Flourishing Folkestone

A talk by Friends of Folkestone Old Cemetery.

ABOUT THE TALK

The Old Folkestone Cemetery in Cheriton Road was opened in 1856 and has around 15,000 graves – many with double burials.  It hosts 45 Commonwealth War Graves and three Victoria Cross recipients.  There is a Cross of Sacrifice and two Grade II Listed memorials – one for the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) and another to the crew of the German Warship SMS Grosser Kurfürst, which sank near Folkestone in 1878.

With so many laid to rest in the cemetery, there are naturally many stories to be uncovered.  Join us to hear about the people who built Folkestone and some surprising stories of other residents of the town.  Furthermore, the Friends have also surveyed the wildlife found in the cemetery and will be telling us what can be found there.

PLEASE NOTE: in a changed to the advertised time, doors now open at 3pm for a 3.15pm start.  Refreshments will be served.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Following concern about how badly some of the graves in the Cheriton Road cemetery had been neglected, Friends of Folkestone Old Cemetery was established in January 2016 to safeguard, preserve and foster interest in the Victorian cemetery.  It is a voluntary group that meets in the cemetery for work sessions from 10.30am until 1.30pm.  They also survey, record, restore and clean Commonwealth War Graves and memorials in the cemetery, research the histories of those buried in the cemetery and create areas of sanctuary for wildlife, flora and fauna within the grounds – as well as other projects involving the history and natural habitat of the cemetery.

For more information or to become a Friend, visit their website.

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 right.  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.