Each year Remembrance events are held around the Country to ensure that we never forget the cost of peace. It is a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives, the families of those that endured unbearable losses and the resilience of humanity that emerged from the chaos to rebuild and never forget.

Each year Folkestone commemorates all of those lost in war by holding three Remembrance Services during November. These events are incredibly important and shows that whilst time moves on, respect endures.

The first Service, the Dedication of the Garden of Remembrance took place on Sunday 2nd November in the Garden of Remembrance. Regimental crosses were placed in the Garden of Remembrance, Sandgate Road for the month of November, to enable members of the public to pay their respects. The Service was led by the Mayor’s Chaplain and Priest-in-Charge of St Mary & St Eanswythe Church, Revd Christopher Johnson with attendees including civic dignitaries, Cadets and ex-service personnel along with Councillors and members of the public. The service was extremely moving and was made even more so with the Shepway Brass Band accompanying and a Bugler playing the Last Post and Reveille.

The second Service took place on Sunday 9th November with the Remembrance Parade and Service at Folkestone’s War Memorial. The Parade was made up of civic dignitaries, serving military representatives, ex-service, civilian, cadet and youth organisations and was led by a Piper and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The Service was once again taken by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Revd Christopher Johnson and included wreath laying with a Bugler playing the Last Post and Reveille. After the Service at the War Memorial the Parade marched through the Town to the Town Hall where the Mayor, Cllr Lucy McGirr took the salute.

The final Service, the Machine Gun Corps, was held in the Cemetery on Cheriton Road on 11th November and was organised by the RBL. This Service was led by Father Stephen Brown and included wreath laying, and the playing of the Last Post and Reveille. All three services were extremely well attended.

The Mayor said “After living in this town for 30 years, it was an honour and a privilege to lead the Civic party in all three Remembrance Services, giving thanks to all those who have fallen, those who continue to serve, and to the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every single organisation involved in creating such a poignant service and to everyone who took part in the parade. Every year, you go above and beyond.”

Additional Photography by Mike Howell