Nostalgic memories of Folkestone's local history
Share your own memories of Folkestone and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 21 - 30 of 35 in total
I am writing on behalf of my 85 year old mum, Dorothy Clark, nee Gamble, who used to go in your shop! My mum was born in Alma Road, Shorn Cliff and moved to Folkstone High Street at around 3-4 years old, then back to Dunnett Road, Cheriton where she went to All Souls School, then to More Hall School. From there she moved to Hawkinge at around 14-15 years. She lived in Aerodrome Road - 'Dialdo' ...see more
The old High Street was a hive of activity especially in the summer months, I remember the Acropolis coffee bar which was run by a Greek family including Archie Aggro who was a very tough character and stood no nonsence. The coffee and salami baguettes were the best in the town and Noel Reading, bass guitarist with The Hendrix Experience would vist the Acropolis when he was in town. Myself and ...see more
That year when I was only 3 years old I went on holiday there for 2 weeks and they had a carnival. I still have it all on a video somewhere.
When I was a lad, my mum would take me shopping in Folkestone's town centre. Probably to Sainsbury's in Sandgate Road, Timothy Whites, etc.
Being that we lived Wood Avenue area, we would walk down Dover Road & into Tram Road, eventually arriving at what is now the car park at the bottom of Tram Road.
We'd spend time watching some guy selling stuff from the back of a lorry. That could be ...see more
This I remember so well when Silver Spring's was in Foord Road and only a small company. I worked there as a clerk from 1957 to 1960. George (now my husband) used to come by on his bike on his way to work at the Gas Company and we used to have a chat, it was something I looked forward to. I married in 1959 and only stayed there for a short time afterwards but it holds a lot of memories for me seeing as ...see more
I was in a band at this time - The Lonely Ones. The High Street remains a strong memory - in particular The Acropolis (Archie) - we did gigs there - upstairs, on a Saturday night. I also remember the El Torero - further down - Mick was the owner - he had a brother who opened a place in Tontine Street and later a 'club' over the road. In fact, my memories go back a bit further with this place. I also recollect the ...see more
Message on clock reads, "Trifle not, thy time is short"
This is actually a photo of the Garden Hotel, which stood in Sandgate Road. It was empty from about 2000, had a fire in about 2005 and was demolished soon after. But it was quite prestigious in its day: such as the 1960s, when this photo is said to have been taken.
Although this photo pre dates my first memories of the High Street by about ten years, I still remember visiting my grandad's confectioners shop on the right side a little further up. Ever the businessman, he would encourage myself and my older brother to choose what we wanted from the stock and then give my dad the bill. I never did find out if my dad actually paid or not! The shop itself ...see more
Mum in law worked at Sunny Sands Cafe, which is further down on this photo and to the left, now flats have been built there. When I first met my husband we used to go there and meet his mother, and when I had children we all used to go and wait for her on the sands just below the Cafe. It is so sad to see flats there now, but the memories remain.
