I visited Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone and felt like I was on a tropical island

May 17, 2022

Lower Leas Coastal Park is always high on the list of things to do in Folkestone and is popular with tourists and locals alike. As a new resident of the city, I went to see for myself what is so special about ...

Inter-school maths challenge finds Folkestone’s child prodigies

Melissa McNally

May 16, 2022

Folkestone

Mr Shaw presents the shield to the St Maarten team Submitted to the Folkestone HeraldFolkestone and Hythe Primary Schools competed for the title of Year 11 Maths Challenge Champion...

Firefighters remind public to be careful near waterways after rescuing pair stuck in mud

Melissa McNally

May 13, 2022

Folkestone

Fire crews are urging the public to be careful around muddy waterways after they rescued two people who were trapped near Folkestone Stadium. The couple were trapped in mud up to their waists and had to be res...

Homeless charity Porchlight warns of ‘human cost’ as Kent County Council plans to scrap Kent Homeless Connect (KHC) service

Melissa McNally

May 11, 2022

Folkestone

Fears have been raised over the 'human cost' of potential cuts to homeless aid in Kent.Charity group Porchlight has warned of the "devastating" impact of the withdrawal of the £5million-a-year Kent Homeless Co...

Kent’s most iconic gigs including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Oasis, Jimi Hendrix

Melissa McNally

May 8, 2022

Folkestone

When you think of musical performances, there are some undeniably iconic gigs that will always stand out. Live Aid at Wembley, The Beatles on the roof of Apple's offices, Nirvana's MTV unplugged set, The Sex P...

The UK’s largest open-air cinema is coming to Kent this summer

Melissa McNally

May 7, 2022

Folkestone

The UK's largest itinerant open-air cinema has kicked off its biggest season and will visit two sites in Kent very soon. Adventure Cinema has launched its summer entertainment schedule and will screen in Marga...

Parents of baby who died after choking on food at Ashford nursery talk about planned childcare changes

Melissa McNally

May 4, 2022

Folkestone

The parents of a nine-month-old baby who died after choking on food at an Ashford nursery have announced plans to relax rules regarding the staff-to-child ratio.This is something the government sees as a way t...

The latest Folkestone and Hythe planning applications including a new conservatory and house

Melissa McNally

April 30, 2022

Folkestone

Getting familiar with planning apps is a great way to find out what might change in your area. Across the district of Folkestone and Hythe, new planning applications have been submitted. This is the weekly li...

Saifuddin Ali, of Ashford, on trial after crash that killed Tyrese Quigley

Melissa McNally

April 29, 2022

Folkestone

A teenager died after being thrown from his moped into a crowd of nearby people following a collision with a car, a court has heard.The driver of the car will now stand trial in Crown Court next month in the d...

Teen throws brick at victim during altercation outside Strood McDonald’s

Melissa McNally

April 27, 2022

Folkestone

A teenager allegedly threw a brick during an altercation with three men in their twenties outside a Strood McDonald's. The incident happened in the parking lot of the McDonald's restaurant on Commercial Road, ...

What the record average house price will fetch you in each town in Kent

Melissa McNally

April 25, 2022

Folkestone

New data from Rightmove shows that average house prices are on the rise again. It comes as they hit a new record high for the third month in a row. Prices recorded on a monthly basis increased by an average of...

Dog trainer Graeme Hall of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly holds his first UK tour at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone

Melissa McNally

April 23, 2022

Folkestone

The star of Channel 5's Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly shares his wisdom with Kent as he hosts his first-ever UK tour in Folkestone.Graeme Hall's 'The Dogfather Live on Stage' will be at Leas Cliff Hall on Friday ...

Tenterden artist Sam Cox aka Mr Doodle completes artwork for F51 skate park in Folkestone

Melissa McNally

April 21, 2022

Folkestone

A uniquely styled artist whose works have sold for millions of pounds has completed a piece of street art in a new skate park.Sam Cox, better known in the art world as Mr Doodle, spent three days creating the ...

Ukrainian refugee Daniel Lysak leads Gillingham ahead of League One game with Fleetwood Town

Melissa McNally

April 19, 2022

Folkestone

A young Ukrainian refugee forced to flee war in his country had a wish come true when he drove Gillingham to Priestfield yesterday.Daniel Lysak, who was hosted by a family in Folkestone with his mother Yana, e...

Kent RSPCA seeks forever homes for abandoned rabbits

Melissa McNally

April 17, 2022

Folkestone

Eric and Ernie were left by the side of the road Submitted by the RSPCAAt Easter, the RSPCA raises awareness of the plight of the abandoned and neglected rabbits in their care.Acro...

Just Stop Oil warns queues at Kent petrol stations will continue until government takes action

Melissa McNally

April 14, 2022

Folkestone

Just Stop Oil has released a statement explaining exactly what the government needs to do to end the queues outside petrol stations. Although there is no shortage of fuel itself, a number of sites across Kent ...

Folkestone pupils love learning about their community

Melissa McNally

April 12, 2022

Folkestone

Some of the people who went to chat Submitted to the Folkestone Herald Folkestone students listened to the stories, backgrounds and experiences of people who live or work in the to...

Damian Collins: Folkestone column for the week ending April 8

Melissa McNally

April 10, 2022

Folkestone

Written by the MP for Folkestone and Hythe, KentOver the past week we have seen some of the toughest road conditions in Kent in seven years. The M20 has been closed to coastal traffic ...

House prices in Kent: New heatmap shows cheapest to most expensive neighborhoods in Kent in 2022

Melissa McNally

April 8, 2022

Folkestone

This year has undeniably had a rough start as the country has seen rising prices in almost every aspect of life. From gas prices to our weekly groceries, from gas and electricity bills to council tax, the risi...

BBC Question Time will be broadcast from the Malthouse Theater with the Archbishop of Canterbury

Melissa McNally

April 6, 2022

Folkestone

The BBC's Question Time will be filming in Kent this week at a historic location best known for helping brew beer rather than debate.The hour-long political and hard-to-talk show is presented at the newly refu...

Eurotunnel, DFDS and Irish Ferries delays as lorries continue to queue at M20 Operation Brock and A20 Dover TAP

Melissa McNally

April 5, 2022

Folkestone

Drivers face a fifth day of severe disruption on Kent's roads as cross-Channel delays continue.The reduction in ferry services caused by the P&O saga, coupled with increased demand from people during the Easte...

Damian Collins: Folkestone column for the week ending April 1

Melissa McNally

April 3, 2022

Folkestone

Written by the MP for Folkestone and Hythe, KentWe are all appalled by the behavior of the management of P&O Ferries who have laid off their entire workforce and replaced them with agen...

Severe congestion on M20 near Maidstone and M2 as drivers face miles of queues

Melissa McNally

April 1, 2022

Folkestone

Operation Brock caused serious traffic problems on the M20 and M2, with traffic queuing for miles for much of the day.Motorists faced heavy congestion on the M20 from Junction 8 near Leeds Castle and Maidstone...

Skatepark F51, Folkestone, review – boarding house kicks seaside | Architecture

Melissa McNally

March 27, 2022

Folkestone

Ah, Tontine Street, once Folkestone's most prosperous, has been less so for some decades. It was here, at the age of 19, that I helped a friend's dad make some brand new "antiques" that he sold in his shop, ag...

Mark Brown accused of killing Alexandra Morgan of Sissinghurst denies killing second missing woman Leah Ware

Melissa McNally

March 25, 2022

Folkestone

A man charged with the murder of a Sissinghurst mother-of-two has denied killing a second woman who disappeared at the same location six months earlier.Mark Brown, 40, of Squirrel Close, St-Leonards-on-Sea, ap...

Beautiful Folkestone Museum Victorian Hot Chocolate Mug

Melissa McNally

March 24, 2022

Folkestone

Hand Painted Chocolate Cup with Lid and Saucer | Photo: Folkestone Museum Submitted to the Folkestone HeraldAn exquisite porcelain cup, used to drink hot chocolate by wealthy Vict...

Man seen falling asleep at the wheel in Broadstairs amid drunk driving arrests

Melissa McNally

March 22, 2022

Folkestone

A man who was seen falling asleep at the wheel in a drive-thru was among a dozen drunk driving arrests over the weekend.Police have also arrested a 29-year-old woman suspected of being unfit to drive with alco...

Kent COVID: Data reveals one in 15 people in the Medway area have the virus

Melissa McNally

March 19, 2022

Folkestone

1 in 15 people in the Medway area have COVID, according to new data. The statistic means Medway is now the area with the most COVID infections in Kent. The latest estimates of COVID prevalence in UK local auth...

Saharan dust that turned skies in Europe pink and orange hits Kent

Melissa McNally

March 16, 2022

Folkestone

The Saharan dust that has turned the skies over Portugal, Germany and Spain a rusty orange color has arrived in Kent.The Met Office warned dust was being carried north across France according to satellite imag...

Folkestone fundraisers’ fiery march on hot coals

Melissa McNally

March 15, 2022

Folkestone

Firewalking Fundraisers Submitted to the Folkestone HeraldThirty brave souls walked over hot coals to raise money for a charity providing mental health services in Folkestone and H...

What Kent was like when Peaky Blinders was set

Melissa McNally

March 13, 2022

Folkestone

Fashionable choices from that bygone era that inspired the likes of Tommy Shelby and coThe delayed sixth season of the much-loved BBC drama Peaky Blinders is well underway.Viewers around the world were once aga...

Truck driver jailed after he was caught smuggling £5m worth of cocaine into the UK through the Channel Tunnel

Melissa McNally

March 11, 2022

Folkestone

A truck driver who stashed 63 kilos of cocaine in a legitimate load of electronic devices has been jailed following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).Elroy Patrick Spek, 50, from the Netherla...

Heavy weapons artwork believed to be by Banksy will be auctioned off at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone

Melissa McNally

March 10, 2022

Folkestone

Art collectors are invited to take a look at a piece that may or may not be the work of iconic street artist Banksy.The stencil-on-concrete creation shows a version of the artist's heavy weapons design, an ele...

Suspect arrested in Canterbury city center with help from member of public

Melissa McNally

March 8, 2022

Folkestone

A makeshift hero came to the rescue of police on a main street as they struggled to arrest a man.The passerby stopped his van to help two officers who were trying to handcuff a suspect as he allegedly attacked...

Rocksalt’s new head chef Scott Dineen is living ‘the dream of running a great restaurant’ in hometown Folkestone

Melissa McNally

March 6, 2022

Folkestone

Since opening in 2011, Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of the ongoing regeneration of Folkestone Harbour. Now, a decade after helping put the city on the foodie map, the ...

Folkestone drug dealers Jack Daniels and Andrew Talbot jailed after Encrochat phone network infiltration

Melissa McNally

March 4, 2022

Folkestone

Two drug dealers who used encrypted mobile phones to organize the supply of large quantities of cocaine and ketamine in Kent have been jailed.The criminal plot between Jack Daniels and Andrew Talbot, who were ...

Former Meopham high school student and army veteran George Parker prepares to leave for war in Ukraine

Melissa McNally

March 2, 2022

Folkestone

A Kent infantry veteran who will be on the front line in Ukraine in days says he believes 'for evil to flourish means good men do nothing'.George Parker, who served in the British Army in Afghanistan, is about...

Ukrainians travel to Folkestone to secure surplus army supplies to send home for the war with Russia

Melissa McNally

March 1, 2022

Folkestone

As war rages in their homeland, Ukrainians living here in the UK are stepping up to help support the fierce resistance to the Russian invasion. In a small courtyard a few steps from a busy shopping street, our...

Inside a charming Airbnb in Folkestone, England, designed by Sophie Rowell

Melissa McNally

February 27, 2022

Folkestone

'Do what you want' was the briefing given to interior designer Sophie Rowell, founder of Cote de Folk, by the owner of a top-floor gem in Folkestone on the south coast of England. Having...

Folkestone Air Show set to return in August 2022

Melissa McNally

February 25, 2022

Folkestone

An air show is due to take place again in Folkestone this summer after a funding plan has been agreed. The show is set to take place on Sunday, August 21, with the full itinerary to be confirmed soon. After a h...

Kent Senior Cup Second Round

Melissa McNally

February 23, 2022

Folkestone

Ebbsfleet overcame a young side from Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup on Wednesday night – but the progress came at a cost.Midfielder Alfie Egan lasted just six minutes as a second-half substitute before hobblin...

Claridge’s owner asks judge to send woman who ran Claridge Candles to jail

Melissa McNally

February 21, 2022

Folkestone

Jhe owner of one of London's most famous hotels has asked a judge to jail a 64-year-old divorced woman for infringing a trademark.Lawyers for Claridge's Hotel Ltd said on Monday that Denise Shepherd, who ran a ...

Identity of woman found dead in Lyminge flat a year ago, sparking murder investigation, remains a mystery

Melissa McNally

February 20, 2022

Folkestone

In February last year, detectives descended on a small village after the body of a woman was found in a flat above an Indian restaurant. Twelve months after the unexplained death, with the woman's identity sti...

ITV Good Morning Britain under fire for Storm Eunice cover

Melissa McNally

February 18, 2022

Folkestone

Millions of people have been told to stay home for the day as one of the worst storms in a generation hits the UK. Schools, roads and businesses closed, with major disruption to the tra...

Kent County Council urged to reconsider proposed bus cuts in the county

Melissa McNally

February 16, 2022

Folkestone

A petition has been put up to urge Kent County Council to reconsider proposed cuts to 'supported' bus services.Eleven local services are threatened by plans presented to KCC's environment and transport cabinet...

Folkestone pensioner couple find love for second time

Melissa McNally

February 15, 2022

Folkestone

Mr and Mrs Mooney Submitted to the Folkestone HeraldAfter a whirlwind romance, a retired couple from Kent spent Valentine's Day together for the very first time as man and woman.Pe...

Folkestone pupils cook with Navy chefs

Melissa McNally

February 13, 2022

Folkestone

Promoting the skills of restaurant students Submitted to the Folkestone HeraldRestoration students at Folkestone Academy discovered the skills and experiences that life at sea offe...

Plans for a new 12-hole mini-golf course near Folkestone Harbor Arm bars and restaurants

Melissa McNally

February 11, 2022

Folkestone

A landscaped mini-golf course could become the latest attraction to draw crowds to a popular seaside spot.Plans have been unveiled for a 12-hole putting challenge which would be located close to Folkestone's h...

Watchdog says Brexit has brought costs and red tape for UK businesses | Live well

Melissa McNally

February 9, 2022

Folkestone

...

What the Nordics Can Teach Us About Pleasure

Melissa McNally

February 8, 2022

Folkestone

Skateboarding appeals to a wide age range, and although some cities discourage it, in Malmö it's embraced. The Swedish town has a full-time skateboard agent and a myriad of skate-friendly spots. The British s...

Flood warnings issued from Dartford to Margate and from Ramsgate to Sandgate

Melissa McNally

February 6, 2022

Folkestone

A number of flood warnings have been issued on the Kent coast.The Environment Agency said flooding was possible from Dartford to Margate and from Ramsgate to Sandgate.Flood alerts have been issued by the Kent ...

Summer of fun planned for children in Kent thanks to Reconnect

Melissa McNally

February 4, 2022

Folkestone

Children and young people can expect lots of fantastic activities and opportunities this summer - from learning new skills such as dancing, football and broadcasting, to fun days, local festivals and holiday ca...

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley is eager to avenge his defeat at Carshalton Athletic as the teams meet at Cheriton Road this weekend

Melissa McNally

February 3, 2022

Folkestone

Boss Neil Cugley admits Folkestone are keen to avenge their defeat at Carshalton earlier in the season when the two teams meet this Saturday.Promotion-seeking Invicta are enjoying a productive campaign - havin...

Vagabonds leave late to get trial bonus point in lively contest – The Isle Of Thanet News

Melissa McNally

February 1, 2022

Folkestone

Skipper Sam Taylor carries Wanderers vs Folkestone Photo Tom Kemp By Colin Whiteley THANET WANDERERS RUFC 28 – 8 FOLKESTONE RFC For Thanet, injuries in last week's win at Charlton Park sidelined second row...

Bishop’s Stortford climb to third despite goalless draw at Leatherhead

Melissa McNally

January 30, 2022

Folkestone

Bishop's Stortford were frustrated with a goalless draw at the bottom of Leatherhead's table on Saturday but remain on course for the play-offs at least in the Isthmian League Premier Division.The Blues - who ...

House prices in Kent: Cheapest houses for sale in Folkestone, Dover, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Canterbury

Melissa McNally

January 28, 2022

Folkestone

Kent may be experiencing a rise in house prices, but that doesn't mean you still can't get a bargain. Prices for ordinary houses are expected to rise by 10.4% in Kent over the next five years. New figures from ...

Kent’s fascinating new self-guided walking trails in Tunbridge Wells, Whitstable, Rochester, Canterbury and more

Melissa McNally

January 27, 2022

Folkestone

New self-guided quiz trails are popping up in many towns across Kent. 'Quiz Trail' was put together by a mum and her two daughters, who all share a love of history and a keen interest in discovering new things....

BBC EastEnders: The real life of Dot Cotton actress June Brown – from quiet Folkestone life to family tragedy

Melissa McNally

January 25, 2022

Folkestone

June Brown is best known as EastEnders chain-smoking legend Dot Cotton. The soap opera actress played the role on the BBC series for over 35 series and is still considered a mainstay on the show to this day. Wh...

10 lost Folkestone pubs and bars relegated to the history books

Melissa McNally

January 22, 2022

Folkestone

The good old-fashioned pub is a staple of British culture that can unite us all. Memories of meeting friends for a pint at your local can stay with you forever, making their closures even sadder. Kent has lost ...

Stop order for Princes Parade approved, with project price exceeding £45m

Melissa McNally

January 20, 2022

Folkestone

A proposal to relocate a coastal road as part of a new multi-million pound housing estate – which has been strongly opposed by opponents – has now been approved.It comes as costs for the Princes Parade project...

5 wonderful winter walks in Kent

Melissa McNally

January 18, 2022

Folkestone

Published: 2:40 PM January 18, 2022 Update: 2:43 PM January 18, 2022 Our walking specialist Alannah Crouch has five ideas for wonderful winter walks around the county this season... 1. The walk by th...

Boss 2 at Tiluck in Sandgate near Folkestone will ‘go to the bottom’ of a one star food hygiene rating

Melissa McNally

January 16, 2022

Folkestone

A restaurant boss hit with a one-star food hygiene rating has pledged to 'get to the bottom of what happened' as he found his business suspended from online ordering sites .Staff at Tilucks II in Sandgate High...

How the Kent Coastguard celebrated 200 years of service

Melissa McNally

January 15, 2022

Folkestone

The Kent Coastguard celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of their organization.It was on January 15, 1822 that HM Coastguard was officially established and it has been working to keep people along the...

Post-Brexit lorry counterflow system work in Kent will disrupt the M20 for a year | Brexit

Melissa McNally

January 13, 2022

Folkestone

The Operation Brock system installed to manage the traffic chaos expected in Kent post-Brexit will now itself cause a year of disruption as the barrier is moved from the edge to the middle of the motorway.The s...

Controversial asylum accommodation in UK will remain open until 2025

Melissa McNally

January 11, 2022

Folkestone

The UK government has confirmed its intention to continue using a former barracks as accommodation for asylum seekers until 2025.Napier Barracks, near Folkestone in the south-east of England, had been touted as...

Race for Life returns to Kent in 2022

Melissa McNally

January 10, 2022

Folkestone

Race for Life returns to Kent. Image of a previous event Submitted for publication by Cancer Research UK     Cancer Research UK's Race for Life series is set to return for 2022 with e...

What the census found about Kent in 1921

Melissa McNally

January 8, 2022

Folkestone

The 1921 census revealed what life was like in Kent 100 years ago.It's the first to come out since 2009 and there won't be another until 2052.Part of the 1921 census. Photo: Mikael Buck / Findmypast / PAJessam...

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley has told forwards David Smith and Ade Yusuff they are both expected to aim for at least 25 goals each this season

Melissa McNally

January 6, 2022

Folkestone

Forwards David Smith and Ade Yusuff are expected to aim for at least 25 goals apiece this season, according to Folkestone manager Neil Cugley.The duo were on the right track in Invicta's 3-0 home win in the Is...

Kent COVID: COVID isolation period disrupts bus services in Kent

Melissa McNally

January 4, 2022

Folkestone

Transport links across the country are severely affected by the COVID outbreak this week. Throughout Kent, rail services and bus lines are being altered or canceled due to staff shortages caused by disease and ...

Gusts of 70 mph will bring UK temperatures to 3 ° C on Tuesday

Melissa McNally

January 2, 2022

Folkestone

The UK is expected to face extremely cold conditions as low as 3C (37F) from Tuesday after officially recording its hottest New Year's Day in history.Temperatures are expected to drop to around 7 ° C (44.6 ° F)...

Volunteers needed for the Kent Coast Volunteering Friendship Project, the Good Neighbors service

Melissa McNally

December 30, 2021

Folkestone

New research from Age UK has found that around 1.4 million older people will have experienced loneliness this Christmas, a situation likely to be exacerbated by fears over the Omicron variant. The Good Neighbo...

Ugly Kent Buildings: These are the most notoriously ugly buildings in Folkestone, Margate, Ashford and Maidstone

Melissa McNally

December 26, 2021

Folkestone

Here in Kent we are fortunate to have wonderful examples of architecture nestled throughout the county. Canterbury Cathedral is arguably the most obvious, but who can forget The Peter Cushing Wetherspoons in W...

Beautiful seaside town with breathtaking beaches where Londoners move and buy homes

Melissa McNally

December 24, 2021

Folkestone

Londoners are leaving the capital and taking over properties in a beautiful seaside town in Kent. Rising house prices and flexible working resulting from the pandemic have pushed Londoners out of new pastures i...

Folkestone Invicta fans hold a fundraiser for Shepway Foodbank in the FA Trophy match against Uxbridge

Melissa McNally

December 22, 2021

Folkestone

A group of community-driven football fans organized a successful fundraiser for a local food bank this Christmas.Folkestone Invicta Noyz Boyz organized the depot of food and other essential supplies ahead of t...

The prospect of fans being allowed to watch Folkestone Invicta’s historic FA Trophy match in Wrexham in doubt following Welsh government announcement

Melissa McNally

December 21, 2021

Folkestone

The prospect of Folkestone fans being allowed to watch their historic FA Trophy match at Wrexham has been questioned - hours after the draw.Invicta's payoff for reaching the fourth round of the competition for...

Kent’s most wanted people on the run this Christmas and the crimes they’re wanted for

Melissa McNally

December 19, 2021

Folkestone

There are currently 10 men on the run from the law in Kent. With crimes ranging from grievous bodily harm and sex offenses to fraudulent misrepresentation, every individual is suspected of having committed crim...

Ashford Road Runners raise funds for Pilgrim Hospices with festive run

Melissa McNally

December 16, 2021

Folkestone

Ashford & District Road Running Club during their President's Christmas run. Submitted for publication in the Folkestone HeraldAshford & District Road Running Club raised over £ 15...

Government promises tougher rules on abuse and harassment

Melissa McNally

December 14, 2021

Folkestone

It has been hailed by the government as an unprecedented crackdown on social media abuse and hate crimes online. And according to the Prime Minister, the new online security bill could also prove to be a vital...

Where Omicron is spreading in Kent and Medway

Melissa McNally

December 12, 2021

Folkestone

New figures reveal where Omicron is spreading the fastest in Kent and Medway - and which district has the lowest abseil jab absorption.So far, 23 cases of the variant have been confirmed in the county, with 15...

New Years Eve attack on Skuba Bar and Folkestone Bistro has left woman scarred forever

Melissa McNally

December 11, 2021

Folkestone

A party animal left permanent scars on a woman after seeing her full in the face in a crowded bar.Jack Nicholl, 24, launched the missile at a rival at Folkestone's Skuba Bar and Bistro on New Years Eve in 2019...