1900

Riot in rival port as mob toasts relief of Mafeking.

RIOTS broke out in neighbouring Dover when news came through from South Africa that Mafeking had been relieved. A large crowd, many drunk, acted on a rumour that shopkeeper, J.F.Brown, of Cannon Street was pro-Boer smashing his window and wrecking his shop. Local Volunteers and “red coats" were called out to control the crowd. The court was full as rioters appeared before magistrates and a mob cheered the accused as they were taken to prison. A few days later people celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday. Figures for fish caught by UK fishing boats in the period 1897-99 made Interesting reading for local fishermen, the value for each season’s catch being, respectively £7.993,000, £8,480,000 and £9,351,000. In 1999 the quantity of fish landed In England and Wales was 8,605,000 cwt, exclusive of shellfish; leading quantities being of haddock, 2,646,000 cwt, herrings, 2,239,000 cwt (together representing 56% of the total.) Prime fish were soles, 79,000 cwt worth £569,000; turbot, 65,000 cwt worth £260,000; plaice, 752,000 cwt worth £923,000. Cod totalled 565,000 cwt worth £413,000 and mackerel 449,000 cwt sold for £264,000.

1925

'Cheerful Sparrows' work for the poor recognised.

OLD TRAMP steamers and French trawlers were pressed Into service at Channel ports to cope with an influx of foreign made cars being imported to beat a 33% duty due to be imposed In July to protect the British car market. At a meeting of the Town Council reference was made to the confusion caused to visitors by having a Leas concert hall and the teas Pavilion and it was proposed to name the new band pavilion the Pine Cliff Pavilion - as if that would be less confusing. Another suggestion was The King’s Hall, but this was met with laughter. “Leas Cliff Hall” soon won the day. Highlights of another successful year’s charitable work by the brotherhood of Cheerful Sparrows were celebrated at the annual meeting. The brotherhood entertained 1,425 poor children with a tea and musical treat at the Drill Halls, relieved hardship and stress caused by unemployment, financed a district nurse to visit the sick and. In another record year of fund-raising, brought the total given to the funds of the Royal Victoria Hospital to £8,660 in the five years existence of the brotherhood. The total raised in that time was £13,000. Chief money raising events of the year had been the Hospital and Charity Fete in August, with a tattoo to follow.

1950

World record entry for Easter hockey festival.

THERE was a ‘world record’ entry of 40 teams for the Easter Hockey Festival on the Sports Ground. It was said to be a world record for any festival, with entries from Zurich Antwerp, Roubaix, the Hague and Dordrecht as well as leading UK clubs. The festival was a proving time for clubs as the choice of a Great Britain team rested on the results in 81 games, some played in bad weather. Was the Council "sinning against the light" (by obstructing the view) in planning to build a band pavilion on the cliff was a question asked when the lights dimmed then failed altogether at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce when the subject was raised! An RAF officer, Flt-Lt Miller from Detling, landed his glider, undamaged, on the beach near the Rotunda in a thunderstorm and It was inspected by many local people before it was dismantled and taken away. The lieutenant had been attempting to climb to a height of 10,000 ft At Lydd a Lydd Club Day Committee concert; featuring 47 artistes, proved a great success all those taking part combining in a grand finale leading the audience in singing “When You're Smiling." British Railways' passenger steamer Canterbury was back on service on the Folkestone Calais run after a winter re-fit.

1975

Mystery of a solicitor who walked out and vanished.

TALK of the town was the mysterious disappearance of a local solicitor, Anthony Denne, of Julian Road, Folkestone, a partner In a well established local firm. He was said to be a sick man. He just walked out of his office and vanished. A tall, balding figure, he was a respected Rotarian and a life member and enthusiastic supporter and backer of Folkestone Sports Centre, being the former chairman of the fund raising committee. He had four daughters, one of whom had recently qualified as a barrister. On the jobs front came the sad news that the 70-room Princes Hotel was to close, staff being given six months notice. Within hours of the publication of the Herald’s midweek Gazette newspaper which called for action to deal with dangerous wrecks in the harbour Council workmen moved in with power saws, a crane and truck to break up the hull of a former French fishing boat Laissez Dire in the Pent basin. There was also a promise to deal with another wreck at the Stade. Hythe Civic Society joined the local council In objecting to plans for new homes proposed in Hythe, but the health and housing committee wanted the scheme to go ahead because of the pressing need. Some Cinque Port mayors were said to be upset that no holders of their ancient office had been invited to attend the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Frederick Coggan, although Cinque Port Barons had.