Town Sunday in Folkestone has a long history. “From 1313 the inhabitants of Folkestone, summoned by the blowing of a horn, assembled annually at the Churchyard Cross on 8th September, the Feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Lady, to elect their Mayor.” The service sheet then adds, “Should they decline the majority wish, the people had the power to pull down their principal dwelling.”
Nowadays the Town Mayor is elected in May and Town Sunday is a service held in June in the parish church of Saint Mary and Saint Eanswythe. Prayers are said for the mayor, the councillors and the town of Folkestone. The first reading is by the Town Mayor, Janet Andrews and the second by the Head Boy and Head Girl of the Folkestone Academy, there is a sermon from the mayor’s chaplain, Stephen Bould and some hearty singing from the congregation. The procession to and from the church is from the nearby primary school and there’s also a small ceremony at the churchyard cross.
Many of the town councillors are present and I also spot District Councillor, Anthony Dunning in the pews. I am very pleased to see how well the District Councillors support the many events across our district and it’s rare I go to an event without seeing some of them.
Several mayors are in attendance from other districts and after the service and reception we go to the Pavilion for lunch. Folkestone is stretched out before us in the sun with people enjoying the beach and the sea and I am delighted that these visitors from other parts of Kent will have such a positive picture to take away with them of the town.
Folkestone
Tags: Folkestone, St Eanswythe's