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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20260312T093120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T093510Z
UID:1798-1773327600-1773334800@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Ministry of Sewage with Michele Sheldon and Mermaid Beach Status
DESCRIPTION:Thursday 12 March 3-5pm\nThe Community Room\, 19 The Bayle \nIt is a topic that many are concerned about\, but what is being done about the water quality on our beaches? \nMichele Sheldon was one of seven Ministers of Sewers during the Triennial working at the Ministry of Sewers at Custom House – an artwork by Cooking Sections – where people gave “sewage stories” to collect evidence regarding water quality and sewage pollution. Her play\, ‘Sewage: Definitely Not a Musical’\, had a rehearsed reading during Folkestone Live. Michele will explain how she is applying for designated bathing status for Mermaid Beach using the Surfers Against Sewage Bathing Water Designation Community Toolkit. \nThere will be a presentation at 3.15pm\, but feel free to drop in at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments and to learn more and join the conversation at any time between 3 – 5 pm. \nVenue: The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\nTime: 3-5pm \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/ministry-of-sewage-with-michele-sheldon-and-mermaid-bay-status/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/minstery-of-sewage-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20260208T151154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260208T151154Z
UID:1774-1772289000-1772294400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Islamesque
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Diana Darke.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nWho really built Europe’s Romanesque monuments? In this talk based on her groundbreaking book of the same title\, Diana Darke explores the evidence embedded in medieval monasteries\, churches and castles\, from Mont Saint-Michel and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Durham Cathedral and the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela.\n\n‘You will never walk into a church in Folkestone or any other church or cathedral again without marvelling at the architecture and wondering where the inspiration came from.’\n\nThere will also be an opportunity to buy Diana’s book. \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  ​Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nDiana is an internationally recognised authority in her field of architecture giving talks across the USA and Middle East.   She is an author\, Middle East cultural writer\, Arabist and broadcaster.  Her website covers Middle Eastern issues. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/islamesque/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Islamesque-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260212T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260212T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20260207T211715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T212218Z
UID:1765-1770908400-1770915600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon & Are You Proud of Folkestone?
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon and ‘Are You Proud of Folkestone?’ – a conversation with members & friends\nHow do you feel about Folkestone?  This is your opportunity to come and have your say on your town!  What do you think is being done right?  What could be done better?  And what isn’t being done at all? \nMembers and non-members are welcome.  The session may take the form of a group chat\, but feel free to drop in at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments and to join the conversation at any time between 3 – 5 pm. \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\n\n\nAs ‘a voice for the community’\, the New Folkestone Society is always keen to hear your thoughts on Folkestone.  You can\, of course\, contact us at any time\, but we also like to hold group sessions where you can pop by and have your say. \nWe also want to hear what our members like about what we are doing\, and what you would like to see the Society doing that it isn’t currently.  If you’re not currently a member\, your feedback on what might encourage you to join would be most welcome! \n\n\n\n\nJon O’Connor will be joining us.  Jon is Chair of Sunflower House\, the Folkestone Community Forum and founder of the One Folkestone initiative.  He also coordinates the Save Our Library campaign. \n\n\n\nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the temporary bus station.  Head through Bouverie Place shopping centre and down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-are-you-proud-of-folkestone/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons,Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Coffee-Afternoon-Are-You-Proud-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20260112T172021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T172021Z
UID:1744-1769265000-1769270400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:History of the Clifton Hotel
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Debby Jones.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nDebby Jones\, historian and genealogist\, is delighted to present the history of the Clifton Hotel. The owner\, Kanagaratnam Rajamenon\, more widely known as Menon\, commissioned the research and publication of the book which takes us from the hotel’s foundation stones through to its position as one of the most prestigious hotels in Folkestone today. Sit back and let Debby take you on a journey through time. \nThere will also be an opportunity to buy Debby’s book. \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  ​Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nDebby 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”! \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/history-of-the-clifton-hotel/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Clifton-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251129T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251129T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20251122T004552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T151044Z
UID:1725-1764424800-1764432000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Folkestone Fragments: Echoes of Art\, Memory & Time Travel by the Sea
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Emre Araci.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nOnce a glittering stopover for artists\, musicians and writers en route to the Continent\, Folkestone holds stories half-forgotten by history but richly alive in memory. In this illustrated talk\, Dr Emre Aracı—music historian\, composer\, and long-time resident of the town—guides us through the elegant remnants of Folkestone’s Edwardian past. From Chopin’s fleeting farewell in 1848 to Oscar Wilde’s flower-strewn welcome for Sarah Bernhardt\, the town was a stage for figures who once stepped ashore with purpose and poetry. Drawing from his recent book Folkestone Fragments\, Dr Aracı blends archival discovery with personal reflection\, sharing surprising connections between his own journey from Istanbul and the faded grandeur of this coastal retreat. A nostalgic and evocative tribute to a seaside town caught between time and tide. \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  ​Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nDr. Emre Araci is a Turkish music historian\, conductor\, composer and author.  His book\, The Grand Revisited\, looks at the history of one of Folkestone’s most popular former hotels and his home for nearly 25 years and warranted a second edition.  He has now published a second book\, Folkestone Fragments\, looking at the town’s heyday and its literary and artistic visitors. \nEmre will have copies of Folkestone Fragments available to purchase at the event. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestone-fragments-echoes-of-art-memory-time-travel-by-the-sea/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Folkestone-Fragments-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251113T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251113T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20251112T010751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T010751Z
UID:1711-1763046000-1763053200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon & Folke.World mapping project
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with an introduction to a project in mapping community wellbeing & sustainability by Alise Kirtley.\nThere will be an informal talk at 3.15pm on the project by Alise.  However\, you can join our drop-in session at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments at any time between 3 – 5 pm. \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\n  \n\n\nJoin Alise\, PhD researcher in Sustainable Food Systems and Director of the Folkestone Community Fridge CIC\, as she introduces Folke.World — a new online mapping project and calendar linking local projects\, services\, and events to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)\, with a particular interest in how we can build community cohesion\, nature-connectedness\, and engagement levels in and through good food. \nThe talk will explore how the platform helps residents and community groups find reliable local information\, share resources\, and work together more effectively with community wellbeing as a common value. Please come along to learn about the beginnings of this new platform\, share your thoughts on what is most useful\, and any other resources you’ve come across that have helped communities to flourish. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the temporary bus station.  Head through Bouverie Place shopping centre and down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-folke-world-mapping-project/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons,Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Coffee-Afternoon-FolkeWorld-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251108T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251108T203000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20251026T195516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T202231Z
UID:1676-1762624800-1762633800@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Son et Lumière Remembrance Parade 2025
DESCRIPTION:HISTORY\n\nLt. Col. Schreiber inspecting the 8th Battalion Home Guard. From the collection of Alan Taylor\nFolkestone was a key port during WWI.  From 1914\, over 65\,000 refugees headed to the town from Belgium and millions of men and women travelled between Folkestone and France from 1916-18.  More than 100\,000 railway engineers kept supplies and troops moving.  The railways carried millions of injured soldiers to safety.  Amazingly\, nobody was lost to enemy action whilst crossing the English Channel. \nUnfortunately\, the town also suffered the largest single incident with civilian casualties outside London during WWI when\, on 25 May 1917\, German Gotha bombers hit several sites\, including a busy Tontine Street.  74 people died that day\, with at least 96 injured. \nIn 1940\, Folkestone received an estimated 35\,000 troops and 9\,000 refugees from Dunkirk.  The skies above Folkestone were a hive of activity that summer and the area became known as Hellfire Corner. \n  \n  \nABOUT THE PARADE\n\nUnfortunately\, the Walking With Ghosts event is unable to take place again this year.  In order to remember those brave people who passed through Folkestone\, and mindful of wars across the globe today\, the New Folkestone Society will again be hosting a free Son et Lumière remembrance parade. \n\nMeet on The Leas outside The Grand at 5.45pm.\n  \nLANTERNS\nThe ‘lumière’ element of the event will be achieved through the use of battery-operated lanterns.  Shorncliffe Trust have kindly lent us 150 lanterns\, which will be distributed to the first 150 participants.  We encourage the public to bring battery-operated tealights or lanterns (no real candles please) if they have something appropriate\, as there may be a shortage!  The Shorncliffe Trust lanterns will be placed on the Folkestone Harbour Station platform to create a tribute\, and returned to the Trust after the event.  We would suggest visitors mark their battery tealights on the base if they wish to include them\, so they may be collected after the event. \n  \nWe envisage the event to end at around 8.15pm. \n  \nABOUT THE ROUTE\n\nThe procession will depart from outside The Grand at 6pm\, walking along The Leas to the Leas Bandstand for poetry and letter readings\, before heading to the Step Short Remembrance Arch for the Last Post.  It will then head through the Sandgate Road pedestrian precinct\, down the Old High Street to Folkestone Harbour Station for music and reflection\, where the lanterns will be assembled to create a tribute. \n  \nWe encourage anyone who becomes lost from their party to continue to the arch\, where marshals will be able to assist in reuniting parties. \n  \nTIMINGS\n\nPlease note all timings are approximate: \n\n\n\n5.45pm\nAssemble outside The Grand\n\n\n6.00pm\nParade commences\n\n\n6.20pm\nPoetry & letter readings at Leas Bandstand\n\n\n6.50pm\nParade continues to Step Short arch for Last Post\n\n\n7.20pm\nMusic & reflection at Folkestone Harbour Station\n\n\n\n  \nACCESSIBILITY\n\nThe route from The Grand to the Step Short Remembrance Arch is relatively flat.  Please keep to the designated path. \n  \nThe Old High Street is relatively steep\, cobbled and uneven. \n  \nAnyone who is unable to join the procession but wishes to join us at Folkestone Harbour Station can enjoy music courtesy of the U3A Swing Band from 6.15pm. \n  \nPlease wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather.  Warm coats are advised\, and possibly have brollies on standby! \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/son-et-lumiere-remembrance-parade-2025/
LOCATION:in front of The Grand\, The Leas\, The Grand\, The Leas\, Folkestone\, CT20 2XL\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Remembrance-Parade-digital-poster-2025-1080p-FINAL-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251025T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251025T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20251012T132016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T183932Z
UID:1643-1761400800-1761408000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Samuel Plimsoll
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Nicolette Jones.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nIn the second half of the nineteenth century\, a remarkable campaign stirred a nation to save the lives of the hundreds of British sailors a year who drowned for preventable reasons. Overloaded and poorly maintained ships set sail\, their doomed crews sacrificed while greedy shipowners profited from insurance. Samuel Plimsoll exposed these scandals\, became a national hero\, and led a dramatic social and political movement for maritime reform which still resonates today. \nNicolette Jones’s illustrated talk chronicles the campaign of the man who spent his later years in Folkestone and was laid to rest at St Martin’s Church\, Cheriton. \nCopies of Nicolette’s award-winning book The Plimsoll Sensation\, which was a Radio 4 Book of the Week\, will be available at a special discount (cash only). \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  ​Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nNicolette Jones is a writer\, journalist and broadcaster who has worked for all the national broadsheets and the book-trade press. Her book about the Victorian philanthropist Samuel Plimsoll and his campaign on behalf of sailors\, The Plimsoll Sensation (Little\, Brown/Abacus)\, was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week\, received widespread critical acclaim\, and won maritime literature prizes in the UK and USA. \nShe collaborated with the author and illustrator Raymond Briggs on an overview of his work Blooming Books (Cape)\, and has co-edited an award-winning guide to English usage. Specialising in literary and arts journalism\, she is the children’s books editor of the Sunday Times\, and has been a reviewer\, feature-writer\, diarist\, sub-editor and book-prize judge — from the Orange (now Baileys) prize for fiction to children’s book awards. She regularly chairs events at literary festivals\, and has directed the children’s programme at the Oxford Literary Festival. In 2012 she was shortlisted for the Eleanor Farjeon award for her ‘outstanding contribution to the world of children’s books’.  She is a trustee of the National Academy of Writing\, which runs creative writing courses for aspiring authors. \nOriginally from Leeds\, she was a scholar at St Hilda’s College\, Oxford. She spent a year as Henry Fellow in the graduate school of English at Yale University\, where she was a teaching assistant on the celebrated Daily Themes writing course. She has two children and lives in London; her husband is also an award-winning writer and journalist. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/samuel-plimsoll/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Samuel-Plimsoll-digital-poster-1080p-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251009T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251009T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20251006T112701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T113739Z
UID:1633-1760022000-1760029200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon & 'Folkestone's Future' Legislative Theatre
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with an introduction to a Legislative Theatre Project by Matthew Hahn of FPAC.\nThere will be an informal talk at 3.15pm on the project by Matthew Hahn.  However\, you can join our drop-in session at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments at any time between 3 – 5 pm and find out more about the Folkestone Performing Arts Company. \nPlease note the Coffee Afternoon is on Thursday 9 October in The Community Room.  The Legislative Theatre Project takes place on Saturday 18 October in Sunflower House. \nIf you would like to register your interest in FPAC’s Legislative Theatre Project\, see the event page on the Folkestone Fringe website for details or e-mail folkestonepac@gmail.com.  (You do not need to register for the Coffee Afternoon – just turn up!) \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\n \n\nThe Folkestone Performing Arts Company is thrilled to announce that they will be participating in the FOLKESTONE FRINGE: FLINT & CLAY 2025.  \n\n\nOn the 18th of October\, FPAC and local residents will co-create a short piece of theatre based on lived experiences addressing local or national policy challenges.  At 5pm\, they will perform this play in front of an audience of key policy makers\, business owners\, political leaders and others with the hope of legislating systemic change within the community.  \n\n\nThe Folkestone Performing Arts Company’s Legislative Theatre Project will bring the local community & and policy-makers together to co-create innovative and effective solutions to complex challenges that are faced by Folkestone residents.  \n\n\nIn it\, a short play is created which ‘ends badly’ for the protagonist or main character.  The play is then ‘rewound’ and the audience is asked to come up on stage to try out other\, more positive\, strategies to have a different outcome.  In this way\, the actors and the audience ‘rehearse life’ within the safety of ‘play acting’.   \n\n\n\nABOUT LEGISLATIVE THEATRE\n\nA Theory of Change is a method that explains how a given intervention\, or set of interventions\, can lead to a specific developmental change.  Theatre can be a powerful tool in enacting such a theory by supporting systemic change and / or policy development.  This can be demonstrated by the interactive ‘Legislative Theatre’ process:  Legislative Theatre opens the possibility for change to be catalysed and creates a platform for the advocacy of rights. \n\n\nWorking beyond issue awareness and community building\, Legislative Theatre allows the participants to address the obstacles or oppressions they face to key policymakers in the audience who then interact with the play with the hope that these policymakers will then legislate systemic change in the community. This form uses participatory and interactive theatre techniques to examine communication breakdown and power imbalance. \n\nHOW DOES IT WORK?  \n\n\nCreate:  Community members create an original play based on lived experiences\, addressing local or national policy challenges:  Our communities face big challenges — climate change\, social exclusion\, declining trust in public institutions\, etc. Meaningful public participation can help governments address these challenges.  \n\n\nPerform:  Community members perform their original play to audience members who can make systemic change and those who have lived experience of the presented challenges. \n\n\nAct:  Audience members step onstage as the ‘protagonist’ in the play to improvise potential alternatives to the problems presented\, testing new rules and policies in real time.  The community actors become ‘antagonists’ gently pushing back on any alternatives that are suggested by audience members.  \n\n\nPropose: Audiences\, advocates and policy-makers collaboratively shape these alternative ideas into specific policy proposals\, followed by deliberation\, debate\, and amendments to embed systemic change. \n\n\nVote: Everyone present votes on the proposals – using theatre to spark concrete change. \n\n\nCommit: Policymakers and advocates make commitments to action based on the proposals.  \n\n\nThrough this participatory policymaking\, community members propose\, debate\, and vote on new policies and policy changes.  You can find further information about Legislative Theatre here.    \n\n\nSome material adapted & developed from The People Act Legislative Theatre Resources [www.thepeopleact.org/resources]\n\nABOUT THE GUEST\n\n\nYou may remember our friends at the Folkestone Performing Arts Company (FPAC) from their preview of a dramatisation of The Leech of Folkestone from The Ingoldsby Legends or their involvement in our Community 50/50 event at the beginning of the year. \n\nFPAC is an artist-led international theatre company creating vibrant\, relevant and compelling theatre through the celebration of local stories.​ \nAlongside a professional Ensemble\, theu also support developing artists through Community Acting Group and Writing for Performance sessions. \nFPAC also offers a range of workshops for schools through their professional ensemble.  \n\nArtistic Director Matthew Hahn\, who will be facilitating the workshop\, has over 20 years of experience as a theatre for development practitioner in working with communities in struggle\, he has co-created interactive and participatory international theatre projects focusing on developing and enabling young people\, social cohesion\, peace-making and conflict resolution in the Global South & North.   \n\n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the temporary bus station.  Head through Bouverie Place shopping centre and down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-legislative-theatre/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Coffee-Afternoon-Legislative-Theatre-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250726T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250726T173000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250707T003809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T003809Z
UID:1584-1753538400-1753551000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Cemetery Tour with Afternoon Tea
DESCRIPTION:A guided tour by Friends of Folkestone Old Cemetery.\n  \nABOUT THE TOUR\n\nWith so many Folkestone residents laid to rest in the cemetery\, there are naturally many stories to be uncovered.  Join us to have a stroll around the cemetery to hear some of these stories\, find some well-known local names and see the flora and fauna. \n  \nAfter the tour\, we will head over the road to Folkestone Bowls Centre for Afternoon Tea at 4pm.  Should the weather be inclement\, we will have an indoor talk in the Bowls Centre in place of the tour. \nONLINE BOOKING ESSENTIAL!  Please book by 20 July to secure your place. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nFollowing 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. \nFor more information or to become a Friend\, visit their website. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is served by the Cemetery stop heading from Folkestone to Cheriton\, and the Harvey Grammar School stop heading towards the town centre.  Routes 71\, 71A and 17 operate between Folkestone Bus Station and these stops. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere are free parking bays on the road next to the cemetery.  Alternatively\, you can park for free in the sports ground car park to the left of the Bowls Centre or the Three Hills car park. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake the train to Folkestone West station.  If coming from Dover\, use the underpass to reach the other exit (or leave the station and bear left onto Beachborough Road).  From the Station Road side (trains from London towards Dover)\, turn right on exiting the station and continue down Station Road\, turning left onto Beachborough Road.  Walk down Beachborough Road\, turn right at the crossroads onto Cheriton Road and continue walking until you see the cemetery entrance. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will only be available in advance.  Booking is open until 20 July. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/a-cemetery-tour-with-afternoon-tea/
LOCATION:Cheriton Road Cemetery\, Cheriton Road\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 1DF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Excursions,Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cemetery-Tour-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250628T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250628T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250619T115224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T222142Z
UID:1564-1751119200-1751128200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Remarkable Woman - The Early Years of the Folkestone School for Girls
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Debby Jones of Gorddinan Consulting.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nMany have passed through the doors of the Masonic Centre in Folkestone’s Grace Hill\, but did you know that 120 years ago it played host to a girls’ school? \nDebby Jones will be telling the story of the early years of the Folkestone School for Girls and its remarkable first headmistress\, Miss Edith Ewart. \nRefreshments and cake will be served.  There will be an opportunity for a tour of the Masonic Centre after the talk. \nPlease note this talk is in the Masonic Centre on Grace Hill\, not our usual venue.  We regret the hall is not wheelchair accessible.  The entrance has a few steps with handrail and there is a stairlift for first floor access. \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nDebby 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”! \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Masonic Centre is located on Grace Hill\, almost opposite Folkestone library. \nThe hall has a small flight of stairs up to the entrance with handrail; regretfully\, wheelchair access is not possible.  The talk will take place upstairs – there is a stairlift available for anyone who needs it.  If you have any accessibility needs\, please Contact Us so we are aware you will be attending and can ensure you are escorted upstairs first. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is a short uphill walk from the stop at the top of Tontine Street\, or downhill from the stop at the end of Guildhall Street.  It is approximately 600 metres from the Bus Station – note you will have to walk down Sandgate Road precinct as the pavement is closed for roadworks next to Bouverie Place shopping centre. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere are Council car parks nearby at Upper Payers Park\, Foresters Way and Shellons Street (behind Lidl).  Please don’t park in Lidl car park.  There is a cheaper APCOA car park that can be pre-booked online or via the APCOA app at Middelburg Square (next to the Saga building). \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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 bus stop on the opposite side of the road by the Co-Op will take you to the Bus Station. \nThe venue is approximately 600 metres from the Bus Station – note you will have to walk down Sandgate Road precinct as the pavement is closed for roadworks next to Bouverie Place shopping centre.  Alternatively\, it is approximately 1km from the railway station – walk down Cheriton Road and cross to Shellons Street next to the roadworks.  Continue down the hill to the end and turn right onto Grace Hill.  It is a short distance up the road on the right. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/a-remarkable-woman-the-early-years-of-the-folkestone-school-for-girls/
LOCATION:Masonic Centre\, Grace Hill\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 1HA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Remarkable-Woman-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250612T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250612T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250606T223826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250606T223923Z
UID:1514-1749740400-1749747600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon & Folkestone Live
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with Folkestone Live mini talk by Michèle Rowland.\nThere will be an informal talk at 3.15pm on Folkestone Live by Michèle Rowland.  However\, you can join our drop-in session at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments at any time between 3 – 5 pm and find out what’s happening at Folkestone Live ’25. \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\n \nFolkestone Live is a fringe-style performance festival aiming to showcase and connect a range of local talent from Kent and surrounding areas. Returning in 2025\, it promises a weekend of theatre\, children’s shows\, dance\, plays and stand-up comedy. \nThe festival takes place 19-21 September. Performances will be held in the following venues: \n\nChannel Suite\nNeptune lower room\nGrand Burstin Hotel\nOld Cigar and Olive\n\nPrevious Folkestone Live events you may have seen include: \n\nA Kidsummer Night’s Dream\nFunny Folke\nHill and Jones: Sketch Show Goes Wrong\nJames Whale: Beyond Frankenstein\nThe Signalman\nMr Sleepybum\nOn The Halls with Marie Lloyd\nThe Sound of Muzak\nTeeny Boppers Dance Show\nUltimate Jewish Mother\nThe Vagina Monologues\n\nIf you are a performer and would like to participate in a future Folkestone Live event\, the team would love to hear from you! Come along and introduce yourself. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-folkestone-live/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Coffee-Afternoon-Folkestone-Live-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T130000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250518T230640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T230640Z
UID:1491-1748685600-1748696400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:AGM followed by talk - Look Up!
DESCRIPTION:An interactive virtual walk by Tony Hill.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nTake a look at Folkestone from a different perspective in this interactive virtual tour.  Feel free to shout out your answers to the fun quiz elements!  Best of all\, this walk around Folkestone is not weather-dependent and everyone can join in! \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nTony Hill is a local historian and Committee member of both the New Folkestone Society and Folkestone & District Local History Society.  In his spare time(!) he is a keen model railway enthusiast and modelmaker\, and has written books and given lectures across the country on the topic of model railway construction.  Tony spearheaded the recent Go Folkestone project to return the Victoria Pier foundation stone close to its original location and gave a popular talk on Folkestone’s Victoria Pier to the Society recently\, as well as a well-attended tour of the Masonic Centre and talk on A History of Freemasonry in Folkestone. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/agm-followed-by-talk-look-up/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:AGMs,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AGM-2025-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250508T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250508T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250501T231251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T231251Z
UID:1482-1746716400-1746723600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon & Reading Literacy campaign
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with Reading Literacy mini talk by Jennie Carter.\nThere will be an informal talk at 3.30pm on the issue of reading literacy by former headteacher Jennie Carter.  However\, you can join our drop-in session at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments at any time between 3 – 5 pm. \nREADING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – it is not so much teaching reading as saving lives. \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\n26% of the population of the UK enter secondary school with a reading age far below their chronological age of 11 years. They can sound out words but have never read a whole book.  Research shows the gap between them and other\, more able\, readers does not narrow significantly. It is why OFSTED focuses on reading at Key Stage 3.  A reading age of 9 years is needed to read the Daily Mail but you need a reading age of 16 years to get good GCSEs. \nA team of retired teachers\, and those who just love books\, go into a local secondary school twice a week from 9 -10am to read with individual 11 year old students. These children feel failures so they need one to one support. The children choose books for themselves on football\, cats or whatever interests them. We laugh at the funny bits\, talk about unfamiliar words and share anecdotes. We help them remember what they have read and predict what may happen next just as you do with your grandchildren. In 15 months many of them went from reading ages of 5 years to 14 or 16 years. \nImagine what that will do for GCSE results. We could put Folkestone on the map! \nJennie Carter was a teacher for 43 years and is a former acting head of Lympne Primary School\, head of Hythe Infants (now Hythe Bay Primary School) and founding head of The Churchill School in Hawkinge.  She also founded Shepway Teaching Schools in 2011\, playing a key role in leading training and professional development of teachers and school staff. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-reading-literacy-campaign/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Coffee-Afternoon-reading-literacy-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250426T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250417T111922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T180516Z
UID:1464-1745676000-1745686800@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:WALK: Folkestone's Lost Heritage
DESCRIPTION:A walking tour by Mark Hourahane\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nWe will take a walk around Folkestone\, looking at its architecture to gain an appreciation of the heritage that has been retained and buildings at risk.  Through pictures\, we will also get a glimpse of the past and those buildings that have been lost – as well as plans that didn’t come to fruition. \nThe walk should take 2-3 hours and is mostly along relatively level ground including The Leas.  There may be a few cobblestones and gradients\, e.g. the pedestrian precinct. \nWe would recommend sensible walking shoes\, appropriate dress for the weather\, bringing any walking aids you may need and sun protection if it is a bright day. \nIf the weather is particularly inclement\, the walk can be given in the comfort of The Community Room as a slideshow presentation. \nThe walk starts and ends in The Community Room on The Bayle.  Refreshments will be provided upon return. \nONLINE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!  Places are limited.  See below for Booking Information. If you have issues booking online\, please contact us. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nMark Hourahane is the Society’s Vice Chair and Planning sub-committee Chair.  He is a local historian and sits on the committees of Folkestone & District Local History Society\, Folkestone Family History Society and Stanford & Westenhanger History Society.  He is also webmaster for the Leas Pavilion Archive and the Finding Eanswythe project. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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.  You can catch any bus from Stop A to the bus station. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestones-lost-heritage/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Excursions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lost-Heritage-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250410T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250410T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250318T004940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T004940Z
UID:1436-1744297200-1744304400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon with Leas Lift Reminisce
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with Leas Lift reminisce.\nJoin our drop-in session at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments between 3 – 5 pm.  Share your Leas Lift memories and memorabilia\, or simply have a chat and learn about their oral history project. \nThis is the first of our regular Coffee Afternoons\, which will take place on the second Thursday of every month.  We hope to have a theme each month with a guest speaker. \n  \nABOUT THE THEME & GUEST\n\nDo you have photographs\, postcards\, old receipts\, tickets\, or other memorabilia linked with the Leas Lift or surrounding Leas area?  Come along to our Coffee Afternoon for an opportunity to talk to the Leas Lift team and contribute to their digital archive. \n  \nThe Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity was set up to restore the Grade II* Listed funicular railway – one of the few left in the country.  Having secured £6.6 million\, the team’s appointed contractors have commenced work\, with the lift set to reopen in 2026. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon-with-leas-lift-reminisce/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Coffee Afternoons,Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Coffee-Afternoon-Leas-Lift-digital-poster-1080p.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250329T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250329T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250317T160936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T160936Z
UID:1430-1743256800-1743264000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Defence of Kent During the Napoleonic Wars - Part 2
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Dr. Stephen Summerfield.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\nDr. Stephen Summerfield will continue his fascinating insight into Kent’s historic role in defending the country from invasion.  He will look at the rich military heritage of Folkestone and the surrounding district. \nThis talk works as a stand-alone – you do not need to have attended the Part 1 talk in order to enjoy it! \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nDr Stephen Summerfield is a leading authority on military history\, having written over 100 books on the subject. He works closely with the Shorncliffe Trust\, giving lectures and tours. \nStephen is an expert in Smoothbore Artillery\, providing consultation for various entities\, including the BBC\, Peter Jackson’s Weta Design\, and the Royal Armouries. Additionally\, he has been involved in artillery re-enactment\, horseback riding\, and has served as a National Napoleonic Wargames Champion and Umpire. \nWith a doctorate in Chemistry and a Master’s in Adult Education\, he has created educational materials that engage students by weaving stories into subjects. He has lectured at universities and currently works as a full-time Principal Regulatory Consultant. \nInformation on his publications can be found on his Loughborough University profile. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/defence-of-kent-during-the-napoleonic-wars-part-2/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Defence-part-2-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250222T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250222T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20250216T010709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250220T205426Z
UID:1388-1740232800-1740240000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Elizabeth Fry
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Jean Hatton.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n‘I think a place so remarkably void of objects does not suit my active mind’ … So said Elizabeth Fry\, prison reformer and one of the most famous people of her generation and of all British history\, during a brief stay in Sandgate in July 1843. Unlike her husband Joseph who loved the sleepy seaside town\, Elizabeth couldn’t bear to be idle for long. ‘Are you going to reform the whole world’\, her cousin Hudson once asked her. The answer it seemed was yes. Although known primarily for her work to transform the inhuman prisons of nineteenth century Britain\, Elizabeth also worked to improve the conditions and later lives of female convicts transported to Australia. She also supported her friend William Wilberforce in his campaign against the slave trade\, she founded charities aimed to give dignity to the working poor and in an age where women were forbidden to speak out on spiritual matters\, she preached to crowds numbered in thousands. \nAlthough her time in our own area of Sandgate and Folkestone was brief\, Elizabeth’s influence reached all corners of the British Isles and across Europe as far as Russia. Her powerful message regarding the treatment of female convicts continues to resonate today. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\nJean Hatton is the author of three books and numerous articles and short stories. Betsy: the dramatic biography of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry was published by Monarch Books\, a publishing imprint of LionHudson plc\, in 2005. Jean has spoken about the life of Elizabeth Fry both in Britain and Australia and also on BBC television. \nShe was born and grew up in North London and has lived in Folkestone since 2015. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/elizabeth-fry/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Elizabeth-Fry-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241130T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241130T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20241116T155123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241124T154221Z
UID:1259-1732978800-1732986000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Flourishing Folkestone
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Friends of Folkestone Old Cemetery.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThe 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. \n  \nWith 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. \n  \nPLEASE NOTE: in a changed to the advertised time\, doors now open at 3pm for a 3.15pm start.  Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nFollowing 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. \nFor more information or to become a Friend\, visit their website. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/flourishing-folkestone/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Flourishing-Folkestone-digital-poster-1080p-new-time-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241109T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20241021T150905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241021T151605Z
UID:1207-1731175200-1731182400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Son et Lumière Remembrance Parade
DESCRIPTION:HISTORY\n\nLt. Col. Schreiber inspecting the 8th Battalion Home Guard. From the collection of Alan Taylor\nFolkestone was a key port during WWI.  From 1914\, over 65\,000 refugees headed to the town from Belgium and millions of men and women travelled between Folkestone and France from 1916-18.  More than 100\,000 railway engineers kept supplies and troops moving.  The railways carried millions of injured soldiers to safety.  Amazingly\, nobody was lost to enemy action whilst crossing the English Channel. \nUnfortunately\, the town also suffered the largest single incident with civilian casualties outside London during WWI when\, on 25 May 1917\, German Gotha bombers hit several sites\, including a busy Tontine Street.  74 people died that day\, with at least 96 injured. \nIn 1940\, Folkestone received an estimated 35\,000 troops and 9\,000 refugees from Dunkirk.  The skies above Folkestone were a hive of activity that summer and the area became known as Hellfire Corner. \n  \n  \nABOUT THE PARADE\n\nUnfortunately\, the Walking With Ghosts event is unable to take place this year.  In order to remember those brave people who passed through Folkestone\, and mindful of wars across the globe today\, the New Folkestone Society will be hosting a free Son et Lumière remembrance parade. \n\nMeet on The Leas outside The Grand at 5.45pm.\n  \nLANTERNS\nThe ‘lumière’ element of the event will be achived through the use of battery-operated lanterns.  Shorncliffe Trust have kindly lent us 150 lanterns\, which will be distributed to the first 150 participants.  We encourage the public to bring battery-operated tealights or lanterns (no real candles please) if they have something appropriate\, as there may be a shortage!  The Shorncliffe Trust lanterns will be placed on the Folkestone Harbour Station platform to create a tribute\, and returned to the Trust after the event.  We would suggest visitors mark their battery tealights on the base if they wish to include them\, so they may be collected after the event. \n  \nWe envisage the event to end at around 8pm. \n  \nABOUT THE ROUTE\n\nThe procession will depart from outside The Grand at 6pm\, walking along The Leas towards the Step Short Remembrance Arch accompanied by music\, heading through the Sandgate Road pedestrian precinct\, down the Old High Street to Folkestone Harbour Station for the finale\, where the lanterns will be assembled to create a tribute. \n  \nStops along the way will provide stories\, poetry and wartime letter readings courtesy of Folkestone Music Town\, FPAC and Write By The Sea.  The music will gradually get quieter as a moving and poignant reminder of those we have lost on the battlefields. \n  \nWe encourage anyone who becomes lost from their party to continue to the arch\, where marshals will be able to assist in reuniting parties. \n  \nACCESSIBILITY\n\nThe route from The Grand to the Step Short Remembrance Arch is relatively flat.  Please keep to the designated path. \n  \nAs the Old High Street is relatively steep\, cobbled and uneven\, we would encourage anyone who has mobility issues to take advantage of the free electric minibus we have arranged\, courtesy of Folkestone Town Council. \nAnyone who wishes to use the minibus should speak to a marshal at the Step Short Memorial Arch and wait for the bus there. \nThe bus will return to The Leas afterwards. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/son-et-lumiere/
LOCATION:in front of The Grand\, The Leas\, The Grand\, The Leas\, Folkestone\, CT20 2XL\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NFS-Remembrance-Parade-digital-poster-1080p-FINAL-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20241016T211646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241019T123306Z
UID:1195-1729953000-1729960200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Folkestone's 7th Century Royal Family
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Denis Pepper.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThe seventh century was an exciting time for Britain.   After two centuries of uncertainty and constant danger the country was settling into some sort of order.   Christianity had been reborn and was providing a new political stability. \n  \nFolkestone was particularly vibrant.   It was the closest place to the continent and as such was the first landing place for many of the newest French fashions. \n  \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nDenis Pepper is Kent born and bred.  Raised in Chatham and Rochester\, after attending university in London he moved to Folkestone in the Sixties and has lived here ever sice.  His interest in the Kentish Royal Family started 15 years ago at Botolph’s Bridge Inn\, the inspiration for his series of historical novels based on the life of Saint Botolph.  Having written over 100 papers on the seventh century monk for The Society of Saint Botolph\, Denis is a leading authority on the subject. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestones-7th-century-royal-family/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/7th-C-Royal-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240928T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240928T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240921T111728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240928T131755Z
UID:1178-1727533800-1727541000@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Folkestone's Victoria Pier
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Martin Easdown and Tony Hill.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThe Victoria Pier served Folkestone’s residents and visitors for over 50 years.  In its lifetime\, it served many varied functions.  Come and learn its fascinating history! \n  \nYou will also learn the remarkable story of how the pier’s very heavy foundation stone was discovered 10 miles away from Folkestone decades after the pier was dismanted\, how it came to be there and about the efforts by Go Folkestone to put it back in its rightful place\, on display close to its original location. \n  \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nMartin Easdown is one of the country’s top pier historians and has been the National Piers Society’s archivist for 30 years.  He is also a local historian with a particular interest in Hythe\, the Royal Victoria Hospital and – of course – local piers!  He has written numerous pier history books and several local history books\, usually with his partner\, Linda Sage. \n  \nTony Hill is a local historian and committee member of the New Folkestone Society\, Go Folkestone and the Folkestone and District Local History Society.  In his spare time(!) he is a keen model railway enthusiast and modelmaker\, and has written books and given lectures across the country on the topic of model railway construction. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestones-victoria-pier/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Victoria-Pier-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240828T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240821T193047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240822T144050Z
UID:1150-1724857200-1724864400@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coffee Afternoon
DESCRIPTION:Free coffee afternoon with a chance to have your say on planning reforms!\nJoin us at The Community Room on The Bayle for free refreshments at any time between 3 – 5 pm on Wednesday 28 August. \nWe really want to hear your opinions on the Government’s announced changes to the planning system\, so come along and have a chat with us! \n  \nABOUT THE REFORMS\n\nThe Government has proposed reforms to the planning system.  The first part announced will be changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)\, with a Bill due to be published also. \nSome key elements of the changes include: \n\nA return to mandatory housing targets – nearly 380\,000 a year nationwide\nA new method of calculating local targets\nAn aim for 1.5 million dwellings built by the end of the decade\nIntroduction of “grey belt” land allocation suitable for housing\n“Golden rules” for building on green belt\nMeeting social rent need\n\nThere is currently no plan to have local Councils building social housing. \n  \nWe appreciate that there’s a lot of documentation to read and many questions\, so we want to speak to local people and get their opinions on the current housing crisis and whether the proposed changes will make a positive difference. \n  \nYou can read more on our blog post: Will new planning system solve the housing crisis? \n  \nClick here for the Government consultation on the proposed changes to the NPPF. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle\, where Dance Easy used to stand\, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model\, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard\, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school)\, turn left and veer left as above. \n  \nBy Car:\nThe nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park\, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park\, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left\, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building. \nFor step-free access avoiding cobblestones\, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front\, carry on down Rendezvous Street\, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top\, turn left onto Church Street\, follow it to the end (past the school)\, turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road\, which veers left.  The room is on the left\, opposite the Bayle Pond. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/coffee-afternoon/
LOCATION:The Community Room\, 19 The Bayle\, Folkestone\, CT20 1SQ\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Coffee-Afternoon-NPPF-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240818T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240818T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240817T201555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240817T201555Z
UID:1143-1723982400-1723998600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Edwardian Picnic
DESCRIPTION:Join us on The Leas in front of The Grand for our Edwardian Picnic to celebrate our 50th anniversary\, with live brass bands. \nFREE – no booking required.  Just pack a picnic\, bring a blanket and turn up!  Don’t forget your sun protection! \nMusic will be performed from 12 – 4.30pm \nThis event is part of Folkestone Festivals’ Multi-Cultural Weekend \n  \nABOUT THE BANDS\n\nAlright on the Night – 12 – 2pm \nAlright on the Night are a saxophone quartet from the Medway towns.  Since 2013\, they have entertained crowds around Medway\, Maidstone\, Gravesend and beyond with a toe-tapping range of popular\, jazz\, swing and classical music. \nvisit the band’s website \n  \nAshford Concert Band – 2.30 – 4.30pm \nThe Ashford Concert Band was formed in 2003 and is Ashford’s premier concert band\, regularly booked to play events throughout Kent. \nvisit the band’s website \n  \nABOUT THE MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL\n\nFolkestone Festivals is hosting a Multi-Cultural Festival on the weekend of 17-18 August around the Leas Bandstand \nThe 25th Anniversary of the Friends of East Kent Buses will also be celebrated. Learn about all transport heritage and\nenjoy the two buses on display.  Also craft\, art\, food and drink stalls; selection of food from around the world.  Also traditional and contemporary music and dance performances from local and national artistes.  Free Punch & Judy show\, face painting\, kids fun\ngames\, amusements\, community group displays. \n  \nBands will play on the bandstand from 11am – 5pm. \nvisit the Folkestone Festivals website \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Metropole stops\, which are served by the 102 bus between Folkestone Bus Station and Sandgate/Hythe approximately every 15 minutes. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \nFrom the stop\, head south down Metropole Road East.  You will find us on The Leas opposite. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere is parking on The Leas in front of The Metropole and The Grand\, accessed via Metropole Road East. \n  \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/edwardian-picnic/
LOCATION:in front of The Grand\, The Leas\, The Grand\, The Leas\, Folkestone\, CT20 2XL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Excursions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Edwardian-Picnic-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240727T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240727T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240719T004434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240719T004434Z
UID:1096-1722090600-1722097800@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Folkestone's Leas Lift
DESCRIPTION:A talk by the Leas Lift team.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThe team behind the restoration of the Leas Lift will talk about its future and how the lift will continue to inspire the community.  Find out about the approved planning application including a new café block\, how the team raised funds to bring the project to fruition\, ensuring it remains a much-loved element of the town’s heritage for the forseeable future. \n  \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nThe Folkestone Leas Lift CIO was created to ensure the lift is restored to its former glory and can once again carry passengers.  Following a successful planning application and fundraising campaign\, it is hoped that the Leas Lift will reopen in 2025.  The trustees have now appointed their first employees: \nCEO Floortje Hoette has more than 25 years’ project management experience in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors. \nCommunity Engagement Officers Amanda Beckett and Charlotte Chapman have been engaging with local schools and the community. \nThe Leas Lift is a Grade II* Listed funicular railway that opened in 1885 to carry passengers between the seafront and The Leas.  There were two other lifts further along The Leas\, but only the Leas Lift remains today.  It is now one of only a handful of water-balanced lifts that survive in the UK. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n \n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestones-leas-lift/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Leas-Lift-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240629T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240629T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240612T130136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T130345Z
UID:1060-1719671400-1719678600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Folkestone Shop Through Time
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Debby Jones of Gorddinan Consulting.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nHave 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. \n  \nA 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. \n  \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nDebby 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”! \n  \nAfter 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. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/a-folkestone-shop-through-time/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shop-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240420T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240420T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240406T221418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240417T092631Z
UID:997-1713623400-1713630600@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Folkestone's Long-Lost Georgian Theatre
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Dr Jean Baker.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nJean will recall the remarkable story of Sarah Baker (no relation!) and her involvement ​with ‘The New Theatre’ on The Bayle – which featured tightrope-walking\, comic dancing\, musical dramas\, operas and pantomimes – as well as other theatres across Kent.\nRefreshments will be served.\n \nBorn in 1737\, Sarah Baker was an obscure fairground performer who went on to become one of the wealthiest\, most successful self-made women of her era. This talk will focus on Sarah’s incredible life-story\, on her theatre on Folkestone’s Bayle and on the four ‘great grand’ theatres\, as she described them\, that she built elsewhere in Kent at the end of the eighteenth century. \n(Poster image from the Wellcome collection.) \nDoors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. \nJean’s book\, Sarah Baker and her Kentish Theatres 1737-1816: Challenging the Status Quo\, will be available to purchase for the discounted price of £20 (cash only). \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nJean Baker’s book\, Sarah Baker and her Kentish Theatres\, 1737-1816: Challenging the Status Quo was the Society for Theatre Research’s annual publication for 2019. The former journalist and teacher’s published work also includes: ‘The Proclamation Society\, William Mainwaring and the Theatrical Representations Act of 1788’\, Historical Research\, 76:193 (August 2003)\, 347-363; ‘Theatre\, Law and Society in the Provinces: The Case of Sarah Baker’\, Cultural and Social History\, 1:2 (2004)\, 159-178. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/folkestones-long-lost-georgian-theatre/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Georgian-Theatre-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240323T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240323T170000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240309T015438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240309T015438Z
UID:979-1711204200-1711213200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:A History of Freemasonry in Folkestone
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Tony Hill\, followed by a guided tour of the Masonic Hall\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThis talk will look at over 300 years of Freemasonry in Folkestone and the part local Freemasons took in shaping the town. \nFollowing the talk\, we will be given a guided tour of the Masonic Hall. \nRefreshments will be served.  Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe Masonic Centre is located on Grace Hill\, almost opposite Folkestone library. \nThe hall has a small flight of stairs up to the entrance with handrail; regretfully\, wheelchair access is not possible.  The talk will take place upstairs – there is a stairlift available for anyone who needs it.  If you have any accessibility needs\, please Contact Us so we are aware you will be attending and can ensure you are escorted upstairs first. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is a short uphill walk from the stop at the top of Tontine Street\, or downhill from the stop at the end of Guildhall Street.  It is approximately 600 metres from the Bus Station. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere are Council car parks nearby at Upper Payers Park\, Foresters Way and Shellons Street (behind Lidl).  Please don’t park in Lidl car park.  There is a cheaper APCOA car park that can be pre-booked online or via the APCOA app at Middelburg Square (next to the Saga building). \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/a-history-of-freemasonry-in-folkestone/
LOCATION:Masonic Centre\, Grace Hill\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 1HA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Freemasonry-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240224T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240224T163000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240210T194106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T141601Z
UID:906-1708785000-1708792200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage and Architecture: A Personal View
DESCRIPTION:A talk by Richard Holme M Phil BA FCA CTA.\n  \nABOUT THE TALK\n\nThis talk has been created especially for the New Folkestone Society. Richard will give a personal view of heritage and architecture\, including discussion of issues on: \n\nModern development – scale\, harmony and other issues\nSustainability and heritage – the groundbreaking Marks and Spencer Oxford Street case where demolition of their Oxford St historic property was stopped for sustainability reasons\, Kings Cambridge chapel and solar panels\nSome buildings around Kent – case studies showing opportunities taken\, opportunities sadly lost and current cases where historic buildings etc. are threatened by modern development\nRegeneration of military sites\nPoundbury\, pastiche and King Charles’ views on architecture\n\nRefreshments will be served.  Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER\n\nRichard Holme is a visiting researcher at Newcastle University\, former trustee of Canterbury Cathedral Trust\, treasurer of the Friends of Falkland Islands Museum and newsletter editor for the Naval Dockyards Society\, with whom he has been involved in numerous conservation campaigns within the past 10 years. He is a member of the Historic Defences Group of the Kent Archaeological Society. Other conservation bodies he is a member of include SAVE Britain’s Heritage\, the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings\, the Georgian Group and the Victorian Society. \n  \nABOUT THE VENUE\n\nThe 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. \nThe 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. \n  \nTRAVEL TO THE VENUE\n\nBy Bus:\nThe venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops. \nStop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17)\, Cheriton (71/71A)\, Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73). \nStop 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). \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app. \n  \nBy Car:\nThere 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. \n  \nBy Train:\nTake 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. \nFor timetables\, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations\, visit the Southeastern website. \n  \nBOOKING TICKETS\n\nTickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted. \nTo guarantee your place\, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below. \n\n\n \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/heritage-and-architecture-a-personal-view/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heritage-Architecture-digital-poster-1080p-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240127T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240127T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T215102
CREATED:20240120T215621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T101533Z
UID:877-1706364000-1706371200@www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Defence of Kent during the Napoleonic Wars
DESCRIPTION:Dr Stephen Summerfield is a leading authority on military history\, having written many books on the subject. He works closely with the Shorncliffe Trust\, giving lectures and tours. \nHe will give a fascinating insight into Kent’s historic role in defending the country from invasion\, looking at the rich military heritage in Folkestone and the surrounding district. \nRefreshments will be served. \nA selection of Dr Summerfield’s books will be available to purchase. \nShare This:
URL:https://www.newfolkestonesociety.org.uk/event/defence-of-kent-during-the-napoleonic-wars/
LOCATION:The Cornerstone Centre\, 60 Castle Hill Avenue\, Folkestone\, Kent\, CT20 2QR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Meetings,Talks
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR