Folkestone Then & Now Guestbook

My Mother's aunt, Sophia Marie Caroline Groncke, lived at 14 Victoria Grove, Folkstone, in 1911. I've found a photo of the house but am looking for any stories about it. Apparently it may have been the home of Elizabeth A Duncombe, per the census. I've been told my great-aunt suffered from tuberculosis and was not able to travel to the US when her family came over in 1912. Would greatly appreciate any information anyone may provide! Thank you so very much!

My last memory of sugarloaf is 1960/61/62.
My grandmother was Elsie Roach and lived in a cottage with a well on sugarloaf with her parents
In the early part of the century.
Is their any family? Or does anyone have any memories to share.
Was quite a Lady, she would sell tobacco and cigarettes along with alcohol to the passing ramblers.

Great to see some memories from my misspent youth in the 60s

I have a memory as a kid with my Mum. That we are standing outside a glass tank that was a swimming pool by the lifts by the Leas. I was small around 1967. My older sister was swimming and my mum telling me I would learn to swim, as she herself couldn't swim.

Hi. I am seeking information on my GGG grandparents and family who were born in Folkestone but moved to Vlissingen in Holland for 18 years before returning to England and emigrating to South Australia in 1838. I'm wondering if it was a common thing for English to move across and whether they would have integrated or remained part of an English colony in Holland. Thomas Tapley was a baker in Vlissingen and moved later to Rotterdam where my GG grandfather was born. There is talk of them being involved in smuggling but I don't know whether that would be true. He was reputed to be a smuggler in South Australia. I wonder whereabouts in Folkestone the family lived and where the family hotel in Dover was-I think where the Premier Inn is now but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

Recently discovered my father was born at 77 Marshall Street, Folkestone in 1918. He moved to Tyson Road later on

Recently discovered my father was born at 77 Marshall Street, Folkestone in 1918. He moved to Tyson Road later on

Recently discovered my father was born at 77 Marshall Street, Folkestone in 1918. He moved to Tyson Road later on

I was after some information about an old victorian hotel I used to stay at with my family in the later 60's. It was on a hill overlooking the sea with decorative ironwork balconies. Each floor was painted a different colour inside and it had a ballroom and dining room. I remember I could see the cranes of the harbour and we walked down to a beach with arches at the back. I was only 5 or 6 so don't remember the name of it. Would be interested if anyone remembers it.

As a child I live with my parents in military housing at Reachfields on the very edge of the army training grounds.
The military ranges at Hythe were each lettered, A, D, E and F. The towers locate at the far ends of the ranges were similarly lettered. I do not recall either a 'B'or 'C' range.

Does anyone remember a dance band from the 1930s known as G-D-B. Thought to be the Grove Dance Band. Any information would be very helpful.

Does anyone remember a dance band from the 1930s known as G-D-B. Thought to be the Grove Dance Band. Any information would be very helpful.

I have just come across this site, absolutely fascinating, spent hours going through everything. Born here in 1947. Excellent.

many happy times spent at grans 1960 to1966 at thanet gdns playing on the beach and the mud in the harbour also four names on tontine street gotha bombing are beers i am also related to george lester family so many happy times i'm 65 now.

I was born in Dover but lived in Folkestone and Hythe from 1953 until 1962. Whatc A great web-site I posted on here in 2018. I hope more people find this.

Was there ever a public aquarium in the town in the 1960's? I remember whilst on holiday going down some stairs to a basement with tropical fish tanks.

Hello! What a fabulous website!!

Many of my family came from around Folkestone. My Great Great Grandmother owned the Model Hand Laundry in Cheriton (Mrs Susan Fowler, was Bailey)

I'm trying to find out about a confectionery shop at in Grace Hill? I know my Great Aunt worked there in the 30s and my Grandad says it was owned by Auntie Frances. I have found 2 Frances' in the family, by the surname Bailey or Cutter. I'm just not sure if it was owned by them or just some random lady they called auntie...

I notice someone left a comment about Charles Crescent, my great grandmother lived there, her name was Nina Fowler, I wonder if you remember her?

Did anyone here work at Bowketts bread shop in Guildhall Street in 1967 or the Versatile flooring shop oppposite the Helping Hand Agency shop?

A lovely website. Thank you for sharing.

Happy memories from 80s and 90s childhood visits to Folkestone grandparents in the summer and games of air hockey in the dome/rotunda

Folks with an interest in the history of Folkestone, and in geneology might enjoy a to visit this 2004(!) blog: [freepages.rootsweb.com]

Apologies for not responding for a while. This page is supposed to notify me each time someone leaves a message, but the feature is more miss than hit!

Thanks to everyone who has said nice things about my website, I really appreciate it.

Those wondering about me, it’s no mystery, I grew up and married in Folkestone, emigrated to Canada in 1968, as had started a family and found it hard to make a living there on one wage. Being homesick, I started collecting old postcards and was so thrilled to see how lovely Folkestone had looked in Edwardian times that I wanted to share the images with other Folkestonians. Hence my website.

I am 76 now with grandchildren & great-grandchildren here, so will never return except for visits, but my roots will always be deeply buried in Folkestone, and I care very much what they do to it. The past is important to us all, and should always be respected as we move into the future.