News

Tributes to local soldier Peter Aldridge, who was killed in Afghanistan, will be paid before Folkestone Invicta's Saturday fixture against fellow top of the table rivals, Croydon Athletic.

Club Chairman Lynn Woods said in a statement: "Since learning of the death in service of Rifleman Aldridge we have twice scheduled a minute's silence at home matches in commemoration, but on both occasions the fixtures have been postponed because of snowfall.

"The next such opportunity arises on Saturday, when Croydon Athletic are our visitors.

"As the Aldridge family came to Folkestone from Croydon two years ago, this presents the opportunity to do something more substantial in the young man's memory.

"With the family's blessing we are therefore inviting the wider community to join us in observing a minute's silence before the match which kicks off at 3pm (27 February), and to precede the silence with a roll-call of organisations, businesses, schools and clubs in and around Folkestone and Croydon who are represented on the day to pay their respects.

"To encourage a good attendance we propose to waive the normal gate charge and allow free entry. The Garrison is then organising a gate collection for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes and we hope those attending will donate generously to those Armed Services charities.

"We believe there are very many in the local community who would value the opportunity to share in our commemoration of a young life lost in the service of his country, and to demonstrate that as a Garrison Town Folkestone, like Wootton Bassett, is ready to recognise our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they bear.

"All will be welcomed irrespective of whether they wish to stay on for the match itself."

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010