Since 2010 The Grand, Folkestone has operated the World’s largest and Folkestone’s First (& second) celebration of the beautiful Romney Marsh and the Kentish literary legend, Dr. Syn, sponsored by Kent Life Magazine and Majestic Wines with proceeds being donated to local charity.

Now we’re gearing up for “Syn at The Grand: 2013″ which is intended to be bigger and better than before and a true celebration of the Kentish Legend.

This is an open letter to all artists and persons with a historical interest that may wish to contribute or collaborate in this event.

Further details can be found at: http://www.grand-uk.com/DrSyn.html

Should you have even just a passing interest in Kentish landscape, history and literature then please get in contact because 2013 is not that far away!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to forward this email to your circulation,

With Best Wishes,

Robert Richardson

Sue

At a meeting held on Sunday 29th January, the Folkestone Research and Archaeology Group (FRAG) was formed. A Founder member, Iain Nielson, said “The main objectives of the group, which we believe is the first devoted archaeology to be formed locally, will be to discover, identify, document, record, protect and promote the archaeology of the Folkestone area. This could involve surveys, excavations where possible, talks, outings and events”

The catalyst for the formation of the group has been the excellent two-season excavation, undertaken on the East Cliff Roman villa site, by Canterbury Archaeological Trust, under the auspices of “A Town Unearthed”, which has demonstrated that there is much more to be learned about the role of Folkestone in the Iron Age and Roman eras. While much of this history has been all but obliterated by the rapid development of the town, there are nevertheless areas where small-scale excavation may reveal important clues.

Colleen Harrison, another member said “For many of the volunteers involved in the Roman Villa dig either as finds washers, diggers or guides to the site, this was their first experience of practical archaeology. Though there will undoubtedly be future excavations on East Cliff, this may nor be possible immediately. So another aim for FRAG will be to enable the volunteers to keep in contact and encourage others to become involved.

The group will work to build strong relationships with other archaeological groups in Canterbury, Thanet, Dover and Maidstone as well as working closely with Folkestone Local History Society, Folkestone People’s History Centre, A Town Unearthed and Canterbury Christchurch University.

Membership is open to all, regardless of where they live. If you are interested, please contact us by e-mail: cahoakley@hotmail.co.uk or telephone

A Facebook page has been set up and more details can be seen on the website: www.folkarch.co.uk. The next meeting will take place from 17.00 – 19.00, on Sunday 25th March, at the Pullman, in Church Street, Folkestone. All are welcome. There will also be a walk and talk covering  the history of The Bayle led by local historian, Eamonn Rooney on Saturday 24th March meeting at 2.00 pm at the Top of the Old High Street.

For further details please contact: Catherine Holtham-Oakley on 0777-163-0283 or cahoakley@hotmail.co.uk

Nick Spurrier

27 Plain Road

FOLKESTONE

CT20 2QF

nick@spurrier.myzen.co.uk

Tel: 01303-240236

This Saturday 17^th March 2012 at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate

from 10.00am until 12.30pm

MOTHERS’ DAY

Wonderful plants, flowers, chocolates and delicious produce with Mum in mind

The Sandgate Bakery – freshly baked bread, pies and biscuits, smoked salmon

Juicy Fruits – fresh fruit and vegetables

Izzy’s Deli – homemade lasagna, soups, meat and vegetarian pies, pizzas and home cooked ham freshly sliced, English cheese

Catherine Jordan Cakes – large and small cakes, seasonal fruit pies and tarts, scones and biscuits

Old Hall Farm, Brookland – traditionally reared meat & sausages, rare breed lamb & pork and fresh eggs

Milbank Olives – fresh olives and Mediterranean specialties

Alkham Valley Preserves – jams, preserves, raw honey and quail’s eggs

Eco-Friendly Cleaning – eco-friendly cleaning products

Catch-22 – Fair trade dark chocolate

Jewellery by Pauline – handmade gemstone jewellery

Swallowfields – cottage garden plants, hardy perennials and shrubs

Usher’s Florist – cut flowers and indoor plants

I Love Sandgate – cotton shopping bags and tee shirts

Sandgate Farmers’ Market is in the Chichester Memorial Hall on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10.00am