June 2008 Go Action group

www.gofolkestone.org.uk WARDS HOTEL WARDS HOTEL is a family run business and it offers quality service. The staff are helpful and maintains a friendly atmosphere. We do cater for Weddings, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries, Conferences and any other occasions such as Funeral receptions and Christenings. Our Sunday Carvery is now also becoming a WARDS HOTEL& RESTAURANT “family feasting day” within the local 39 Earls Avenue Folkestone community in for just only £9.95(3 Kent CT 20 2HB course meal). WWW.WARDSHOTEL.NET We are also offering a promo which is EAT FOR 5X CARVERY MEAL & GET THE 6TH FOR FREE. Wards Hotel has a Bar and Restaurant which offers a variety of exciting menus which are continually appraised to provide and cater for the up coming clienteles. For more information contact Reception on 01303-245166 or Email: [email protected] EDITORIAL CONTENTS The single most important issue we will 2 Summer sightseeing bus be looking at this month is Shepway District Council’s move towards parking 3 Folkestone West in new restrictions in central Folkestone. Parkway 4 Controversial parking plans See the article from Richard Wallace. Consider how it will affect residents, 5 Life in the old dog yet Visitors, Tourism and Trade. Come to 6 Exciting designs in the Old the meeting at Wards Hotel (4th June High Street 2008 at 7.30 pm) don’t wait until it is too late to make your views known. 7 Soundwaves on the beach It will affect more people than those who 8 The Drama Room live in that area. 9 Upstairs/downstairs at the Grand Now on a happier note, there are a lot of events going on over the summer 11 Wonders and blunders months, please look at the ‘What’s on’ 12 A look at the local Coastwatch pages. Who said nothing ever happens in Folkestone! 14 On the slide at the sports centre Go Folkestone’s popular Soundwaves on the Beach, is supported by Shepway 15 What’s on District Council and the De Haan Trust. 19 Our heritage for sale? Terry Begent has updated us on the two 20 Folkestone Triennial meetings held on ‘Life in the old Dog yet’ 25 I made Folkestone my home Plus there are many more interesting 26 Adonis Blue butterfly articles for our readers to enjoy. 28 Is TV antisocial? If you have areas of concern why not let us know by writing or e-mailing to the address below. Ann Berry. Editorial Committee: Ann Berry, Lynne Chairman Go Folkestone Smith, Richard Wallace, Terry Begent. Front cover photograph: “April in Kingsnorth Gardens—a hidden Please send all comments/ treasure” supplied by Wendy Van contributions to Ann Berry, 35 Birkdale Halderen Moss www.myspace/satori. Drive, Folkestone, CT19 5LP or Email (Word document only please) We also acknowledge FOLKESTONE [email protected] LIONS CLUB, who initially sponsored and formed GO FOLKESTONE ACTION GROUP

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1 Take a nostalgic trip around the historic sights in the area on board a Summer sightseeing bus PEN-TOP bus tours are again to feature among Shepway’s summer season attractions. Operated by Kent-based sightseeing specialist O“Over the Top”, tours will run daily, weather permitting, from May 17 to September 7, on a circular route taking in coastal and inland scenic viewpoints and places of interest in and around Folkestone and Hythe. The itinerary will include the Leas Railway station is timed for promenade, Princes Parade and 4.30pm. Light Railway station at Hythe, Tickets will be valid 24 hours from Folkestone Race Course, the time of purchase. RAF Museum, Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel, and Fares, payable on the bus, will be Folkestone”s East Cliff. A taped £6.50 for adults, £5.50 for senior commentary will provide citizens, £3.50 for children over passengers with information. five, free for under fives travelling with a fare-paying adult. Family With departures from the Grand tickets for two adults and two Burstin Hotel, Folkestone, every children over five will cost £16. ninety minutes from 10am until 4pm, round-trip tours will last one “Over the Top” already runs hour 20 minutes, with hop-on sightseeing excursions in Thanet hop-off opportunity at designated and plans similar services at other stops to enable passengers time resorts. The company operates as for sightseeing and visits en route. a franchisee of international tour Last departure from Hythe Light operator City Sightseeing Details: Lance Young - 01795 530806

2 Folkestone West is new parkway station tephen Gasche, SDC Transport Planning Officer recently gave a talk to Shepway Tourism Action Group, which confirmed that West Station was Sgoing to be the new parkway station for Folkestone in time for the high-speed rail service”s inception in December 2009, despite some recent rumours about Westernhangar. A mini-roundabout will probably be plan to put a lot more parking within necessary at the junction of the long thin station development area Shorncliffe and (or for 2009. is it still Shorncliffe) Roads. Furthermore Mr Gasche believed, that Although the Rail for Folkestone although there were no “green” plans Web-site indicates for a small office block or housing next that journeys may to the station, the be as fast as 57 existing Victorian minutes, 59 buildings might still minutes is as likely be demolished. and then only for a It would seem few trains to unnecessary for the substantiate the current handsome if valuable “London unkempt 1880”s in under an Hour “ buildings to be boast. replaced by anything Many 62-3 minute in view of the limited journeys via development Ashford, Ebbsfleet and (Olympic) required for a Stratford to St Pancras will however parkway station. justify both Folkestone West”s new We should be ensuring that the status as a viable commuter station parking keeps within the pleasant (change at Stratford for the City) and context of the red brick, the carriage the work commencing on parking drive, the avenues of Horse Chestnuts, spaces. and even the semi-rural hedges. Local town and district councillors have The trouble with the railways is that got to make sure that the expensive they do have partial exemption from new parking policies of Shepway are the planning regulations, which integrated with the railway parking so stopped normal developers that locals can still park easily in local demolishing most Victorian buildings roads; could there also be some park- thirty years ago. and- ride arrangements and a café or shop offices within the old buildings? Some letters and calls to involved local councillors and MPs, such as Rory Most of the current work, as reported Love and George Bunting, about both in the last issue, is actually being done parking and planning would be for VSE i.e. the Orient Express luxury advisable! service: 8 coach parking bays etc. But the scrub clearance and the limited life Councillor Richard Wallace of the local car sales are down to a

3 Shepway District Council has published its plans for town centre parking from December 2008. PARKING SCHEME COMES TO FOLKESTONE he centre of Folkestone from the areas, leave 25% as garden, do not Royal Victoria Hospital to the remove mature trees, or all boundary Tcoast and from Grimston Avenue walls. to Tontine Street will be split into four This seems to be an expression of areas of about ten main streets each Government policy as every local and residential permit-holders will be council is going a similar way with local able to park almost anywhere in their variations, including already own area for £25.00 per Canterbury and Thanet. annum. The policy will soon be SHEPWAY’S NEW rolled out at roughly 6 Every household will PARKING PROPOSAL month intervals across first also get a number of Go Folkestone, invites Folkestone West and visitor permits you to come and have Cheriton, then Folkestone (provisionally up to 60) your say East and Sandgate. It is at £1.00 each, which also affecting Hythe and have to be dated and 4 June 2008 at 7.30 pm . put in people”s cars like In Wards Hotel, ordinary parking tickets. Businesses will pay at Earls Avenue least £125 to park in any Thus, you get 60 visitor area, £375 for all four, and days per year or your will have to buy permit visitor can find a tickets for every registration number. If voucher area. It must be worth fighting you run a company car from home you so that expectant mothers, new get the manager to confirm in writing mothers, people with health problems, that you are the keeper and it then and very elderly people (over 80?) to counts as residential. get free, extra visitor tickets. Voucher parking, as in Canterbury, is available At least travelling businesses such as to people from local shops for a few plumbers can use visitor or voucher pounds. tickets, but voucher streets may be thinly spread. Does the local We hope that these shops, will be local businessman get treated the same as shops and post offices that will draw in Tesco? It seems so as at May. custom for other things and that they will be spread over Cheriton and the We could suggest a lower rate for suburbs too, so people can buy in businesses with branches only within advance. We should be given a firmer Folkestone or perhaps Shepway, idea of the penalties for infringing and/or a lower rate for the first named these parking laws . car, to help small businesses. No doubt, this policy will lead to an What do you think? increased, unsightly concreting of front Councillor Richard Wallace gardens and I have urged the Council to firm up planning policy on this i.e. if you must do it, apply for planning permission at least in conservation

4 Life in the old dog yet fter the article I wrote in the last edition of the magazine, a flock of cynical, political vultures started circling above a “dying” Go AFolkestone, ready to pick over its bones and crow over its demise. What they see as a weakness, though, is, in reality, a sign of healthy organisation that is not afraid to tackle its serious issues in public. Since that last edition of the magazine, new seafront development in we have held two meetings, both of particular which were well attended and totally upbeat. • The need to monitor and The first of them was concerned with maintain a quality environment to looking at the issues that still exist in live in the Town today, issues, which still raise the kind of passion which led to • The need to regenerate a the creation of Go Folkestone in the community spirit first place. Those issues included: • The need to get a balanced • A need for a better flow of society to include all information about what was socio-economic groups happening in and around our town • An improvement in local transport • A concern for the loss of our The second meeting looked at those heritage, especially the closure issues and listed a series of initiatives of our Museum and the to address them. These, in turn, were forthcoming sale of the town”s refined into a shorter priority list, which art collection is still being worked on and should be ready for the next edition. • Concerns for the young people Whilst our future strategy is still a work of the town and the need to in progress, we have crystallised all of generate an environment that the issues and initiatives into a new would encourage them to remain mission statement that expresses our in the town when they leave future ambitions succinctly i.e.: full-time education. “To provide a voice to the community and a structure to enable its citizens • The need for a more progressive to more fully participate in the District Council with a go-getting regeneration of our town” approach Life in the old dog yet? You bet! And it • The poor image that the Town is changing from a cuddly Labrador has outside into a sleek greyhound. Terry Begent • The need to monitor the development of the built environment in general and the

5 44 The Old High Street,CT20 1RN,01303 250424, [email protected],Tue-Sun 10am-5pm Silver Tree ilver Tree is the latest shop to open in the Old High Street, producing a range of innovative and affordable hand crafted gold and silver jewellery Son site. It is run by Jemma Clayton and Shaun Jemma will undertake commissions O’Donnell, who you can see creating work from the input at work, allowing visitors to and ideas of the customers. browse in the display area Shaun’s designs focus on the and discuss designs and Celtic and Norse mythology ideas with them. working the gold and silver into The shop is part of the solid shapes that give a growing Creative contrasting compliment to Foundation community, Jemma’s designs. providing an alternative to By handcrafting jewellery in the general High Street jewellery house, the general philosophy of the range. This exclusive shop specialises in 925 silver, however designs are project is to create a design shop and collaborated with semi- precious extend the product range to cater for stones and three colour gold, white, local clients and sell to the ever increasing number of visitors, making a rose and yellow. visit a memorable days outing. Jemma and Shaun first approached Silver Tree offers a welcoming and the Creative Foundation with ideas for their business some twelve months friendly environment with customers already responding with positive ago. A suitable premise was identified feedback from their visit to the shop. and the process of refurbishment of the property began in Autumn 2007. “My husband and myself came down to The business opened in early April visit your shop today. I wanted to thank when the property was ready, you both for taking time out to chat and Jemma, an Art and Design graduate, assist me with Silver Smithing. You were works from natural forms and both kind enough to show us both around will frequently work on a piece and give advice and provide a without any preconceived motivational push that I design allowing the work to need.”Julie, Margate develop by inspiration. The name Silver Tree was conceived by Jemma. While “Using traditional techniques I asking a friend for ideas spend meticulous attention to towards a name for the shop, express natures unexpected Jemma was asked to call out workings in fine metal so that the first word that came into each design captures a moment her head. The key words were asked. or memory from the English landscape “Metal” and “nature” were answered that is echoed when worn on the human with “Silver” and “Tree.” form.” Said Jemma Clayton Silver Tree was now complete.

6 SOUNDWAVES IV – BREAKING NEWS ollowing the disappointment of cancellation last year due to burgeoning Health & Safety regulations dictated by central government, Go FFolkestone is extremely pleased to announce that this event will take place on Saturday 26th July from 3pm to 9pm on the beach in front of the Mermaids café. Shepway District Councils officers This along with the £500 donated by have been instrumental in enabling this Go Folkestone will be a great help free community event to go a head. towards the total cost of nearly £2,500 Not only have they given of their time but still leaves us somewhat short as to assist in the endless form filling but each act has to be insured individually they have contributed practical support under the new regulations. in the way of staging, power, security, The line up is still being compiled but rubbish clearance and their presence on the day. the local DJs Andy, Scott and Thom of Chambers fame and well—known In financial terms this must amount to bands Battleska Galactica and well over £500 and my eternal thanks Springtide have already agreed to go to Chris Mccreedy, Laura Pinkman, perform. Amanda Oates, Beverley Saunders As all these acts perform absolutely and Sandra Francis without whom I would be still struggling with the free of charge “a big up to them for their contributed support in entertaining bureaucracy involved in staging such the people of Folkestone is paramount. an event. See you there on the 26th July! Folkestone town council has come up trumps with a grant of £750 and Go Folkestone gratefully acknowledges their contribution and belief in this Lynne Smith event.

Mega Fun (UK) Ltd Entertainment and Leisure services 33 Rolfe Lane, New Romney, Kent TN28 8JP Telephone: 01797 362408 Mobile: 07733171152 Website: www.megafunukltd.co.uk Email: [email protected]

7 The Drama room

have recently visited a new group set up at the University Centre Folkestone in Mill Bay, which is a three-hour workshop for children and Iyoung people between the ages of 8 – 18. The sessions take place on Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm during term time.

Louise Giles, with her friend Carmella Shorter terms will usually end with a Martin, runs the workshops. She was slightly smaller scale showcase; this previously involved with Drama usually takes the form of comedy Queens acting group, studying sketches, musical skits, dances and dance/drama at school and university. works in progress. They believe in experimenting with new material which During the sessions they explore the three main disciplines of performing; can be much more inspiring and acting, singing and dance, these being productive. intertwined with a holistic approach to As well as gaining skills and the theatre arts. experience as young performers in the theatre arts, members of The Drama Far from being another part time stage Room are able to release their school, at The Drama Room the groups are encouraged to take part in inhibitions, gain confidence and self-esteem, hone their talents and the creative processes from devising express themselves in a creative scenes, improvising and developing script ideas to work on building and stimulating environment. exploring a character. The young people are split into two Each term they will work towards an groups to start with, the ones from 8 end of term production that will be 11 and the others 12 – 18. They will also be introduced to puppetry, stage performed in a local theatre venue to combat, circus skills and acting for an audience of parents, friends and the general public. In the past these have camera. always taken the form of musical Details from Louise on 07841 201572 comedies, and are more often than not entirely original works! Many of the Email: [email protected] shows have been directly inspired by Web:www.beanstalkperformance.co.uk the material that arises in the sessions Vera Neaves by the groups themselves and have always been a huge success.

8 A Lancashire lass, coming to Folkestone towards the end of WW2, enters a rather environmentally damaged and very different society! A real upstairs, downstairs life at “The Grand” or a start, my hard won Bevin (a lovely lady, rather out of her qualifications in nursery care depth I suspected), I saw a Fcounted for nowt” as there were half-opened drawer in a bedroom and very limited facilities for such locally it was full of 2lb bags of sugar!! I’ve at that time. never voted Labour since. Further, the old adage “don’t speak Other celebrities who stayed at the unless/until you are spoken to” Grand whilst I was employed there seemed prevalent in the streets. On included Gracie Fields who whistled to the Leas, The Grand Hotel was doing call a valet! Additionally, Elsie and it”s best to maintain standards. Doris Waters; famed comediennes of their day; and Charles Cochran; I first set foot in the Grand when I entrepreneur. Also there was the then applied for a job washing vases after famous film star Robert Newton who the housekeeper had arranged the sad to say wet the bed! He was flowers! I was directed into the thought the “heart-throb” of the day! ballroom and presented to the senior housekeeper, Miss Thomas, and I The official entrance hall to the hotel in must admit to being awestruck by my those days was on the west side and surroundings, sprung maple floor and uniformed staff manned the large all. reception hall always, I remember “Albert” particularly. There was also a Sometimes things move quickly though three-piece group of musicians (double and within weeks I had become bass, violin & piano) played in the “acting” housekeeper and, as well as Palm Court led by “Arthur”. washing vases, I was now doing the flower arranging too! Other tasks were: The restaurant was very exclusive and checking on maid’s duties, certain only specific staff allowed into its sewing and maintenance jobs, and portals. Guests were, of course, holding the fort when the housekeeper greeted by the head -waiter to be popped out to have her hair done! allocated their table. As regards the clientele; at a time so On the occasion of the housekeepers soon after the war, the Grand was birthday she, and I, were invited by struggling to regain status as a luxury “Chef”; a formidable character; to have hotel but fairly soon many well known a glass of sherry with him in the personalities visited and some took up kitchens. The frenzied activity down residence. there was a revelation to me after the quiet elegance of “upstairs”. I particularly recall the visit of Ernie Bevin (Foreign Minister in the Labour The other revelation was the room Government of the time), and his wife. where chickens etc were slaughtered At that time many products were still to ensure freshness; the walls were on ration and I personally missed splattered with blood! I further some sugar in my tea. When I went remember staff lunch one day was into the suite at the invitation of Mrs “whale meat”; a substitute for liver in those days; but I don’t think it was

9 killed on the premises. Then there unnecessary! If only that had been were dozens of bottles of seaweed in true…. the storeroom cupboards due to seaweed baths being extremely However, one of my most treasured possessions today reminds me of the popular in the Grand’s heyday. day we were told that Mr Anderson, a We had to become “ladies maids” to lovely kind gentleman occupying a first some of the permanent residents; one floor suite with his own resident lady, Mrs Bertacie, reprimanded me for housekeeper, had died. We were doing what I had thought was a very invited to choose a memento, which I striking floral display. “ Take it away, still have. dear, it’s too funereal”. I was quite abashed but “the customer is always The senior housekeeper chose a right” had to come first. Wedgwood vase, and I had a bowl inlaid with enamel. When the BBC’s Said lady left instructions that her suite “Flog-it” team came to the Grand a few was to be completely cleaned and years ago they estimated its value at re-fitted whilst she was on holiday, so £70, but it’s worth more than that to the housekeeper and myself checked it me. over before her return. Upon when she Finally and more generally, furniture sent for us to complain, “the rug was and upholstery was regularly checked not quite flush with the hearth”, “ the and repaired, if necessary in one of the bed sheet is wrong side up”, and “ the curtains were not drawn exactly right” large basement rooms by qualified upholstery staff. A gardener was etc . (Sometimes those characters you responsible for the upkeep of the may see in the old films etc really existed!) lawns and vegetable garden, which of course supplied the kitchens. Sometimes the chambermaids were The linen room maintained the sheets the staff earning the most lucrative tips, etc to a very high standard and on I often saw tips of 10 shillings (about occasions I learned to use most 20p now but a lot of money then) left unusual circular needles and “tools” to for the maids when I was checking their dusting etc. The assistant repair sheets and valences, which housekeeper though was deemed to sometimes hid a multitude of sins.... earn enough money and tips were Transcribed and adapted by Ray Duff.

Farmers to Boots HarbourMart, the local community As part of the deal with the Creative interest company that brought the Foundation and Harbour Company, highly successful farmers, HarbourMart will also be running the fisherman’s and artists market to the car parks for the Triennial on the site town last year has branched out. as well. As part of its ongoing commitment to The Company will use the income the regeneration of the town, the from both markets to finance a company has started regular Sunday community information centre in the Boot Fairs on the seafront. Tram Road car park.

10 Folkestone – Wonders and Blunders f late, certain parts of Folkestone have fallen on hard times and drawn criticism. Yet as a town we still have plenty to be proud of as well as Osome areas where we could do even better! A major selling point must be the tree the opportunity for links with the lined boulevards and green open continental way of life, sampling spaces and Kingsnorth Gardens is a French cuisine and culture at first well-kept oasis of calm and beauty. hand. Its loss is still regretted. Further off the beaten track and wilder We hope that the master plans in nature is “The Warren”. A provision of harbour facilities for such a challenging walk can be rounded off service will lead to its reinstatement. with tea enjoying the On the entertainment front, view from the Little most Thursday mornings, Switzerland café. the Folkestone Classic Two of the finest sights Film Club screens a well must be the sunrise and chosen programme at the sunset from the western Silver Screen Cinema. reaches of the Leas, Who could forget the with the backdrop of the queue up the precinct for Grand and the entry into “Mrs Henderson Metropole. Presents?” Redeveloping the lower The One-Way System and leas has breathed new a Guildhall Street which is life into an under-utilised closed to traffic seem to part of our seafront. have contributed to the Visitors travel some decline of that part of town. distance to bring their Perhaps it will improve as children to the the new shopping centre shipwreck and climbing draws pedestrians. frames at the new Children’s Play It is encouraging to see the green Area, which is surely a unique asset shoots of a new community in The for our town. Creative Quarter. Its coffee bars are During the summer months the only a short walk from the town centre Amphitheatre provides a versatile and there are some beautiful galleries venue for events ranging from world and shops. Cheriton Place also has a music to Shakespeare. The number of independent retailers which spectacular setting is sheltered by the are worth a look. rocks surrounding the zig-zag path. All in all, whilst Folkestone undergoes We have particularly fond memories of the rigours of change, our town still a performance by the late Humphrey retains much to charm and interest Lyttleton and the swirling capes and residents and visitors alike and the clashing swords of the Scottish play. wonders of Folkestone provide a foundation on which to build for the The Ferry Service from Folkestone future. enlivened the harbour and provided Liz and Bob Brown

11 Coast Watch Folkestone ince 1998 the National Coach Watch Institution has had a lookout station at Copt point. We started in a small way with only a few watch keepers Soperating at weekends. Now we have some 60 volunteers abandoned when there was significant operating 7 days a week during day cliff erosion, which made it unsafe. light hours. All the watch keepers are For a short time we used Martello No concerned with the safety of the public who use the seashore, whether 3. Then we moved into a portacabin until we were able to refurbish and swimming, walking or in small boats. take over the wartime fire control We also monitor the VHF radio for building on the Pitch and Putt golf emergency calls. course, at the cost of over £50,000, all The Coast Guard with whom we work of which was raised locally. closely, think of us as their eyes and If you are visiting the east Cliff area we ears, and regard us as a useful aid to are happy to make visitors welcome, their search and rescue service as we so come and see what we do. If you often spot a potentially dangerous are Interested you could become a situation. watch keeper yourself. All our watch keepers are trained We have a good mix of male and volunteers; each watch station is female watch keepers and you don’t self-funding relying on help from local have to have a nautical background. businesses and well wishers. Fund You can contact us on 01303 840367 raising is also done through collection for new entrants or look at our website: boxes, and by collecting stamps and envelopes. www.ncifolkestone.org.uk The original look out was in a disused Coastguard station, but this had to be Keith Rosenz

The Friends of Folkestone Sports Centre Trust launch their group at the grand opening of: Toboggan Slope and Kids Gym ver the last decade or so there has been much talk of having a new Sports Centre In Folkestone, although I could never understand why we Oneeded a new one, why not update the one we have, it was only just over 30 years old and was brick-built to last for much longer than that and had a super golf course at the rear. As most people will remember, last minded people got together and year we lost the bid for PFI funding and formed the “Friends of the Folkestone so that left the Sports Centre Trust to Sports Centre” plan for the future. It was at this point that I thought the sports centre needed Continued on page 14 some “FRIENDS” and so other, like

12 Town Council’s AGM in the Civic Centre On Friday 16th May 2008, I joined the nominations than him, Councillor Gane many Mayors, past Mayors, Civic was duly re-elected. dignitaries and friends not, just from The election of the Deputy Mayor Folkestone, but also from other Towns, that had gathered at the Civic Centre proved a little more controversial since both Councillor Emily Sanger and to support the Folkestone Mayoralty at Councillor Tom McNiece were the historic, ceremonial occasion of the election of the Town’s Mayor and proposed and seconded by different Deputy Mayor for 2008/9. factions within the council. In the knife-edge election that followed, The Town Mayor Councillor Peter both received the same number of Gane, in his outgoing speech, told of votes - leaving the Mayor on the spot, how much he had enjoyed his year in with the casting vote, which he used to office, before presenting gifts to those who had helped and supported him keep Councillor Sanger in post for a through out the year. second year Date of next full Town Council meeting He then asked for nominations for the to be held at the Civic Centre, July Town Mayor Elect for the next municipal year. They’re being no other 10th 2008 at 7pm. Ann Berry. TOWN SUNDAY

Mayor making ceremony at the Town Cross St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church, the Bayle Followed by a service in the Church Sunday 22nd June at 11am.

Followed by THE BLESSING OF THE FISHERIES By the Bishop of Whitby (Former curate of Hythe Parish Church) 22nd June 2008 Folkestone honours its Fishing Community In this historic and picturesque harbourside ceremony 3.00pm Procession leaves St Peter’s Church in The Durlocks, East Cliff Gdns. 3.15pm Ceremony of the Blessing of the Fisheries at the Stade After the Blessing, return to St Peter’s for tea

13 Toboggan continued from page 12 generous £1000.00 to “The Friends” to purchase the Snow rings. The opening of the Toboggan slope and the Kids Gym was on Saturday 26th April at 11am. A family Golf day was set for Sunday 27th. We set up a Tombola, which brought in a healthy sum of £232.00 many thanks to all who supported it .told them of their plans and immediate needs. For a photo call, with cheque on the Ann Berry and Roger West - first Slope, Roger West (of the Folkestone down the slope with cheque in hand Lions) and I decided to have a go, and so promptly selected our snow rings. The first thing we did was to set our At the top of the Slope we sat though aims and objectives, one of these was not very gracefully, on the rings, with for the Friends to support FSC Board cheque held between us. We then felt in enhancing Public awareness of an almighty push from behind and FSCT and to raise funds and support down we went, Roger went in one the fundraising efforts of the FSCT. To direction, I went in the other and had to our delight Miss Alison Streeter (MBE) let go of the cheque as it began to tear. Channel Swimmer, Queen of the All of a sudden I started to spin and Channel agreed to be Patron of “The completely lost sight of Roger who was Friends” experiencing his own enjoyment of the Last year the Trustees came up with slide. On eventually arriving at the some exciting new plans that would bottom neither of us could contain our enhance the present facilities, and if laughter for several minutes, so there you are in or near the Folkestone we sat, whilst all around enjoyed the Sports Centre, pop in and view the spectacle. future plans, the management and staff On the Sunday the Sports centre Held would be happy to show them to you a family golf day. It was very well While awaiting all this to come to supported and the Sun shone. As I sat fruition, the Trustees have forged there watching them Tee of, I thought ahead to find funding for some new what a lovely place this is, the Blossom and exiting facilities for the public to was out on the Trees and the greens use and enjoy. was beautifully kept. A small Oasis amid all the surrounding buildings, In a successful bid to the Peoples millions and other generous sponsors, If you haven”t been down to the the Trustees now had enough money Folkestone Sports Centre lately go to fund two new facilities, a Toboggan soon, and take the kids, pick up a slope and Children’s Gym. “Friends” leaflet and support us in our ventures. If you have as much fun as I As the toboggan Slope was in need of did you”ll go back, time and time again. Sledges and Snow rings “The Friends” set up a meeting with the Folkestone Lions and The Lions donated a very Ann Berry, Friend of FSCT

14 Please contact: [email protected] or tel: 01303 261876 with details of your events for months of Sep, Oct, Nov, 08. For the next GF Newsletter. What's on

Sat Jun 14 - Mosaic course, One-day course held on second Saturday of each month, 43 The Old High Street, www.joletchfordmosaics.co.uk - T: 01303-250717. Sat Jun 14 - 13 FOLKESTONE TRIENNIAL 2008 (see article further on) Sat Jun 14 - 15: Me & my Dog" show at Port Wild Animal Park & Gardens. info: 0870-750-4647 www.totallywild.net Sun Jun 15 - Race for Life - Folkestone. Information; 0871-641-2282. www.raceforlife.org Thu Jun 19 - 24 Fun Fair in Radnor Park. Thu Jun 19 - 60's - now Disco. Mustang's, Rendezvous Street, Folkestone. Tel: 01303-255911. Sun Jun 22 - Town Sunday, 11.00 am The Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Folkestone. (See advert earlier) Info: 01303 257946 11:00am Sun Jun 22 - Blessing of the Fisheries, 3.00 pm, St Peters School, The Durlocks, Folkestone. Procession from St Peters Church to service in the Harbour. Info: 01303 257946 Sat Jun 28 - Gravesend Borough Band playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Jun 28 - Health and Well-being day. Shepway District Council & Primary Care Trust. Taster sessions and information on healthy activities. 10 am 5 pm Info: 01303-853000. Sat Jun 28 - Chas ‘n Dave live at The leas Cliff Hall. 8pm Booking Details: 0844 847 1776 Sun Jun 29 - Boot Fair in Radnor Park organised by Folkestone Rotary Club Tue Jul 01 - 30 Exhibition - Other People's Photographs, Georges House Gallery, 8 The Old High Street, Folkestone. T: 01303-244533 Tue Jul 01 - Canada Day. Shorncliffe Military Cemetery. 11.00 am Service for the 296 Canadian WW1 soldiers buried in the cemetery. Touching ceremony in which local children pick a grave and lay floral tributes. Info: 01303 257946

15 Fri Jul 04 - 08 Zoo8 Music Festival at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park & Gardens. info: 0870-750-4647. www.totallywild.net Fri Jul 04 - Brockhill Dancers performing at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Fri Jul 04 - All Star Wrestling, Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. 7.39pm 'Team America' against the best of home talent in a spring tour. Booking Details on 0844 847 1776 Sat Jul 05 - Folkestone School for Girls & Harvey Grammar Orchestra performing at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Jul 13 - Storytelling with Pete Castle at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Jul 13 - Boot Fair in Radnor Park organised by FTCM. Information & bookings: 01303-850522 Sat Jul 19 - Harbour Festival a day of exciting activities, raising funds for RNLI and local charities. Raft race; Trawler & yacht races off the Sunny Sands; Coastguard tug firefighting display; ; live bands, sideshows along The Stade. Evening firework display. 10am - 9pm. Information: 01303-257167. Sat Jul 19 - Strange Cargo present Charivari Day 2008. Carnival Workshops will be available for the public. Information: T:01303 244533 e-mail: [email protected] 2pm Sat Jul 19 - Keele University Concert Band. A concert in aid of Royal Air Forces Association. Tickets: £7 / £5. United Reform Church, Folkestone. Tel: 01303-238435 7.45pm. Sun Jul 20 - Live music from Mentalfloss & a special appearance from a French band at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Info: www.shepway.gov.uk Mon Jul 21 - 28 - Moscow State Circus at Radnor Park, Folkestone. Fri Jul 25 - Pinnochio at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Jul 26 - Go Folkestone presents " Sound Waves" on the beach below The Mermaid Café and Amphitheatre from 3pm, superb of local bands. Come join in the music & fun, bring your picnics. Dance all afternoon & evening. Info: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Jul 26 - Rio Roberts Quartet playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk 2.30- 4,30pm

16 Sun Jul 27 - Leas railings art exhibition on The Leas, Folkestone, Kent. 11am - 4pm Sat Aug 02 - Live music from Rattlaz playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk 2.30 - 4.30pm Sun Aug 03 - Shakespeare's - A Midsummer Night's Dream performance at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Aug 03 - Walk - Elham Valley Way. Please book - 01303-247806. Sun Aug 03 - Birchington Silver Band playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. 2.30 - 4.30pm. Information ; www.shepway.gov.uk Wed Aug 06 - Meadow Cutting, Folkestone Warren meet at the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone. (TR239364) 10:15am Thu Aug 07 - Teddy Bear's Picnic at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Fri Aug 08 - Treasure Island at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Aug 09 - Donkey Derby & Boot Fair in Radnor Park. Organised by The Folkestone Lion's Club, for information contact : 01303-227343. Sat Aug 09 - Anacrusis Sax playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. 2.30 - 4.30pm Information: www.shepway.gov.uk 14:30-16:30 Sun Aug 10 - The Road to Nowhere at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Aug 10 - Meadow Cut, Cherry Garden. Meet at the bottom of Castle Hill (off M20 J 13), Folkestone (TR210377). 10:00am Sun Aug 10 - Walk - Countryside on your doorstep! Meet at Reinden Wood, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge. (TR215399). 2 - 4pm Mon Aug 11 - Sat Aug 16: Smith's Carnival Funfair, Radnor Park, Folkestone. Wed Aug 13 - Downland walk around Hawkinge. Meet outside the Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge (TR215399) 10:30am -2.30pm Thu Aug 14 - Ragwort pulling on Folkestone Downs. Meet at the bottom of Castle Hill (M20 J 13), Folkestone (TR210377). 10:15am

17 Sat Aug 16 - A stroll through the history of Newington & . Meet at entrance to Tesco, Cheriton High Street, Folkestone. (TR193369) 2 - 5pm Sat Aug 16 - Greenwich Concert Band playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. 2.30 - 4.30pm Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Aug 17 - Dover Soul at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Aug 23 - Zig-Zag Art at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Organised by The Folkestone Artist Cooperative. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Aug 23 - East London Brass Band playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. 1 - 2.30pm Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sat Aug 23 - Joe Pasquale at The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. 7.30pm Box office on 0844 847 1776, Tickets: £16.50. Concessions Available. Sun Aug 24 - Fair Maid of the South East at the Amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone. Information: www.shepway.gov.uk Sun Aug 24 - Walk - Late Summer on the Downs meet at the bottom of Castle Hill (off M20 junc. 13), Folkestone (TR210377) 2 - 5pm Mon Aug 25 - Grand Oldtimer Rally, Classic vehicle show. The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone. www.grand-uk.com 10am - 4pm Thu Aug 28 - FOSSIL FORAY White Cliffs Countryside Project, Leader: Phil Green, (01303 274806) 2 - 4pm. Meet at The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone. Donation appreciated. Map Ref: TR 239 364. Distance: 1.5 miles. Sun Aug 31 - Cantium Brass playing on the Bandstand, The Leas, Folkestone. 2.30 - 4.30pm Information: www.shepway.gov.uk

Monthly & Weekly events have been for more events visit - left out for the mid summer period. www.folkestone-racecource.co.uk - for Please check on previous Newsletter details of race date for details. Visit - www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk

18 The Creative Quarter has announced that it is intending to take over the Metropole Gallery and close it by Christmas, Our cultural heritage for sale? he closure is set to coincide with the opening of Quarterhouse in Tontine Street, their “wonderful new performing arts centre”. It is said that the old Tpremises are no longer in keeping with the requirements of the funding agencies which are naturally important contributors to their regeneration of the more decrepit parts of the town. What is rather more alarming is their Other well known local artists proposal to sell The Metropole Arts represented include Dr John Eveleigh, Centre Trust’s Collection of about 200 who was artistic director 1961-84 and, pictures and other artefacts, and use together with Lord Clark (of the proceeds to help pay for the “Civilisation” fame), was largely Folkestone Triennial and “the purchase responsible for assembling the of new contemporary art for the public Collection, his son Aldous Eveleigh, realm in Folkestone” Gerald Norden, David Koster and The items in the Collection were either Charmian Fearnley. donated to the Trust by artists or Works from the Collection have been bought with contributions from the shown at public venues in Boulogne, Friends of The Metropole Arts Centre Canterbury, Hastings, Sevenoaks and Trust, and undoubtedly the donors Folkestone libraries, although in recent envisaged that they would be years they have been hidden from displayed in the Metropole Gallery from view. time to time, and maybe other establishments of similar standing. An argument has been that there is nowhere to keep or show them. On the In the words of the Trust, the content contrary, they could be housed in The “is representative of outstanding Grand, where the town’s oldest and twentieth century artists of South East most valuable paintings have been on and the collection has display for many years, freely matured to be of national accessible to all between 7am and significance”. It has emphasised “the 9pm daily (Sundays to 6pm) – and importance of the artists”; the from May to September with guided Collection “contains a fine selection of tours at 2pm on Mondays featuring the Carel Weight’s oils including two major building, its contents and its history. works, Actor Poet and The Battersea But wherever it is kept, there are many Park Tragedy, and Peter Blake’s set of who consider the pictures and lithographs “Alice in Wonderland”. artefacts should be retained as a Over a quarter of the pictures are by Collection in Folkestone not only as a Royal Academicians, which apart from valuable resource for present and Carel Weight and Peter Blake include future generations but also as a Fred Cuming, Bernard Dunstan, reminder of one of the most important Elisabeth Frink, Victor Pasmore, John cultural endeavours hitherto in the Bratby, Gertrude Hermes, John Titchell history of the town. and Olwyn Bowey.

19 Folkestone Triennial - Tales of Time & Space What is it? in Folkestone"s hotels, bars, It"s a big art exhibition that will take restaurants and shops place every three years - hence the Will it be just a one-day wonder? name Triennial - and this is the first, This exhibition lasts three months, subtitled "Tales of Time and Space". which means visitors will be spread More than twenty top international artists are taking part, creating exciting over the whole of the summer. And at least six works will remain on and thought - provoking work - ranging permanent display in Folkestone, from sculpture and film to sound works and live performances. All the work will building every three years with each successive exhibition to create a be linked to Folkestone - its history, its collection of art on year-round display people and its buildings. Forget art galleries - this exhibition crosses the in public places in Folkestone. usual boundaries to bring art and Where can I get more info? people closer together. Essentially the www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk and a Triennial tells stories about Folkestone, visitor centre in Tontine Street from its people, its history and about the way the town is changing. early June. When is it? How much will it cost? 14th June - 14th September 2008 Nothing - its free! Where is it? Who are the artists Folkestone! Being presented in public David Batchelor, Christian Boltanski, spaces from the Leas to the East Cliff - Adam Chodzko, Nathan Coley, Tacita the beach, the harbour, parks, the Dean, Jeremy Deller, Mark Dion, marine promenade and historic Tracey Emin, Ayse Erkmen, Sejla buildings. Kameric, Robert Kusmirowski, Langlands and Bell Kaffe Matthews, Who’s coming? Heather and Ivan Morison, Nils We expect at least 100,000 visitors Norman with Gavin Wade mit Simon & over the 90 days of the event. The Tom Bloor, Susan Philipsz, Public triennial has been designed to appeal Works Patrick Tuttofuoco, Mark to anyone who is curious about the Wallinger, Richard Wentworth, Pae ways in which the artists taking part White, and Richard Wilson see and interpret the seaside resort of Is there a brochure/book/map? Folkestone. The website has details of the artists; a What does it mean for Folkestone? map and a guide to the works will be Lots more people coming to the town available close to the opening of the to enjoy the rather beautiful location it exhibition. occupies between the North Downs Who’s Organising It? and the English Channel. The idea is to create more reason for people to The Creative Foundation, with funding visit and, ultimately, to stay for long from a number of key sponsors. It is weekends and spend time and money being curated by Andrea Schlieker, co-curator of the British Art Show 2005/06.

20 Folkestone Multi-Cultural Festival 2008

Culture fest will be fun "Last year"s event attracted thousands Folkestone’s second Multi-Cultural of visitors from across south east Festival (June 12 - 15) will bigger and England, the London area and farther even better than last year"s inaugural afield. We are looking forward to welcoming even greater numbers this event, claim the organisers. year. A sample of the fun-for- everyone programme will be showcased by From 10am to 4pm every day, Thursday performers from Asia when the festival, to Saturday, there will be plenty to watch themed on the culture, customs and in the town centre Precinct. cuisine of many countries, is On Sunday, the festival moves to ceremonially launched in the town Radnor Park for a family fun-day which centre on Saturday (May 17), starting at will include fairground rides, games, 11am. exhibitions food and craft stalls and "It"s a Knockout" competition for local Lined up to take part in the four-day festival of street theatre, music, dance, schools Programmes will be available shortly from shops and stores, Discover story- telling, food and crafts are performing groups and solo artistes Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh literature pick-up points and other from Japan, India, Africa, Nepal and America as well as from mainland outlets.. Europe and Britain. Presented by Folkestone Town Centre Management and Discover Folkestone, Organiser Barbara Witham said that the aim of the festival was to celebrate the Hythe & Romney Marsh. many different cultures which contribute Supported by local businesses and to the life and times of Folkestone with a sponsored by Folkestone Town Council programme of lively entertainment and 20 Bouverie Place Shopping Centre, enjoyable educational experiences for Folkestone CT20 1AU - tel: 01303 residents and visitors of all ages. 850522 Veterans’ Day 27th June 2008 Fokestone Town Council, in be presented with their badges at conjunction with local ex-service the ceremony. groups, has organised a Sunset Service in the Garden of On the following day, Saturday 28th, “The Shed” youth centre in the Remembrance at 7.00 pm. Harbour will host an outdoor military/ All ex-servicemen/women are entitled veterans exhibition, including to receive a free “Veterans” badge displays by local cadet forces. regardless of the length of their Details from Carol Saunders on service. A number of local veterans will 01303 257946

21 News Bytes

Earlscliffe, the fine old Ad.Ed centre is particularly ugly and all-covering not to be the temporary registry office example, and keep an eye on the for Ashford during their own building proposals for St Mary"s Convent site in works as originally intended. Ravenlea Road. They changed their mind when the length of lease and the cost of conversion were looked at. The building The old Martello pub is likely to have got is now likely to be handed back to the planning permission for conversion to Folkestone Estate before 2010 and the five flats by the time you read this. The long-term prognosis is for residential pub, which actually dates back to 1850 conversion. and is quite an elegant building (externally!) is listed and the proposed conversion is quite attractive. A representative of Folkestone and Up the road, Martello Textiles factory Dover Water Company addressed the apparently has been unexpectedly Town Meeting on 28th April and advised demolished simply to avoid paying that there would be full water metering empty rates on a difficult-to-let building, in the town by 2012. Currently it is 55% although it wouldn’t be a bad residential metered. site. The area depends on groundwater and Any body with any memories of the old although supplies are at a three-year sewing machine days? high, the lack of a local reservoir means that in the long term they need to seal more leaks, "buy" some water from The ornate little Edwardian electricity Southern Water, and consider supply pillar in Bathurst Road, which desalination. has survived for over a century, and which GF have now got listed will cost £750 to get repaired, needle-gunned The fight against demolishing good, and repainted, probably by the reliable large family houses (some demand still) local firm Ashley Light Engineering. for blocks of flats (little demand) is Anybody who can pledge any money, or never-ending. ideas for getting some funding, please There was great news on 47 Broadfield write, phone or email: Road where demolition for a three-storey block of flats was refused. Look at the proposals for 14 Cherry Ann Berry Garden Avenue in SDC offices or on [email protected] for a

22 TWO HISTORICAL TOWN TRAIL WALKS

Wednesday 25th June 2008 at 7.00 pm starts: The British Lion, The Bayle. Suitable for wheelchairs. Finishes at the Grand on the Leas. Wednesday 23rd July 2008at 7.00 pm Start and finish at: Hotel Burstin, Harbour approach Road. Not suitable for wheelchairs. The walks will be led by, Richard Wallace, Chairman of ‘GO FOLKESTONE’S Environment and Buildings Committee. It is hoped that local Historian, Eamonn Rooney will be able to join us. Visiting Students and Tourists are welcome to join us in the walk.

Lovely Penthouse apartment overlooking pool & Delightful gardens, 3 bedrooms & roof top solarium Only minutes from the SEA, restaurants, shops, Golf courses. Airport 10mins away with cheap flights! Los Alcazares, Murcia, Spain. Other properties both for sale and rent available From only £200 per week Go for it! Tel 01303 250484 or 07884187170

23 NEWS FROM DISCOVER, FOLKESTONE, HYTHE AND ROMNEY MARSH

It’s the start of something as this one indicates, plenty of new: official! interesting things are happening. Chris Kirkham, manager, DFH&RM e are now able to report that Discover Folkestone, Hythe & WRomney Marsh now functions as the mixed public/private sector Pride of Shepway organisation officially tasked with delivering tourism services for the Congratulations to winners of tourism district of Shepway. awards presented during a glittering event to honour local businesses Kent County Council, Shepway District organised by the Channel Chamber of Council and Folkestone Town Council Commerce at Folkestone"s Leas Cliff are now among our supporters; talks Hall on April 25. with other local authorities as well as with new potential commercial Visit Kent"s "Pride of Shepway subscribers are pending. Employee of the Year" awards went to Danny Duffy, Crosskeys Coaches Funds to enable long-term planning are (Transportation); Donna Dryland, in position. Action plans covering a Grand Burstin Hotel. (Hotel);Kishore broad spectrum of activities to increase Sapkoka, Gurkha Palace (Restaurant); footfall and accommodation occupancy Anne Clifton-Holt, Hagueland have been up-dated. Marketing projects Farm(accommodation provider); and that had to be put on hold are now under Stephanie Leslie, Romney Marsh way. Visitor Centre (Attraction). This is the very satisfactory outcome of The awards were presented by Roger a long period of discussion about ways Gough, Kent County Council cabinet and means of providing Shepway with a member responsible for supporting and tourism marketing service able to meet developing tourism, and Robert Bliss, the challenges of increasing leader of Shepway District Council. competition from other destinations in a fast-changing market place. The DFH&RM management team - chairman Ted Kirkham; manager Chris It not only acknowledges the work of Kirkham; secretary and treasurer John DFH&RM over the last four years but Barber - also came in for praise. Roger also that it is regarded as the Gough said that the team had done "an representative organisation to take the amazing job" over the past year to mission forward boldly and promote Shepway in very difficult competently. We accept the challenges circumstances when funding was a real and look forward to reporting progress challenge. in subsequent e-bulletins. Meanwhile,

24 I made Folkestone my Home. am often asked what I thought of Folkestone when I first came and I must say that I dismissed it as not being an old town, probably IVictorian/Edwardian. The town I had from come from That first winter of 1963/4, is probably (Newry, Northern Ireland) was very the worst in all the years I have been ancient and had a ruined Abbey and here. two ruined castles - Folkestone had none of these "trappings" of an ancient I started to explore the town and discovered the Parish Church, The place. I had come with my Father to Bayle, the Stade and the Old High visit my brother and was not really intending or interested in staying in Street. Clearly Folkestone was not the Victorian/Edwardian town I thought it Folkestone was. I must say that one of the first things that made an impression on me was Subsequently I learnt at the Library that the town has Roman, Saxon and the wonderful flowerbed opposite the Medieval history and I was hooked and Central (Park) Inn. I had never seen anything like them. In 1964 I moved to wished to learn more - the rest as they a flat in Shorncliffe Road and I then say "is history". discovered Kingsnorth Gardens - Back to the flowerbeds - over the years beautiful. I have had to disagree with some people who have remarked that the In the first year or so after arrival in expenditure on the flowers was a Folkestone my footfall through the town amounted to going from Morehall waste of money. (where I was staying) to the Labour The ever-present greenery and the Exchange (now the Kentucky Fried floral displays add to the attractiveness Chicken Outlet) and the Town Centre. of Folkestone and whilst I think they In fact, in the early days I had not even had declined in quality for a few years, I am of the opinion that in recent years set foot on the Leas and when I did they have returned to the standard of what did I see - more wonderful flower arrangements. I loved the wonderfully the 1960s. wild Lower Sandgate Road. In Folkestone you are never far from greenery and we have the Leas and I got a job as a seasonal bus conductor Radnor Park and I am sure everyone with the East Kent Road Car Company, will agree that Kingsnorth Gardens is fully expecting to be stood off at the end an absolute gem, if remaining of the season. somewhat undiscovered by most visitors to Folkestone. However to my surprise I was kept on and as the previous few winters in I am glad I ended up here 45 years Ireland had been pretty dire the idea of ago and am proud to call Folkestone staying in the "Sunny South-East" until "home". the spring had a certain appeal.

Eammon Rooney.

25 Folkestone’s part in the survival of the endangered butterfly: Adonis Blue Butterfly he recent special issue of 1st class Royal Mail stamps featured 8 butterflies and beetles that are currently on the endangered lists. Among Tthese was a lovely picture of the Adonis Blue butterfly (Latin: polyommatus bellargus in the family: lycaenidae) As the stamp seen on the hills, shows it is a bright which I shall not iridescent blue reveal here to help colour on its upper protect it. wings, due to the I well remember, effects of during my teens "rainbow" light scattering over the and with an interest in such, scales, with a wandering with my clear white slotted border with black net to catch specimens or any divider lines species, for my The underside is then small greyish brown with collection. lots of small black Since then though splotches bordered with white, and orange tipped end sections. It can be I’ve come to view collecting as best left to professionals for study and display differentiated from the other local more purposes, amateurs just to observe prevalent "Blue family", by the different and record sightings and just delight at colour shades. the antics of these delightfully showy The "Common Blue" is a bit darker and insects. has no black markers on the white fringe, the female is actually brown Returning to the Adonis Blue, if you bought the special packs of 8 at the with orange spots; the Chalk-hill blue time, you also received a 2 for 1 has pale blue with a brownish outer border, again the female is brown with voucher for entry to the Natural History Museums" summer maze and Tropical orange spots on the hind wings; the Butterfly House. Small Blue is just that and, a darker shade with white fringe, Still running until the end of June, and Another is the Holly Blue, the male has well worth visiting to view the violet blue uppers with a wide black tip sometimes-spectacular colouration of end, the female though is quite similar the insects including some very large to the Adonis Blue but has few black ones. edge dividers Locally I think MacFarlane’s Garden Centre still has it"s own version just Folkestone downs area is one of the few sites that have helped in survive in beyond village, again worth a the wild. It"s caterpillars feed only a visit. particular type of plant that can be Ray Duff

26 GF members Grand wedding

Go Folkestone members Bob Brown and Liz Tulloch tied the knot at the Grand on Sunday 30 March.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Tavernetta and a honeymoon in Cyprus"

The Ark Market Enjoy a day at the quayside

Check out the range of quality local produce and crafts at Folkestone’s new Farmers, Fishermens and Artist’s market. Grab a lunch in one of the surrounding eateries (chippy, café, pub or restaurant), then spend the rest of the day on our sandy beach or in our new coastal park. Just over an hour down the A20/M20, follow the signs for the harbour, plenty of parking. Every Sunday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm

27 Is TV antisocial? Have you one in every room. Do the programmes that you watch Fill others full of gloom.

Do you vacate your chair? Your preference to placate. And move into the other room And isolate your mate?

Or do you; suppress your thoughts? Of what you would prefer, and Consider the other persons view By giving in, to him or her.

Or is it ‘Shush’ to this and ‘Quiet’ to that. Bad mood on open view. Is TV Antisocial? I’ll leave it up to you!!

Ann Berry

28 membership form Type of membership you want: (please tick as appropriate) o Single membership £10.00 o Couple at the same address £15.00 o In receipt of benefits £5.00 o Junior membership (under 18) £5.00

Your preferred title: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Other :-

First name:

Surname:

Email address:

Mobile:

Second person (for joint membership)

Your preferred title:

First name:

Surname:

Email address:

Mobile:

Home address

Town:

County:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Please post your form with a cheque made out to “Go Folkestone action group” to: Membership Secretary, 24 Harbour Way, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1NF (01303 250906)

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