AV Roe Triplane on Walthamstow Marshes

Upto a thousand people enjoyed the sun and the chance to see a replica of the first all-British aeroplane unveiled on Walthamstow Marshes by the grandson of its creator A.V. Roe.

On July 13, 1909, Roe flew the plane he’d built under two of the railway arches on the marshes. Local history group, and members of Roes family attended the celebration, which included a series of films and talks about the history of Avroe (as well as the Lea Valley).

There are plans fly the replica at RAF Woodvale later in the year.

Watch: BBC News Video – Britain’s first aircraft rebuilt / News story

COUNCIL CONSULTATION ON LEA BRIDGE AREA

Waltham Forest council have published an extensive document that  “seeks your opinion on how the Council should plan for and manage future change in the Lea Bridge Area“.
In the document multiple choices are presented for residents to comment on. The area stretches from the A12 in the South, and Walthamstow Reservoir in the north. Clapton forms the urban edge to the park along the western edge, with Markhouse Corner neighbourhood centre to the east.

Add your comments and view the council suggestions.

Just over 20 years previously the railway arches played host to a less honourable occasion – a bare knuckle fight.
On May the 29th 1886 two men, stripped to the waist, fought “a desperate fight” for the princely sum of 50 pounds.

To read more about the fight and search more old newspaper cuttings visit The British Library site.