This FREE talk will take place at Folkestone History Resource Centre, Grace Hill on 24th May, 1800hrs – 1930hrs. The speaker will be Michael George, a member of Step Short. We will examine some of the major events affecting the town during WW1, especially the Great Air Raid of May 1917.

The event is free, but Booking is essential. Contact folkestonelibrary@kent.gov.uk or phone 07872937485.

Click the heading or go to the News tab to read about this once-in-a-lifetime chance. Travel on the historic Kent & East Sussex Railway. Friday 1st June 7.00pm. Help to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. Wine and Dine in style. The organisers have generously agreed to support Step Short. Go to our News page and click the link to read full details. See you there!

Click HERE

Can students of today find a way to have avoided the Great War breaking out? Find out more about this innovative project by clicking on the Projects tab and then the Education link.

Awaited with keen international interest are the Visitors’ Book from the Mole canteen at Folkestone harbour. We have opened a page with a partial transcript of one of the books.  Let us know what you think. Official online launch of the first of the books will be in April. Click here to view.

…to those volunteers who gathered on a bright cold February morning to collect litter from the Road of Remembrance. Several bags of rubbish were collected, as you can see from the photos.Click an image for an enlarged view.

The January 2012 issue of Family History Monthly carries an article about Step Short. To read it click  here and here

There were many hospitals and convalescent homes in and around Folkestone during the war. I have recently been sent the following item:

25.4.19
“I saw Mrs. Creagh off by the morning boat. I had an opportunity of introducing her to Captain Walker, Naval Reserve, Embarkation Officer, and he was glad to get her signature in his book, which is a most wonderful record since August 1914 of any person of any importance who has embarked or disembarked. There are signatures of Kings, Queens, General, etc., and it is a most valuable record, which is going to be given to the Nation. I visited the Marine Hotel, and went round with Miss Easby, and arranged that a notice board should be put at the entrance, notifying what the building was. I also arranged with her that all members of the Nursing Services warned for demobilisation should spend one week’s notice at the Marine prior to embarking.”

Another nursing connection has recently appeared on the Great War Forum. Click here to read it and to see the charming painting of a nurse. I wonder who she was?

We begin with a Litter Pick down the Road of Remembrance on Saturday 11 February 2012 between 10.30 and 13.00.  PLEASE come and lend a hand.

Tools, bags and Hi Viz jackets will be supplied. Meet outside the Leas Lift from 10.00.  Email us if you want more info, or if you plan to attend.  Other important events will be opening of our new museum in time for Easter and the first of the Visitors Books going online in April. Also make a note in your diary for 4th and 5th August, when there will be guided walks, talks and our annual march along The Leas and down the Road of Remembrance.

3rd Commemorative March
Sunday 7th August 2011

The March down the Road of Rembrance on the 7th of August was a great succcess. Attendance was high and a heavy shower 40 minutes before the start failed to quell spirits. Many thanks the the staff and management of The Grand for providing shelter and towels!

The march had a new feature this year. A WW1 soldier was presented to the march and he told them his story. At the end of the march he was revealed as being Coropral Cotter VC.

The event is going from strength to strength. We look forward to next year.

Exhibition of Unknown Warrior In the Grand on the Leas arriving pm on Saturday 30th July for two weeks. Taken down on sat 13th Best time to view will be from Sunday 31st July – Sunday 12th August.

Saturday 6th August, Eamonn Rooney, local Historian, will lead a WW1 talk and walk. Starting outside the Grand on the Leas at 11.00am. Members of the public who wish to view the exhibition of the unknown warrior before the talk / walk, are able to do so.

Step Short’s new visitor centre opened on the the 26th May, in Tram Road, Folkestone. The centre was opened by the Mayoress of Folkestone and the opening was attended by local councillors, Damian Collins M.P. local historians, and members of the public. Inside are displays of Step Short projects and there will be some WW1 artifacts on display soon. Three designs of souvenir mugs are on sale. Local maps to help explore Folkestone’s history are also available.

Step Short have taken a three year lease on the centre and hope it will be a focus for membership and publicity for the Step Short projects, as well as providing a meeting place and base for the project teams.