Community: unity.
A personal reflection by Cllr Jane Darling
This morning I read the article in the Herald about Roger De Haan’s undeniable contribution to our town, and it prompted me to reflect on my thoughts about Folkestone. I moved down to the area in 2018 because I loved the town in all its glory of sea, beaches, The Leas, zany Old High Street, festivals of music, art, Pride, Charivari, wonderful architecture and fascinating history.
Having lived here for 7 years now and become a town councillor, I realise there is a lot more to Folkestone than these undeniable assets.
It is the people of our town, who continue to innovate, to experiment and to contribute sheer hard work with dogged determination, to improve the lives of others and preserve the heritage of our town and its environs.
The team of people who have taken on, the often thankless task of clearing off offensive graffiti, repainting, repairing and renewing to spruce up where needed: the societies which work hard to preserve the places and artefacts which are our legacy for future generations, like the Save Our Library Group who are maintaining their resolve, which may still win the day, to bring Folkestone Library back to its proper purpose of a public library and place of learning in our town of Folkestone, not only an Art School but a Library.
There are so many community groups, the members of which give unstintingly of their time, energy and creativity to make the town a good place to live in for all; providing activities which promote well-being and good health, community co-hesion and understanding. Helping those who are struggling with a warm coat, decent food, hot meals and other essentials of life.
Folkestone is a diverse community with a mix of cultures, traditions, religions, and histories. This diversity enriches our lives and widens our perspectives. We see how people from all sorts of backgrounds can combine together to achieve goals, which help our community to flourish.
Perhaps we need to recognise that nothing is gained by conflict and division. It is when people come together in unity to solve problems, with belief, hope and determination, that we are at our best.
October 2025
