont I believe he was the Son in Law Of the lady owner
More to come
chris mcnair Wednesday, 14 October 2015 02:27
Hi Paul.
My comment about Fawlty Towers was based on the general chaos in the kitchen and surrounding area.
The two chefs , Jan and #@*%!ney John did not get on and were always shouting at one another. There was one occasion when Jan was screaming at John while chasing him around the central workbench trying to stab him with a large carving knife. John was screaming just as loud with fear.I had to jump on the kitchen sink to avoid the knife myself.
Eddy was married and had a house nearby but preferred to live in the basement staff quarters.
I remember Capt. Beaumont being immaculate in dress and speech
More to follow.
CHRIS MCNAIR Friday, 30 October 2015 17:55
Hi Paul
I am now 74 and am writing my memoirs for the family.
Thinking back I realise that when my family were together we led a very comfortable life in Beckenham My fathers business failed and we broke up and I ended up in Folkstone as a kitchen hand.
I can remember standing in my room,on the radio Tex Ritter was singing The Waywood Wind and I said to myself " Im going to get out of this"The next day I gave in my notice.
Capt.Beaumont said that because of my lack of schooling I would have to work twice as hard to succeed.I took his advice.
Age 16 I started buying,mending and selling old cars,My Brother joined me and we built a very successful dealership [Havelock Motors Luton]
I would be very interested to hear more of Capt.Beaumont and the owners of the Hotel.
Even today I can hear Moniques beautiful italian accent and Chef Johns East End one
I recall the theater next door being very run down and scruffy.
More to follow
50) Mike Howland Male
Location:
Swingfield
Tuesday, 6 October 2015 08:52 Write a comment
Hello Christine,
Sorry to say that I haven't looked at the site for a while. There is so much of interest.
I'm particularly interested in the Hawkinge page as I spent a very happy childhood there and still live close by.
My Mum, Gladys Howland (nee Brisley) is in the front row, left in the 1st Hawkinge guides. She was organist and occasional choir mistress at St Lukes and St Michaels until a few months before her death in 1969. I can confirm that the faded photo is St Michaels and is the familiar view from the path to the church.
The attached photo had me puzzled for a while. Taken from the Aerodrome, it shows the old Post office and the back of the 4 semi-detached houses in Mill Lane. There are no shops opposite the Post office (My grandfather Brisley helped build some of them) and it's hard to tell if the school is just out of shot.
Please feel free to use any other photos or information from my website.
Best Regards,
Mike
Mike Howland Tuesday, 6 October 2015 09:00
Just looked in the archive and found that I'd already sent most of that info. Senior moment! embarrassment
Mike
49) christine smith Female
Location:
spain
Monday, 28 September 2015 14:26 Write a comment
Cannot find mention anywhere of the terrible accident which ocurred at 69 Ashley Avenue when a hand grenade was thrown against a wall in the garden killing one little 5 year old girl by the name of Kathleen Patricia Donogue and maiming several older children. It´s almost as if it never happened. The little girl was my half-sister known as Patsy
Christine Smith Thursday, 1 October 2015 06:03
re: Patsy Donogue
Date of accident 30 January 1944, Cheriton.
Children maimed, Albert Kirkham, David and Marion Wise, Stanley and Marina Kirkham and Keith Norris. The house where the tragedy occurred belonged to the Kirkhams. Anybody remember that day?
Christine - site owner Thursday, 1 October 2015 20:06
This tragic incident is certainly mentioned Christine, you will find it on the Military & Wartime page. After you wrote here about it a couple of years ago, a gentleman did some research on it for you, and has some material for you, but you didn't leave an e-mail address last time. I have written to you by e-mail now, and will put you in touch with the gentleman in question if you wish.
Mark Hourahane Monday, 7 March 2016 09:53
Hi Christine,
Sorry it has taken so long for us to connect - I'm pleased you came back!
As Christine (site owner) said, I have a fair bit of information on this for you. She now has my current e-mail address, which hopefully she can pass on to you.
Sadly, the old guestbook had a fault which didn't log your e-mail address, but I believe Christine has it now!
Look forward to speaking to you.
48) simon Male
Location:
folkestone
Sunday, 13 September 2015 13:51 Write a comment
A great set of pictures, so nice to see how it all used to be.
Christine - Site Owner Sunday, 13 September 2015 14:51
Thank you Simon.
47) Debbie Bradley Female
Location:
Hawkinge
Friday, 21 August 2015 16:07 Write a comment
What a wonderful page, thank you so much for sharing these photos
We live on the canterbury road and really interested to see the photos you have, do you know roughly what year they were taken?
I am interested to know when the school on Canterbury road and the houses along that section of the road were built? Also whether the airfield ran along the back of those houses opposite the school?
Thanks again for taking the time to create this page
Paul Seward Monday, 24 August 2015 10:33
The school is Victorian, shown on the map of 1913. The houses were built in the 20s/30s. Interestingly there is a gap in the residential properties and you'll see the Village Hall occupies part of this area. The reason? It was at the end of one of the grass runways and the developer would probably have had difficulty selling a property in such a position. I can remember driving past one day and getting the shock of my life as a C41 (Dakota) took off directly overhead!
Debbie Thursday, 27 August 2015 09:27
Thanks Paul, interesting stuff! we thought 1930s so really helpful info. And helps put the airfield layout into perspective
thanks again
Carolyn Sunday, 17 April 2016 20:41
When I lived in Hawkinge (Old Rectory Close) from the early 1960s on, what I presume had been the airfield was right at the back of the line of houses/shops opposite the school and was being used for grazing sheep. There was also a small field at the side of Mill Lane, also used for sheep,one of which headbutted my mother's spaniel - probably the only case of a sheep worrying a dog!
46) Robin Eyers Male
Location:
Canterbury
Friday, 21 August 2015 10:06 Write a comment
(Continued)
Our neighbours included the mayor, Alderman george Gurr and his wife. (He is on record having advised townsfolk that they were "safer in their own beds."
Our house was repaired at the end of the War and we reoccupied it for a time from early 1946, hence my attending Harcourt Primary School, newly occupied though built in 1939. We then moved to take over 'The Valiant Sailor', then without its farm. (See my earlier submissions re Pubs).
Christine - site owner Friday, 21 August 2015 12:10
Loving your memories Robin, and am learning a lot. I always wondered why there were cows so close to the Valiant Sailor in my very old photo, I didn't know it was part of a farm at one time.
I did know about the parachute mine in Morehall Avenue, but it puts a different perspective on it when you hear from someone who was right there. How fortunate you and your family were that day!
I didn't know about the air raid shelter under the pavement in front of the Morehall Pub either.
Thank you so much for your contribution to my site!
David Stone Sunday, 3 March 2019 20:56
My grandfathers sister-in-law and nephew were killed in that parachute mine blast at Morehall.
45) Robin Eyers Male
Location:
Canterury
Friday, 21 August 2015 09:38 Write a comment
Referring again to your 'War' section, there is a photo, very meaningful for me, of aerial mine damage to part of Morehall Avenue which took place at around 2am on the morning of 29 May 1941 when I came within a whisker of death. My parents and I lived at No. 12, the end wall of which can just be discerned extreme bottom right of the photo. The picture appears to have been taken from the upper level of the sweets & tobacco shop in Cheriton Road owned by the Wright sisters, Elsie and Gladys, the former my Godmother. (I checked the angles only the other week.)
My bedroom faced the road. The mine landed in the centre of the Avenue, between numbers 28 and 29, killing 13 (including an infant) and injuring 43. I recall my bedroom window blowing in on me, covering me in glass and plaster. Somehow, my parents and I escaped serious injury, though our home was falling about our ears. We managed to make our way to the air raid shelter situated beneath the pavement in front of 'The Morehall' pub. (continued)
44) Robin Eyers Male
Location:
Canterbury
Friday, 21 August 2015 07:11 Write a comment
Lee Podgson's photo of the WW2 bunker is, in fact, and Observation Post (OP) and is, indeed one of two. They are not on East Cliff, as such, but they lie just behind The Valiant Sailor, pub. I used to play on and inside them when first I came to live at the pub at the end of hostilities. The military were still 'in residence' at the time. There was also a battery of two (perhaps three) 9.2 inch ex-naval guns (probably removed from de-commissioned WW1 warships). The Capel Battery, as it was known stretched right along the clifftops to Capel village.
Close by, there was a Zig Zag path extending to The Warren. I used this to reach 'my garden' i.e.. The Warren which I had virtually to myself in those days. Barbed wire and mined areas were everywhere. Just behind the pub, we had a tea garden which had a lovely summerhouse which looked out over The Channel.
It might be of interest to learn that this summerhouse was used by Marconi in his experiments to send and receive cross-Channel 'wireless' messages. The pub then was part of an extensive farm with herds of cattle which used to graze the fields and hills around the area extending as far as the Folkestone/Canterbury Road. The farmer, Bill Aird, was suspicious of these new-fangled "radio waves". He believed they would be detrimental to his cows' milk yield and sent Marconi packing (and out of the history books!)
43) Robin Eyers Male
Location:
Canterbury
Friday, 21 August 2015 06:33 Write a comment
Re. your "Pubs" database, I walked past The 'Morehall' only the other day. The site is being converted into flats, a local told me.
You may not be aware that immediately in front of the pub, beneath the pavement, there is/was an air raid shelter which, slightly injured, I entered around 2.30 am. on the night of 29 May 1941 following the devastation of one end of Morehall Avenue by a wayward parachute mine. (A photo appears elsewhere on your website which just shows the end wall of my home!)
I mentioned the shelter to one of the builders working on the redevelopment who confirmed that the pub's cellar is still present. "I'll have to cut through, he said, to verify if the shelter still exists or has been filled in." (Personally, I think it is still there!)
After the War, our house was repaired and we reoccupied it until moving to The Valiant Sailor. You have some good photos of those premises on your 'Pubs' section, I notice.
42) Rob C Male
Location:
Kent
Thursday, 20 August 2015 15:42 Write a comment
The second picture captioned 'Uphill Mill' (i.e. one of two on the RH side) is actually the windmill at Hawkinge Hall. It outlasted Uphill Mill but got very derelict and collapsed on a calm day in 1961.
Christine - Website owner Friday, 21 August 2015 00:14
Thank you Rob, I have made that correction now, and added a few more photos while I was in there.
Thanks again, I appreciate your input.
41) Alison davies Female
Location:
New forest hampshire
Tuesday, 18 August 2015 20:24 Write a comment
I went to morehall primary school in the seventies.
The infants was just behind the main building
And had a separate playground to the juniors. the concrete wall was still at the front.i remember being scared of the slipper if you did wrong.i don't know if there was slipper or not. my father went to this school when it was an all boys secondary. I went on to pent valley. The round room was an art room. If you was told to stand in a corner you would run round saying I can't find the corner. I later moved and went to wyndgate school but got the floor and egg treatment before I left
40) gareth goldsmith Male
Location:
folkestone
Sunday, 16 August 2015 14:22 Write a comment
Great website, in fact probably the best there is on folkestone history!!
Great work christine, much appreciated!!
Christine - website owner Sunday, 16 August 2015 15:30
Why thank you Gareth, you have made my day! smile
39) Jan Turner Female
Location:
california
Friday, 7 August 2015 00:36 Write a comment
My mum went to harcourt in the mid to late 40's..her best friend from that time lives in middlesex. Mum lived in folkestone with her mum down by the harbour, later married and moved to deal where she and my dad lived until she died in 2009. My grandmother lived there until she died about 43 years ago. They originally came from smarden.
I went to folkestone tech from 1966 until 1972. My granddaughter went to the same school, now folkestone grammer, until about 4 years ago....we have always loved folkestone and will always have deep connections to the town. I remember going to the swimming pool during the summer down by the rotunda...
Robin Eyers Friday, 21 August 2015 06:08
Pity you didn't give your Mum's full name, Jan. I too attended Harcourt primary between 1946 and 1950, then going on to the Harvey Grammar. I would have known her for sure. These days I live in Canterbury and have various functions in the cathedral.
Alan Hall Thursday, 30 August 2018 10:29
When you say "Folkestone Grammar", that must be the Girls Grammar school, since to the best of my knowledge, the Harvey Grammar (for boys) is still where it always has been - in Cheriton Road.
38) Ian Murton Male
Location:
Needham Market , Suffolk
Wednesday, 22 July 2015 08:03 Write a comment
some fabulous photos, I was born in Folkestone in 1950 and went to St Eanswythes and then Hillside, both Dover Road and Park road, the head master W A Parks was still head in the 1960's when I left to join the RAF. I left Folkestone when my father died in 1970, I have since returned a couple of times with John Bullard my old school mate and was a bit disappointed to see how the town had changed. still very happy childhood memories.
ian murton Wednesday, 22 July 2015 08:44
I forgot to add that my dad was born in Sydney street in 1911 and went to george Spurgeon school, my sister went to St Mary's school and my brother went to the grammar school. my mum worked in the Tatler Tea rooms in Church Street. Archies was the in place to be seen in the 1960's
Ian murton Wednesday, 14 October 2015 08:48
some more information on my family, i have since found out that my paternal grandmother Esther Hannah Murton was killed in her house 16 bridge Street on 03 July 1944 aged 63 by either a bomb or a doodle bug that went wrong.
Carolyn Sunday, 17 April 2016 20:50
I remember Archies - I think it's proper name was the Acropolis, but everyone called it Archies. The owner was always very grumpy, if I remember correctly. We all used to mosey on down there after Tofts Club - is that a place you went to as well?
37) Gareth Avard Male
Location:
working in Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 9 July 2015 07:31 Write a comment
Hi. What a fantastic site - many congratulations. Although we never lived in Folkestone (after my father retired from the army my parents bought a place near Deal)but we do have close connections. Dad ran a fishing charter boat out of the Inner harbor through the 80's and early 90's. The boat was "The Prince Albert" 37ft wood built (ex RN lifeboat-I think) with wheelhouse, which he bought from a man who ran hourly mackerel trips from the harbour. George (my dad)was well known among the other skippers, he was ex-REME and a wizard with engines. His brother Stan also ran a charter from his boat-Saga, although he gave it up before dad. "The Albert" was sold when dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and transported to Ireland. There are some photos somewhere of her being craned out of the harbour and onto a low loader. I'll dig them out next time I'm in the UK and mail them to you. I hunted your site for any photos of "Albert" - she was moored 3 arches down from the swingbridge- alas none I could find). George's ashes were scattered at sea, just off Sandgate (one of his favoured fishing sites, when he couldn't get out to the Varne which, given the winds and weather was often!!)
Once again, a great site. Kind Regards.Gary
Gareth Avard Thursday, 9 July 2015 07:48
Whoops. It was "The Albert" and not dad transported to Ireland. What a difference a comma makes. "Eats, shoots and leaves"!!! Love to hear from anyone with any memories. Gary
PS I was also a language teacher at Highcliffe House, Highclffe Gdns Folkestone for a couple of summers. The O'Cleas (?) were the owners.
36) Colin Green Male
Location:
Hythe Kent
Sunday, 7 June 2015 13:24 Write a comment
A few years ago on the beach at the East Cliff Folkestone I came across what I believe to be an old iron house name.
It reads "SCINDIA HOUSE".
I understand during and after World War 2 rubble from local bomb damage was tipped from the cliff and ended up on the beach.The sign was found roughly below the area where the putting greens and bowling club are.
Being interested in the Merchant Navy I am intrigued by this.Scindia was the name of a clan in an Indian state,but it was also the name of a large Indian shipping company.
Scindia employed many British officers and captains on their ships in earlier times.
I wonder if a retired sea captain had his house in Folkestone or nearby and named his house after the Company he was with?
Would love to know where SCINDIA HOUSE was!
Christine - site owner Friday, 21 August 2015 13:19
I would love to know too Colin,I have never heard of Scindia House myself.
35) Terry Gillett Male
Location:
Ireland, formerly Folkestone
Saturday, 6 June 2015 22:15 Write a comment
Love your site, it brings back many memories. I lived there from 1950 to the late 90's. You can hardly recognise where the old Harcourt Primary School was situated with all the new building works at Pent Valley.
34) terry gillett Male
Location:
ireland
Saturday, 6 June 2015 15:44 Write a comment
Thank you for the photos posted on your website Christine, they bring back many memories - but only from the 50s onwards.
33) Jayne Watson nee Thompson Female
Location:
Michigan USA
Thursday, 4 June 2015 12:31 Write a comment
I lived in Cheriton till the late seventies then moved to Thanet. In 1996 I moved with my family to the USA. The website brings back many happy memories. I went to All Souls Primary then Harcourt Secondary till 1968.
David Connolly Tuesday, 7 March 2017 04:45
Hi Jayne, just wondering if you lived in Church Road near wellington Rd? If so , I lived just round the corner at 106 RMA.
32) Dave Butler Male
Location:
Folkestone
Tuesday, 2 June 2015 12:57 Write a comment
Hi,
I'd just like to point out that the fourth photo in The Hills section isn't of Ceasar's Camp at all, but is taken from Ceasar's Camp across the reservoirs westward toward the North Downs. The hills are north of the reservoirs, which would be to the right of the view in the photo.
Also, the hill in the photo entitled Flat Hill Adjoining Ceasar's Camp is Round Hill, through which the road tunnels you mention elsewhere in the section pass
Love your site.
Kind regards,
Dave.
31) Rich Male
Location:
Folkestone
Wednesday, 27 May 2015 14:08 Write a comment
My grandad was born in East st (harbour)to a large fishing family but sadly no longer with us.
He had many books of Folkestone and new hundreds of people over the years,he would have loved to have looked at this well documented and put together web site,I to have found this to be of great interest and fascinating look bk in time.congratulations on A professional And well thought out yesteryear folkestone site. cool
30) Bruce Lloyd Male
Location:
Wollongong, Australia
Saturday, 9 May 2015 01:51 Write a comment
Just rediscovered this site (it keeps moving). The photos bring back wonderful memories.
I lived in Folkestone from 1954 until 1966 but my parents lived there until about 1989 so obviously I visited.
Attended Christ Church primary and the Harvey.
29) paul salisbury Male
Location:
Teesside
Wednesday, 25 March 2015 16:02 Write a comment
I have good memories of church road and the C W G hall which was next to the magic also remember Fortuna and sunshine cafe's
paul salisbury Wednesday, 25 March 2015 16:06
Naffi not magic
David Connolly Friday, 10 March 2017 03:43
I had my 21st birthday bash at the CWG Hall, Church Road in April 1971. Re Paul's post, I believe it was the Navy, Army, Air Force Institutes (NAAFI).
28) Jerrian Dafou
Sunday, 8 March 2015 22:25 Write a comment
Hi there,
I find your site very interesting for anyone curious to learn about the history of Folkestone.
I have a query about a residential building : No 80 Bouverie Road West.
Amongst all the other buildings of the same street, this is the only one (re) built without the traditional bay windows.
The reason for that as stated by current owners is that the building was bombed in WWII
Could anyone give me some more information regarding the circumstances of this bombing? Date, scale of the damages, casualties and when was it re-built and why rebuilt without a bay window?
I would be grateful for any information supplied
Christine - website owner Sunday, 8 March 2015 22:26
I don't have any information on this Jerrian, but I am hoping someone here does, so keep checking back.
Paul Seward Wednesday, 11 March 2015 13:47
No bombs fell on that stretch of BRW according to the map published with Frontline Folkestone. Some years ago I purchased a piano from No. 84 and the vendor told me that the properties suffered from damp due to an ancient stream on that stretch. I fancy the property may have had a structural problem, necessitating the removal of the bays.
Christine - website owner Wednesday, 11 March 2015 23:47
Thank you Paul, very kind of you to research it for Jerrian.
27) Jane Spall Female
Location:
Suffolk
Saturday, 28 February 2015 16:05 Write a comment
The top photograph of Mundela Primary shows my father, he is the little lad with the white bandage on his head. I'm guessing the year would have been about 1927/8 as he was born in 1923
Christine - website owner Saturday, 7 March 2015 11:12
Hi Jane: Thank you very much for the information, I have added it to the page, it's nice to have the date of the photo pinned down. Hope your father wasn't too badly injured prior to the photo being taken.
26) sharon webb Female
Location:
United Kingdom
Sunday, 1 February 2015 13:57 Write a comment
My Great Grand Uncle Arthur Edward Potten is listed as died on 5th oct 1940 he was a special police man on/off duty from at the time in air raids wonder if anyone knew anymore info
Paul Seward Tuesday, 10 February 2015 09:13
There were four visits to the town by the Luftwaffe on that day. A chance hit by a Dornier on a blockhouse being built on the Leas caused the instantaneous death of five workmen, probably employed on the task by Otto Marx, a well-known local builder. The blockhouse formed part of the defences of the Mill Point Battery, situated to the south of Clifton Crescent. A, very grainy, photograph of the aftermath appears in Frontline Folkestone, published by the Herald after the war.
25) BRIIAN JOHNS Male
Location:
ashford kent
Friday, 30 January 2015 15:57 Write a comment
Hi i am trying to trace old bikers from the Sunshine cafe in cheriton high street in 1963 to 1970
ricky flood Thursday, 23 April 2015 08:22
Malcom hammill would be the one to call
ex morehall school like myself
Rich Wednesday, 27 May 2015 14:42
David guest
Harry brunt
Still living in folkestone..
Dick Tym Tuesday, 18 August 2015 17:28
Hi just found your post. In the early 60s I used to ride down to the Shine from Ashford virtualy every night. I remember having a really bad accident on the 21st May 66 whilst riding back to The Shine after a visit to the Trap at Sandwich. I'm now 68 and bikes are still my only means of transport
graham cann Thursday, 23 August 2018 11:43
hi.i used to go there a lot when i was 16 a long time age i am 63 now.had some great days there.i also went to moorhall the head master there then was nicknamed taz
Lenny Sunday, 2 December 2018 05:29
Hi all, I just uploaded a picture of my dad with his friends at the sunshine cafe and came across this page in google... my dad and his brothers were bikers there too, I believe he and his older brother went to morehall also!! Would love to chat for more info or swap photographers if you have any..
24) Andrew Day
Location:
Isle of Wight
Thursday, 22 January 2015 17:51 Write a comment
(24)My family holidayed in Folkestone in 1966. Here is a picture of me with my mother. How's that for a salute? (Picture at bottom of page)
I have a clip of 8mm cine film converted to digital if you're interested.
Christine - site owner Thursday, 22 January 2015 21:41
Hi Andrew, that's a fabulous photo. May I add it to the website please?
If you have your film on You Tube, we could add a link to it there.
Lesley Finlay Friday, 13 March 2015 07:42
Hi Andrew Would it be possible to use this image in the Folkestone Herald?
Best wishes
Lesley Finlay
23) Britta Von Zweigbergk Female
Location:
UK/ Kent
Tuesday, 13 January 2015 16:37 Write a comment
Ps from yesterday and correction re not noticed error in typing . It was of course Miss Blayney , the English teacher at Harcourt School and she was quite inspirational , also Miss Main the Geography teacher. She lived along the Esplanade in Sandgate . Lovely to read others memories of Folkestone and surrounding area.
Christine - website owner Wednesday, 14 January 2015 22:46
Yes Britta, Miss Blayney (or was it Blainey?) was my home room teacher as well as my English teacher. I remember Miss Main too.
If you look towards the bottom of the People page, you will see clickable sections of a large school photo, I am sure you will recognise many of the teachers if not the pupils.
22) Courtney Female
Location:
Hythe
Monday, 8 December 2014 08:27 Write a comment
(22)I believe the crumbling Martello tower you have towards the bottom of the Hythe Page may in fact be Martello number 17, as the more recent tower you have displayed underneath is in fact martello tower 19, which is seen in the photo I have posted still standing. I'm not sure when the photo was taken though however :) Great page though, it's helping me alot with my photography research!
Courtney Wednesday, 14 January 2015 03:59
Just an update after doing some more research:
A report from the Times Newspaper in 1899 reads that "the tower near the redoubt at Dymchurch been split into 2 by the action of the sea sucking away the shingle from the base". Remains of tower 17 and adjacent tower 16 were visible into the 1970's event though they started to collapse in 1899 and the Autumn of 1938. Between towers 18 and 19 used to also stand a 6 gun battery fort known as Fort Moncrief, however this was claimed by the sea in 1873. I have also managed to find an aerial view of Martello tower 19 dating back to 1947, found on this website: [www.britainfromabove.org.uk]
I don't know if this is useful or not, I found it very interesting though :)
Courtney
Christine - website owner Wednesday, 14 January 2015 22:42
Thank you Courtney, that is indeed very interesting. I have added your comments and your photo to the bottom of the Hythe page.
Thanks again. big grin
21) Liz Riddalls Female
Location:
Canada
Friday, 10 October 2014 21:33 Write a comment
What a great website, and what a lot of fond memories it stirs. Like you I was raised in Cheriton (Biggins Wood Road), went to Harcourt Secondary, and now live in Canada. I can't even calculate how many times as a kid I explored the woods, fields and hills behind our house. The vacant ground, brick kiln and quarry were particularly exciting places to play in....as long as Mum didn't find out! Now of course, the whole area is beneath the Eurotunnel workings.
Thanks for the extraordinary amount of work it must have taken to compile the content of this wonderful trip down memory lane.
Christine (site owner) Saturday, 11 October 2014 01:32
Thank you Liz, it's very kind of you to say.
Which years were you at Harcourt? I left in 1959.
Liz Saturday, 11 October 2014 03:24
I was at Harcourt from 1962 -1968
It was Miss Main the geography teacher in one of the prefab buildings there, who inspired my determination to come to Canada. Her sister lived in BC and there were piles of Beautiful BC magazines in the classroom...I've been here now since 1972
Christine (site owner) Saturday, 25 October 2014 01:45
Miss Main was there at the same time I was too, but I remember Miss Blainey the most. We had her for English. Of course Miss Ashdown was headmistress. I too now live in Canada, in Winnipeg.
ricky flood Tuesday, 28 April 2015 11:23
do you remember Helen flood im her brother
JAYNE L WATSON Saturday, 11 March 2017 15:15
Hi Ricky
I remember Helen, she was in my class,Mrs Laming was our teacher.
Linda Rose Monday, 22 January 2018 11:43
I went to Harcourt too.
Miss Ashworth was headmistress. Miss King was our teacher, then Mr. Norman. I remember Miss Maine, Miss Laming, Miss Washer (I still LOVE gardening).
20) Janet Scott nee Gaynor Female
Location:
Nangkita South Australia
Sunday, 28 September 2014 05:04 Write a comment
How lovely to see pictures of dear old Hythe. I grew up in Hythe during the 50s and early 60s and whilst born in London always call Hythe my home town. I left U.K. to live in Australia in 1966 and have only been "home" a few times over the years. I married a Cheriton Boy, Peter Scott in Perth Western Australia in 1970.
During the summer my family would spend hours on the beach, at tea time my father would walk along to the four winds cafe to get a tray of tea for us to enjoy on the beach. Tea pot, milk, sugar, cups and saucers, spoons, the works. I can still see my Dad walking back along the sea front, grinning from ear to ear, as he returned to us with his tray of refreshments. Life was so uncomplicated and simple pleasures such a joy.
Susan Saturday, 27 January 2018 07:31
I remember a Janet Gaynor! I went to St. Mary's Convent, would that be the place we met? I was Susan Gough then.
19) mick marsh Male
Location:
folkestone
Saturday, 20 September 2014 13:24 Write a comment
hi nice site :) brings back memories :)
18) Christine - Website owner
Friday, 19 September 2014 18:30 Write a comment
I have been receiving lots of error messages from this guestbook. If you have been trying to post, and are having trouble, please drop me a line at folkestonethenandnow@gmail.com and I will try to help.
17) Elliott Sampford
Location:
Heighington, Lincolnshire
Wednesday, 10 September 2014 23:53 Write a comment
I congratulate you on your excellent, informative and memory jogging website. Although my family didn't move to Folkestone until the end of 1951, when I was three years old, I always consider it as my home town. I left the area in 1967 when I enlisted into the Army.
During the period I lived in the following locations: Folkestone - Dover Road, London Street, The Bayle Steps (connection from the Old High Street to Bayle Street [If I remember there were only two houses])Cheriton Road, (close to the junction with Radnor Park West); and Hythe - West Parade,(either at the junction with Albert Road or Ormonde Road).
My schooling was at Dover Road Primary (as I always knew it until visiting this website), Christ Church Primary, and Brockhill County Secondary for Boys in Saltwood, Hythe.
I have spent many enjoyable hours looking into different facets of the website, but I feel I've only scratched the surface of the depth of information you have meticulously brought together.
Continued next post.....
16) Elliott Sampford Male
Location:
Heighington, Lincolnshire
Wednesday, 10 September 2014 23:39 Write a comment
Continued from above message:
I have only just become aware of your site during the early stages of my research into my younger years in the Folkestone, Hythe and Stelling Minnis area. I'm planning on writing articles on different episodes of my life there, for my personal weblog.
One of the exciting facts that I have come across within the 'Buildings' section (page 2) is the photograph of the St. Mary's National School in Dover Road. I believe it is in fact what I referred to earlier as just Dover Road Primary. In November 1951 we moved into 78 Dover Road when my parents owned the Elliot's Dairy shop; which was on the corner with Charlotte Street. The school was on the opposite side of the road. I think I used to enter school by the gate shown on the left of the picture. Unfortunately the business didn't survive so it may not be shown in your 1958 Kelly's.
A further pleasant surprise is that in the 'Hotel' section you have the photograph of the Garden House Hotel. Sometime either side of 1960 my mother worked in the hotel. I believe she was possibly in the reception/administration section.
15) Nicola Female
Location:
Powys, Wales
Monday, 25 August 2014 12:37 Write a comment
My father was born in Folkestone and went to school at St Nicholas School, I have a lovely photo of the class in 1951 taken by 'Lambert Weston & Son of 106 sandgate road. Does any one know any more about the school? I am doing a memory book for his 70th Birthday!
Christine (site owner) Wednesday, 27 August 2014 03:00
I don't remember a school by this name Nicola. Do you happen to know where in Folkestone it was located? There is a St. Nicholas Nursery school now in Wiltie Gardens Folkestone, but it is a nursery school situated in a house.
Christine (site owner) Wednesday, 27 August 2014 20:35
I have sent you an e-mail to let you know that I have one school listed on my Buildings page as that name, but it was an all girls private school which closed in 1924. However, I have no record of whether it re-opened as a boys school, or a co-ed.
Paul Seward Tuesday, 10 February 2015 15:30
St.Nicholas School was in Wiltie Gardens.
Christine - website owner Tuesday, 10 February 2015 22:24
Thank you Paul. Do you know if it was once a boys' school, or co-ed? As I mentioned above, it was a girls private school until 1924, then I have no information until currently, where it is now a nursery school.
Paul Seward Friday, 1 May 2015 10:57
At last I have had an opportunity to speak to a former pupil. It was co-ed up to 1941 and then re-opened after the war as, I believe, a boys'school. I can remember the green caps with a StN badge. All uniforms sold in those days at Broadleys in Sandegate Road.
Christine - site owner Saturday, 2 May 2015 01:04
Thank you Paul, I appreciate the effort you have gone to on this, and I am sure Nicola will too if she comes back.
Helen Williamson Sunday, 17 February 2019 10:51
I was at St Nicholas School from 5yrs to 11yrs old.
I lived at 62 Radnor Park Road so it was a short walk to get there.
My Father became the accountant for Miss Squire.
My mother told me when I was older, that Miss Squire was near to closing the school due to financial troubles. She asked my father for advice. He looked through her paperwork and advised her to raise the fees to 21 Guineas per term. It was quite an increase.
My mother and I had to smile about it....of course they had the increase too paying for me.
Helen Williamson Wednesday, 24 July 2019 08:53
Having looked on this site again I see your Father was at St Nichols School 1951. I was born in 1946 and attended St Nicholas when I was 5 so I may well have known your Father.
My surname was Hills then.
14) Anthony Surridge Male
Location:
Newingreen, Kent, CT21 4JB
Friday, 22 August 2014 09:21 Write a comment
Hello, My father was an RSM with 2nd Bn The Buffs during WW2 and towards the end of WW2 my mother, two brothers and I lived in one of the two warrant offer's quarters which are only yards to the west of the large military church at Shorncliffe (now a theatre). The houses are still there. I can remember (1947) starting school at the age of 5 in the Shorncliffe primary school (I think it was called the Sir John Moore's School) which was located in the grass to the north side of, but close to, the church. Close to where we lived (at the Shorncliffe terminal bus-stop of the old East Kent Route 99) was a post office and a large building which served as an 'over-ranks' mess.I'm sure it was called Montgomery Home. On the grass, close to the school were two bungalows which were used as Officers' married quarters. I can remember that a captain (of the Education Corps) lived in one,with his family, because I started school with his eldest son. I can remember the Sunday morning church parades which were held on the playing fields just south of our house. We watched from my bedroom window. The soldiers would then march into the large military church. Except for my own times in the forces, and absence due to business, I have lived in the Folkestone vicinity ever since and have witnessed many changes.
George.Hills Saturday, 30 January 2016 10:42
Hi yes you have got the name of the large building right it was indeed called Montgomery home.I lived for many years in Risboro Lane just up from the Victoria pub and and can remember what was called the manage where the Cavalry used to train.Now of course married quarters.
13) Pam Carwardine
Tuesday, 19 August 2014 21:50 Write a comment
Last week I visited Hythe for the first time since I was 17 years old. My parents, three sisters and I used to holiday there during the 1950's. We would rent a cottage in Stade Street and self cater. Our connection with Hythe started when my mother convalesced there a few times after being unwell during pregnancies. My father worked for London Transport at the time. I feel I sure I stayed with her as well and can remember there being only women and children. I could remember the name of the home was Philbeach but couldn't remember where it was when we visited last week, therefore I was delighted when I arrived home and looked on Google to find the website with all the photographs especially those of Philbeach. The canal is just as lovely as it was and my most vivid memory was of the Fete that I am sure we saw every year. Having become reacquainted with Hythe I shall visit again soon.
Thank you so much to the lady who put the photographs on the site.
Pam Carwardine
12) freddy jones Male
Location:
hoddesdon, herts
Friday, 1 August 2014 13:46 Write a comment
Hi there. Way back in 1952 I joined the "Maid of Orleans" at Dover and then spent rest of the season sailing between Folkestone and Boulogne as an assistant steward. Hard work, but lots of fun and I shall long remember it. Silver service then, cars winched on board,carrying baggage on a shoulder strap down the gangway to the Paris train. All those wonderful tips (kitchews"), running across the harbour late at night with contraband ciggies and booze! I am in my eighties now hoping for reincarnation and a chance to sail on the "Maid" again backwards and forwards forever!! Au revoir.
Hills Tuesday, 12 August 2014 15:23
Hi did you by any chance know any of the Whitingstall bros who used to work in the engine room?
I never worked on her but had many trips back and forwards on her happy day's.
I too am in my eighties.
mick marsh Saturday, 20 September 2014 13:21
hi i wonder if you remember my dad ableseaman bert marsh,and his mate was a bloke called jocker hudson they was on the maid of orleans,i was born in folk 1958 and still here today but the town has changed so much :)
11) freddy jones Male
Location:
hoddesdon, herts
Friday, 1 August 2014 13:46 Write a comment
Hi there. Way back in 1952 I joined the "Maid of Orleans" at Dover and then spent rest of the season sailing between Folkestone and Boulogne as an assistant steward. Hard work, but lots of fun and I shall long remember it. Silver service then, cars winched on board,carrying baggage on a shoulder strap down the gangway to the Paris train. All those wonderful tips (kitchews"), running across the harbour late at night with contraband ciggies and booze! I am in my eighties now hoping for reincarnation and a chance to sail on the "Maid" again backwards and forwards forever!! Au revoir.
brian jones Friday, 24 March 2017 14:29
Hello my name is Lorraine Sherwood my dad and mum worked on the maid of Orleans there names was ron and reg Sherwood
10) Colin
Saturday, 21 June 2014 14:14 Write a comment
Hi I was just browsing on the PC and came across your page, I now live in Australia, about 60 miles south of Brisbane at Surfers Paradise and my home town is Folkestone.
During the war we went to Bideford in Devon until about 1943 and we lived at 113 Surrenden Road and the place was swamped with Canadians.
The fields at the top of the road towards the hills were full of AA Guns and the brickworks were just over the back of the fields and there was a very deep pit full of water with old fuel tanks from aircraft that made great rafts. This was Quested Brickworks as I remember, and a great place to play until my mum found out.
Hawkinge Aerodrome was up the top of the hills and was attacked on many occasions and your picture of bombs in the sea was possibly due to German aircraft dumping them anywhere to increase speed of getaway.
My grandparents were Mayor/Mayoress George and Matilda Gurr killed by a parachute mine on 29th May 1941 and my father was Police Sergeant Ernest Walter Swann who escape with injuries and was killed in a cricketing accident in August 1947 due to a fractured skull from being blown up by the parachute mine.
Incidentally the bunker down the Road of Remembrance was something to do with the Navy because I saw a sailor complete with webbing and rifle doing sentry duty outside the door but that was all.
I hope this was of some interest, Cheers Colin
9) Theresa Fowler Female
Location:
Cheriton
Wednesday, 7 May 2014 10:33 Write a comment
I have just looked through the Folkestone Churches - it is fantastic that you have brought so much history together - thank you
can't wait to look at some of the others now!!
8) linda hilton Female
Monday, 5 May 2014 14:48 Write a comment
Very interesting, seeing old pictures of the Warren, it was indeed the Marsh family who ran the tearooms , my best friend Carol's family .Her brother is a councillor in the town now and used to be mayor, Paul Marsh.
7) George.Hills Male
Location:
Palmarsh
Friday, 2 May 2014 14:37 Write a comment
Hi the picture of the troops marching military road is as Alan say's is indeed Risboro Lane,the Victoria Pub which is now
turned into flats is the tall building a little further up.My grandparents used to
live in the 2nd and 3rd house past there,When they passed away i lived there and we used to be able to sit in our front
room and watch the Cavalry training until
it became married quarters.
6) George.Hills Male
Location:
Palmarsh
Friday, 2 May 2014 08:41 Write a comment
I have just been looking at your latest pictures showing the coastal park,though i live in Shepway i have never visited there.looks great also all the pictures of Kingsnorth Gardens.I'm afraid it does not look like that now,I had my brother and family down from Scotland last year and we visited them,the ponds were covered in weed
as were the gardens.the only tidy part was at the entrance near Cheriton rd.
5) George Male
Location:
Palmarsh
Sunday, 27 April 2014 13:13 Write a comment
Hi,Christine,
Your new section for the R/H/D/seems to coming on a treat.I think the new Guestbook
will a big improvement on the old one.
Good luck.
George.
4) David Richardson Male
Location:
Victoria, B.C., Canada
Tuesday, 15 April 2014 23:27 Write a comment
From a 1916 newspaper (Victoria Colonist)
Our fellow townsman, Capt. F. Richardson, seems to be making a name for himself in the Training Division. After leaving the 47th.Battalion (col. Winsby's) he was transferred to the Training centre at Shorncliffe and soon obtained a brigade staff appointment, where he has been very successful in training men for France at Hythe.
We understand from Major J.C. Harris that Richardson is to be gazetted shortly, as chief musketry officer to the Canadian Field Artillery. Brig. Gen. N.C. Harston stated openly that Richardson was the greatest instructor in the Canadian Service. This is a tribute from so high an official.
Major Harris states that Capt. Richardson has made a new rifle out of the Ross model that eclipses any other arm in use here. He has modeled it after the Enfield and put on a centre feed, which, when fired at Hythe, showed itself to be easily the most rapid firer, and easily fired. We expect to hear that the short Ross with the improvements will be accepted and adopted. The pattern is easily the best balanced that I have come across, and equal in that respect to the springfield.
Christine Wednesday, 16 April 2014 00:10
That is really interesting David, was there a photo of Capt. Richardson in the article? I would like to add it to the military page if we can find his photo. I take it you are a relative of his? Perhaps you have one?
3) Christine
Friday, 11 April 2014 13:34 Write a comment
(3)To let you know I gladly accepted Susan's kind offer of a scan of the Greystones Hotel brochure, and have now added it to the Hotels Page
2) Frances Nash Female
Location:
Hythe
Tuesday, 8 April 2014 15:26 Write a comment
Short Step is a great WW1 site.......
Also on Canada day local school children lay posies on the graves of Canadian Troops in Shorncliffe Cemetary......
Taught in St Martin's as well!
Frances
Graham Jeffery Monday, 12 May 2014 06:31
I lived in Royal Military Avenue during the '50s and went to Sir John Moore Primary School, I remember once a year we used to march to the cemetery and lay a posy of flowers from our garden on the grave of a Canadian soldier. I also remember the 'Six Windows' on the Manage (Menage?) which was a horse riding centre. We used to climb up a flight of steps outside to watch the horses.
1) Susan Mansley Sunday, 6 April 2014 08:08
I have found a brochure from the 1940s or 50s for the Greystones Hotel in Folkestone and will send a scanned copy if you email me
I saw from your post that it didn't appear in your 1958 list of hotels but my late husband's grandparents definitely stayed there when it was run by the two ladies (I found the brochure in a drawer when clearing out the house)
Folkestone Memories Archive Page 2
2014 - 2026
Our new Guestbook is now a Facebook group page as it is more user friendly, and you will be notified when you get a reply to your post. I would love to see you join in as a member - Christine
HERE IT IS: https://www.facebook.com/groups/872284822073896