A Folkestone Shop Through Time

A talk by Debby Jones of Gorddinan Consulting.

ABOUT THE TALK

Have you ever looked at an old shop sign on a house and wondered about the people who ran the shop or lived above it? This property, in Royal Military Avenue, has had a particularly varied past.

A chance discussion with Simon Warren of Here Before Us (you will have seen some of his blue plaques around town) on the striking name of one of the early occupants sent genealogist and historical super sleuth Debby Jones on a far-reaching mission to capture and tell the story of those who lived, worked and, in some cases, took refuge there.

Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Debby Jones is a genealogist, local historian, author, editor and publisher.  She is Vice Chair of local writing group Write By The Sea and owner of publisher Wealden Strand.  As Gorddinan Consulting, she offers genealogical research services including using her creative writing skills to provide house histories with a twist  – putting the “history” in “family history”!

After a successful career as a professional photographer, Simon Warren relocated to Folkestone.  Fascinated with the town’s history, he started Here Before Us, offering blue plaque window stickers highlighting interesting facts about a building’s past occupiers that can be seen across Folkestone… and beyond!  Debby joined forces with Simon recently to offer the new Here Before Us ‘deep dive’ package as a value-added addition to Simon’s blue plaque service.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Back Hall is located within the Cornerstone Centre, formerly the United Reformed Church, next to Folkestone Central station.  It is located on Castle Hill Avenue, near the junction with Cheriton Road.  From the main entrance to the church, walk towards Kingsnorth Gardens and take the path behind the church, just before Bus Stop C.

The hall is on the ground floor with no stairs and has a disabled toilet.  There is a slight step into the entrance and a couple of 90 degree turns to enter.  If you have any accessibility needs, please Contact Us so we can make arrangements for you, including on-site parking.

TRAVEL TO THE VENUE

By Bus:

The venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops.

Stop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73).

Stop B serves buses departing from Folkestone Bus Station towards Broadmead (74), Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76), Dover via Temple Ewell (91A) and Hawkinge (73).

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app.

By Car:

There is a controlled parking zone around the Cornerstone Centre.  Parking can be found on Shorncliffe Road or the dual carriageway part of Castle Hill Avenue.  Alternatively, you can pre-book a space at Folkestone Central station via the APCOA website or app.

By Train:

Take the train to Folkestone Central station (one stop on from Folkestone West coming from London/Ashford).  When exiting the station, turn right, follow the road to the end, then walk under the bridge on your left.  The Cornerstone Centre is the church in front of you.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.

BOOKING TICKETS

Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted.

To guarantee your place, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below.