De Haan dynasty writes new chapter in Folkestone saga

摘要

Folkestone Harbour will be the backdrop for one of the main commemoration centennial ceremonies in August, marking the outbreak of World War Ⅰ. It is appropriate, because 10 million men sailed from the harbour to fight for king and country. A hundred years later, no one sails to France from Folkestone. In fact, the last Seacat left for Boulogne in 1999. Competition from Eurostar was too strong to sustain a cross-channel ferry. The railway line that crosses the harbour on a viaduct is still in place, although the last train arrived in 2001. A few walkers tread cautiously on a Thomas Telford-designed pier. And a 1960s ferry ticket office has window frames hanaina loose.