Folkestone StoryMap is an audio trail of short fiction stories and memories around the town accessible via QR codes and at www.folkestonestorymap.co.uk set up by Hand of Doom Productions, a community interest company and funded by all the local councils.
The aim of the trail was to get more people of all ages writing, reading and listening to stories because they have the power to lift our spirits and increase skills like empathy as well as improve literacy and communication skills.
They carried out storytelling workshops inspired by Folkestone Museum’s collection for nearly 300 children across the town and then Covid arrived. However, they decided to continue with the project and held a free storytelling competition, awarding six local writers and those who had a strong connection with the town £100 each for their stories.
The stories were then recorded by local actors including twice Bafta winner Jessica Hynes and located in the Lower Leas Coastal Park.
During the last lockdown, they were able to start the second phase of the project, capturing memories of Folkestone as it changes and regenerates thanks to a grant from the National Lottery’s Local Communities Fund.
The memories are available via the QR codes located around the town and are being released throughout the triennial.
So far, two memory plaques have been put up – the first at the tennis and pitch and putt pay hut on Jock’s Pitch, East Cliff, the second at the beginning of the old station next to the old signal box housing Bobbies Bakehouse, and the third - along the Folkestone Harbour Arm Harbour Station (opposite Atta Kwami's artwork).
