The Mayors and guests around Samuel Plimsoll’s grave
Words and pictures by Ray Duff
This past Saturday marked a special milestone in Cheriton: the 10th annual commemoration of Samuel Plimsoll, the tireless advocate for seafarer safety. Dozens gathered at St. Martin’s Church to honor the man whose enduring legacy continues to safeguard ships and lives.
The event commenced, as is tradition, with the solemn raising of a naval standard and a warm welcome from Lay Preacher Eileen Webb. She powerfully underscored the ongoing relevance of Plimsoll’s work in preventing ship overloading. Drawing on a personal experience during a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee, Ms. Webb vividly conveyed the fear and uncertainty sailors and passengers faced in the 19th century on vessels lacking load lines, and the similar anxieties still felt at sea during tempestuous weather today.
Following her moving address, the congregation joined in a spirited rendition of William Whiting’s beloved seafarers’ hymn, ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save.’ This year also marks the bicentenary of Whiting’s birth (1825-1878), adding another layer of significance to the commemoration.
Rev Webb (right) welcomes all to the event
The attendees then processed to Plimsoll’s graveside, where a poignant prayer was offered. Wreaths were laid by esteemed representatives, including the Chair of Folkestone District Council, the Mayors of Folkestone, Hythe, and New Romney, the Samuel Plimsoll Memorial Group, and a deeply personal tribute remembering a life lost in the Zeebrugge tragedy.
Returning to the church, everyone was captivated by this year’s speaker, Mr. Alan Taylor, Chair of the Folkestone Local History Group. He delivered a lively account of the Folkestone Fishing History Museum, located near the harbor. Mr. Taylor recounted the museum’s humble beginnings as an exhibition at the former Sassoon Gallery in the now-closed Grace Hill Library, where a rich collection of artifacts related to fishing and Folkestone Harbour’s history was first amassed.
Over the years, the museum moved through several venues, steadily gathering an impressive array of important and fascinating material. Its current home in Radnor Street and Back Street, close to the Fishmarket, is open daily from Easter onwards. The museum’s location itself boasts history, incorporating elements from its former life as a forge serving the local fishing industry. Visitors can also find information on Channel ferries and general seafaring, and prominently displayed on an outside wall is Shane Record’s Folkestone Plimsoll Memorial painting. The museum is also a proud member of the ‘Wheels of Time’ scheme, offering children a collectible badge as they explore various historical sites across Kent. Mr. Taylor’s engaging talk concluded to warm applause and gratitude.
Michael Foad, (right centre) leads the Choir in’ A Cheer for Samuel Plimsoll’
The commemorative event culminated in a vibrant musical performance. Michael Foad, a leading member of the Samuel Plimsoll Campaign group, joined forces with the St. Martin’s Church Choir and the congregation for a rousing rendition of the 1876 music hall classic, ‘A Cheer for Samuel Plimsoll.’ Written and performed by Mr. Fred Albert, this lively song remains a clear favorite, pulling no punches in highlighting the vital necessity of Plimsoll’s work.
The day concluded with refreshments served by the church and the opportunity to meet Nicolette Jones, Plimsoll’s biographer, who once again travelled from London to sign copies of her insightful book, ‘The Plimsoll Sensation.’
Next year, 2026, marks the 150th Anniversary of Plimsoll’s Merchant Shipping Act, being passed in Parliament in 1876; alongside as mentioned Fred Albert writing his music hall song.
Following this in 2027 it is the 40th anniversary of the ‘Great Storm’, which saw Folkestone ferry mv Hengist stranded in The Warren, a small vessel sunk with loss of life outside Dover harbour etc. It will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Zeebrugge tragedy where the Herald of Free Enterprise capsized outside the port, an event again due to a safety failure.
In 2028, it will be the 150th anniversary of the sinking of the then German Battleship, ‘Grosse Kurfurst’ due to poor seamanship, offshore of the Leas, during a fleet visit to the port of Folkestone. The memorial and many of its sailors who died laying in Cheriton Road Cemetery. The remains of the wreck are still in situ.
Folkestone Samuel Plimsoll Campaign Group:
https://www.facebook.com/FolkestonePlimsollMemorialCampaign
Samuel Plimsoll info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Plimsoll
Folkestone Fishing History Museum:
https://folkestonefringe.com/events/folkestones-fishing-and-heritage-museum