From Waterloo to the Somme - Follow the Drum
FOLLOW THE DRUM
From Waterloo to the Somme
Heritage Open Weekend — 19 & 20 September
The Old Fire Station, 51a Sandgate High Street FREE ENTRY
Step back in time and discover the men behind the history…
This September, come and experience the remarkable story of the Riflemen of Shorncliffe, from the battlefields of Waterloo in 1815 to Vimy Ridge in 1916.
As part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days, the Old Fire Station will open its doors for a fascinating weekend of military history, rare artefacts, colourful displays, films and living history — and it’s completely FREE!
🎖️ Meet the Riflemen
Discover what life was really like for a 95th Rifleman in 1815 and a Rifleman in 1916.
Uniformed soldiers will be at the Old Fire Station throughout the weekend, bringing the displays to life and answering your questions. See the weapons, equipment and personal kit used by soldiers of two very different eras — and you may even get the chance to try some of the kit for yourself!
Hear the stories of the men who lived, trained and prepared for war at Shorncliffe during the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War.
🥁 Rare treasures from the past
Among the fascinating artefacts on display will be a rare Canadian First World War bugle and our latest acquisition — a Canadian WW1 drum.
These remarkable objects offer a tangible connection to the men who served and the events that shaped generations.
🎬 Meet Stanley Robinson – aged 99
Each afternoon, join us for a special showing of “Meeting Stanley”, a film telling the story and poetry of Stanley Robinson — a local Second World War veteran, born in Sandgate and still living in Folkestone.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the personal story of a local man whose life was shaped by war, memory and poetry.
🥾 Walk in the footsteps of history
Each morning, join one of our guided tours of the historic Shorncliffe training grounds.
Explore the places where generations of soldiers trained and discover:
· General Sir John Moore’s Redoubt
· The extraordinary story of the heroes of Rorke’s Drift
· The remains of the WW1 Canadian trenches
· The fascinating military history of Shorncliffe Camp
Tours will start at the Military Cemetery, Shorncliffe Camp — final arrangements to be confirmed.
WEEKEND PROGRAMME
Saturday 19 September
10.00am — Heritage Open Weekend begins The Old Fire Station, 51a Sandgate High Street
11.00am — Guided Tour of Shorncliffe Starting at the Military Cemetery, Shorncliffe Camp (TBC)
2.30–3.30pm — Meeting Stanley Lecture Room, The Old Fire Station
4.00pm — Event closes
Sunday 20 September
10.00am — Heritage Open Weekend begins The Old Fire Station, 51a Sandgate High Street
11.00am — Guided Tour of Shorncliffe Starting at the Military Cemetery, Shorncliffe Camp (TBC)
2.30–3.30pm — Meeting Stanley Lecture Room, The Old Fire Station
4.00pm — Event closes
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A weekend of history you can see, hear and experience.
Whether you are passionate about military history, fascinated by Shorncliffe, a fan of TV’s Sharpe, interested in local heritage — or simply looking for something memorable to do — come and follow the drum.
Waterloo. Shorncliffe. The Somme. Two centuries of Riflemen. One remarkable story.
FREE ENTRY — EVERYONE WELCOME