New Trustee At The Leas Lift

A communications expert with almost 25 years’ experience has joined the Board of Trustees for Folkestone’s Leas Lift.

Rachel Knight, Director at Tunbridge Wells-based Maxim, a PR, marketing and public affairs agency, has been appointed to the volunteer Board of 10 that is supporting the restoration and re-opening of the Lift.

Cathy Beare, Chair of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “Rachel has been driving our communications strategy for a few months and is already a great asset to the Board, so I’m delighted we have been able to formally appoint her. In a short time, she has settled in as part of the team, adding value throughout.”

Rachel will continue to provide the Leas Lift with media relations, social media and marketing advice on a pro bono basis.

She said: “Maxim has worked on several projects in Folkestone over the last few years so I became aware of the work to re-open the Lift. I’ve always had an interest in vintage so the idea of playing a small part in restoring such a historically significant asset really appealed to me.

“As the restoration steps up a gear ahead of the re-opening in 2025, interest in the project is increasing so this is great time to be getting involved. Maxim has always supported charities whenever we can but this is an ongoing commitment that we’re very pleased to be undertaking.”

The news comes on the back of the appointment of Floortje Hoette as the first chief executive officer of Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity.

The campaign to save the Grade II* Listed at risk Leas Lift – a nationally significant heritage asset – began in 2018 when volunteers came together to save the lift and ensure its future. In November 2023, the charity secured £4.8m of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning the overall fundraising target of £6.6m had been reached.

For more information on the history of the Leas Lift and the campaign to reopen it, visit leaslift.co.uk