Margaret Care was a founder member of the ‘Friends of Folkestone Cemetery’, being at the first meeting when the group’s setting-up was discussed over coffee. She was soon cutting shrubs and saplings from graves at the west end of the graveyard. When chatting over our ‘al fresco’ lunches, during working sessions, we came to realise how often she had spent time in East Grinstead Hospital as a child.
Over the years she took a full part, often with a dog at heel, in all our activities. When our White Garden, remembering “Born Sleeping Babies” was created, she was there, planting some of the 75 plants and shrubs that arrived on the one day. Armistice Services, in the Cemetery, were always attended by her and she joined in selecting ladies to be remembered on International Women’s Day with the placing of posies.
When the group became increasingly involved in recording the stories of those remembered here, her local history and family knowledge was invaluable. She contributed to our ‘Walk and Talks’ and as a speaker in the presentations we give to local interest organisations. With visitors from worldwide and Britain arriving, it was a great help to have Margaret there to locate graves and add local knowledge.
Many of us also knew her through other Folkestone groups; Dog Training, where she led very practical sessions, history clubs and her organising of the Centenary Service to remember the casualties of the Gotha Bombing in the ‘Great War’.
We in the ‘Friends’ sorely miss her, as do many more.
The Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity
As you make your way past the Upper Station hoarding, you’ll now find the next chapter of our Oral History Project ready to explore 
This latest installation features memories from Margaret Care, who grew up in Folkestone and remembers the Leas Lift as an everyday part of family life — from childhood walks along the East Cliff to regular stops at Pet’s Corner to visit the goats, donkeys and budgies.
Margaret also shares fascinating stories passed down through her family, including the donkey park at the bottom of the Road of Remembrance and the bath-chair pullers who once helped visitors up the steep incline. Her reflections offer a warm, personal insight into how the Lift shaped daily routines and local history.
Scan the QR code on the hoarding outside the Leas Lift to listen or read more from Margaret’s interview
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The National Lottery Heritage Fund
