News

Dear Editor,

A step back in time beyond any doubt was the right decision that the town of Ashford took in accepting the British Mark IV World War One tank in 1919, as a reminder of the thousands of men from Ashford who Lord Kitchener and Lloyd George called up to sacrifice their lives for King and Country.

This has been a phenomenal asset for Ashford in reminding the younger generation of the carnage of human loss during the Great War. It is also a number one tourist attraction for Ashford, bringing in good revenue all around.

Therefore, give thought to what benefits can come to Folkestone from the restoration of the 1890 Leas Lift Carriage — far older than Ashford’s WW1 tank.

Shepway District Council’s community grant of 2007 gave £4,500 towards its refurbishment. The 1890 Leas Lift Carriage Restoration team have raised to date £7,500, totalling £12,000. At our annual general meeting in December a proposal will be put to the committee that we instruct Angelo Tripodi of the War and Peace group to initiate work on the base of the carriage.

As the total renovation cost is £25,000, we are looking to corporations and businesses to help us with a shortfall of £13,000. Anyone wishing to contribute to this worthy cause can donate to HSBC Bank Account: 21433784, Sort Code: 40-21-15.

The public have responded fantastically to our fund-raising efforts to ensure the safeguard of this carriage of great age so that the children of today and the next generation to come can physically experience for themselves the genuine item, instead of merely flicking through pages of a history book!

Yours respectfully,

Robert Mouland,
Treasurer
1890 Leas Lift Carriage Restoration Group.