Chingford residents turned out in large numbers last week to celebrate 75 years of Acorn Films, the local film group behind The Chingford Newsreel.
Chingford Historical Society organised the evening, held on Thursday 15 October at the Church of England Junior School on Shaftesbury Road. Civic leaders, former filmmakers, community organisers from across the borough and relatives of the late filmmaker David Piggott were among those who came.
The date meant a great deal to many in the room: it was the anniversary of Piggott's death. He led the film unit for 55 years and was the distinctive voice of The Chingford Newsreel. Through screenings at the Assembly Hall and in care homes across the area, he recorded the life of the community.
The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Marcelo Hart-Camus, and Cllr Sue Wheat were in the full hall. The Mayor led a minute's silence to honour Piggott's contribution to Chingford's cultural memory.
The evening also saw the launch of From Little Acorns – the legacy of Acorn Films & The Chingford Newsreel by author Theresa Reynolds. The whole print run sold out on the night. A hardback edition is planned for local bookshops before Christmas.
Guests also watched the premiere of a documentary tribute by filmmaker Linda McDonald-Cairns. It combines restored newsreel footage with interviews with people connected to Acorn's work.
David Boote, chair of Chingford Historical Society, said the response had exceeded expectations. He hopes schools and community groups interested in local history will use the documentary for learning.
