Grace Hill Project: Community engagement events

The Grace Hill Community Engagement Programme

As part of the Grace Hill project, the community engagement programme will bring together a series of events celebrating the building's history, local heritage and the community that has helped shape its future.

Through exhibitions, photography, dance and storytelling, the programme will explore Grace Hill's past, celebrate the people connected to it and recognise the community campaign to save the building.

Working alongside local artists, residents and community groups, we hope to bring people together, share stories and celebrate the next chapter of Grace Hill as a space for the whole community.

Folkestone Town Council is working closely with a group of community partners to deliver the Grace Hill Project over the next 2-3 years. We are pleased to announce the first series of events in our Grace Hill Community Engagement Programme

1.Community Presentation: Grace and Mabel

Discover the fascinating history of Grace Hill Library and the story of Mabel Ryall, a pioneering figure in British librarianship and one of the first women to work in the profession in the UK.
Join historian Professor Carolyn Oulton to explore Mabel's life, her contribution to the library and the wider history of Grace Hill, celebrating the people and stories that have shaped this important part of Folkestone's heritage.

Who was Mabel Ryall?

Mabel Ryall's story at Grace Hill Library began in1901, when she was recorded as a Junior Assistant. By 1907, she had become Assistant Librarian, even stepping in to run the library during the librarian's illness.

In 1926, following the death of the head librarian,Stuart Hills, Mabel was appointed to the position.Her career at Grace Hill ended in 1928,when she left upon marrying the Mayor Edward John Bishop, reflecting the expectations placed on working women at the time.

While photographs of Edward have survived, we have yet to find a single image of Mabel.

The search for Mabel Ryall will continue!

Her absence from the photographic record raises an important question: how many women like Mabel made significant contributions to their communities, only to be overlooked in the history we remember?

Mabel's story offers a fascinating glimpse into the changing role of women and their contribution to Folkestone's history.

2.Community Exhibition: History of Grace Hill and the campaign to save it!

Explore the rich history of Grace Hill Library from its very beginnings at the heart of Folkestone's community to the 3 year campaign to save it for future generations.

This community exhibition will bring together historical photographs, local stories and memories, recalling the efforts of campaigners who came together to fight for the building's future. A celebration of local heritage and community spirit.

3. Community Gallery: All the Graces photo gallery

A celebration of famous Graces throughout history! This photographic exhibition by New Folkestone Society will showcase a collection of well-known people named Grace, from influential historical figures to familiar faces in music, film, literature and beyond.

Discover their stories and celebrate the achievements and creativity of all the Graces!

4. Community Performance: Dancing with Grace

Join local Folkestone dance group Common Grounding for a special performance celebrating the concept of Grace.

Common Grounding will explore Grace through movement and dance, offering a unique celebration of the building and its connection to the local community.