Comments on: A Walk From Dover To Folkestone

By: Bailey Jones

Bailey Jones — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 10:02:42 +0000

The joys of Kent, which seems a favourite place for you. May I recommend Ramsgate and in particular Ramsgate tunnels, the amazing communal air raid shelter. I suspect the tunnels, part of which once allowed the train to reach the beach, would be right up your street.

By: Gary Arber

Gary Arber — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 16:48:45 +0000

When I was a child I was taken on a visit to Dover. There was a loud explosion and a cloud of smoke went up, it was a shell from the long range gun that the Germans fired across the channel.
People just carried on with their shopping, my father make a remark that questioned the married status of the gunners parents and life went on – such was the wartime spirit.
Gary

By: Colin Cohen

Colin Cohen — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 16:15:52 +0000

Some of the photos very Ravillious!

The dereliction at Folkestone the last time I was there was devasting, and as for the former Harbour Station …

By: Saba

Saba — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 13:40:55 +0000

GA, your columns remind me constantly of the value of looking around, finding interesting details, and being grateful for what I have. I could do some of that already — I’m a regional historian in the Hudson River Valley of New York State! But, I’m unemployed and unable for the past few years to satisfy my travel obsessions — you remind me of what I have right here. So, thank you.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 12:20:42 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, glad you had the opportunity to enjoy your short holiday in Kent. Those were great pics of the White Cliffs and surrounding area – with so many reminders of past wars.

I always associate Folkstone with Charles Dickens, the scene of that terrible train crash that he survived at age 53. Also his affection for neighboring Broadstairs where he and his family summered for so many years comes to mind.

By: Karen Rennie

Karen Rennie — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 07:54:13 +0000

so pleased you had a good day out, but disappointed that we didn’t see you in the shop! you would have noticed your book in our window.

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 07:16:39 +0000

My dad once told me was stationed at Dover Castle around 1940. Being a signaler in the army he was sent to a dug out on the cliffs with a radio set to watch out for the threatened invasion . The Germans opened up with a barrage with their big guns from across the channel and hit the cliffs and the town . After it died down they tried to contact him on the radio and coudn’t. They were sure he was a gonner and sent outa search party to look for him . When they lifted the steel lid of the dug out they found him fast asleep. He didn’t hear a thing and slept through the lot. They put him on a charge and was confined to barracks for two weeks . Whenever I see the white cliffs i think of this episode . He always was a heavy sleeper.
I have to say that I still have his army discharge papers dated 1946 and it says his conduct was exemplary and they did not make these comments lightly . He served through the Normandy campaign into Germany .

By: Annie G

Annie G — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 07:13:26 +0000

You’ve had your walk and schools go back today. That’s summer packed away, then. What a grand day you had.

By: David Tarrant

David Tarrant — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 02:02:49 +0000

Sparkling prose and stunning photographs! Just when I was beginning to wish that you had included a picture of the sound mirror, there it was. Perfectly timed! Thank you Gentle Author.