Browse Items (11 total)

An excerpt of an oral history recording with Rodney Kilbee, in which he describes his memorable first match for the Optimist's first XI, in Chatham, Kent, in 1959, aged 15.

A brief history of the club's early years, 1923 - 1935.

A letter to the editor by K.P. Gifford (Folkestone and Hythe Herald, 1951) describing the origins of Folkestone Optimists, including an account of how it came to be named: 'One of the most important items on the agenda was the naming of our new…

An illustrated tribute to Brian Swoffer, former chairman and president of Folkestone Optimists, who 'dedicated his life to the...club.' Brian was a friend and mentor to Rodney, and many others at the club.

A photograph of the Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club first XI (1967/68 season), taken at the Cheriton Road ground. Rodney's brother Toby (Kilby) is front row, left.

A photograph of Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club's first XI, taken at Cheriton Road Sports Ground in c. 1949.

A photograph of Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club Ladies' first XI, taken at Cheriton Road Sports Ground during the Folkestone Easter Hockey Festival in c. 1940s.

A letter to Festival Manager, F.J. Hall, concerning adverts in the Folkestone Easter Hockey Festival programme (1927). A photo of the Cheriton Road Sports Ground is included.

A photograph of the Kent and Sussex Trumann League-winning (1982) Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club first XI. Rodney Kilbee stands back row, second from left.

A recording of an oral history interview with Rodney Kilbee