Continuing the legacy of the Step Short memorial arch

An iconic monument honouring the sacrifices made by soldiers in the First World War is to be transferred to Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC).

The Step Short commemoration memorial arch – which stands proudly at the top of the Road of Remembrance in Folkestone – pays tribute to the millions of troops who marched through the town and down to Folkestone Harbour on the way to the battlefields between 1914 and 1918.

Prince Harry formally unveiled the structure at a special ceremony held on the 100^th anniversary of Britain joining the conflict in August 2014.

The project was successfully led by the Step Short charity, with F&HDC giving a £200,000 contribution towards the creation of the arch in June 2013.

Trustees of the charity have now decided to ‘wind up’ the organisation, and F&HDC cabinet members agreed last night (22 January) to take responsibility for what has become a striking addition to the district’s skyline.

An annual budget of £6,000 is to be allocated for the monument’s upkeep and maintenance of the Step Short website.

Cllr David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: “Folkestone & Hythe has a proud military history and the Step Short commemoration memorial arch has quickly become a major part of sharing that story.

“It is an extremely important asset for the district – not just as a nod to the important role Folkestone had in the First World War, but also as an impressive structure which attracts tourists from across the globe.

“The charity trustees have done a fantastic job bringing this idea to fruition and organising what was a significant and impressive event for the district in 2014, as well as subsequent anniversary ceremonies until 2018.”

“This transfer means the legacy of that work can continue to grow for years to come.”

The arch was named in honour of the ‘step short’ order given to soldiers marching down the steep hill – now named the Road of Remembrance – towards the boats taking them to the trenches in Europe.

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