Buckingham Palace confirmed last week that Prince Harry will attend the opening of the Folkestone, First World War centenary, memorial arch, on 4th August. The Prince will be the guest of honour and will be invited to conduct the formal unveiling of the Arch. I was delighted to learn that Prince Harry was able to accept our invitation to attend the opening ceremony. It will not only be an honour to have him in Folkestone on 4th August to officially open the Arch, but it is also particularly appropriate as he is a soldier who has seen active service in the armed forces. The opening ceremony will also include a military parade comprising of serving members of the navy, the army, and the air force, and will be accompanied by the band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The Memorial Arch is being built in memory of the sacrifices made by millions of service personnel during the First World War and in recognition of the role played by Folkestone as the main port of embarkation to and from the western front. The opening of the Arch is also the culmination of seven years of work by the Folkestone 'Step Short' project. 'Step Short' was set up by members of the local community and it has been my privilege to serve as the Chairman of the project from the start. The opening ceremony for the Arch will be part of a national programme of events on that day, including memorial services at Glasgow Cathedral, an international service at Mons in Belgium and an 11pm vigil at Westminster Abbey to mark the moment war was declared; when according to the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, the lamps went out across Europe. Last week, along with David Monk the Leader of Shepway Council, I visited the Arch construction site on The Leas, and the team working there led by Lend Lease. Thanks to the fine weather we have been enjoying the project is running a little ahead of schedule and the Arch will be in place in good time before 4th August.
Last Friday I was able to discuss the significance of the First World War centenary with students during a visit to the Harvey Grammar School. Over the summer there will be a number of exhibitions and tours taking place in the district linked to the centenary commemorations, and with them there will also be opportunities for people to get involved. Please let me know if you would be interested in supporting one of the tours, events or exhibitions by sending an email to damian.collins.mp@parliament.uk
The Harvey Grammar has also just been granted £2.4 million by the government from the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund. The funds will be used to construct a new teaching block which will open next year. The Headteacher, Scott Norman, showed me the plans and the site for this new building, which will be a welcome investment in the school’s facilities.