Kench Family Films: 1966, Redbridge and West End (1966)

Ilford parades, Post Office Tower views as well as weddings, birthdays and Christmas all feature on this fantastic home movie from Redbridge in 1966.

There’s a wonderful selection of clips in this home movie, including some marvellous shots of London taken from the top of the recently opened Post Office Tower and also of a parade through the centre of Ilford featuring splendid decorated floats. Also captured are several family occasions, including a 21st birthday, a wedding and Christmas.

There’s a lot to enjoy on this 16-minute film. The Ilford parade is one highlight, showing what seems to be Scouts and Guides in well-decorated floats passing Ilford’s rare regional branch of Selfridges. But the undoubted highlights are the shots from the Post Office Tower – first filmed from a distance on Tottenham Court Road – which show landmarks such as Regent’s Park, Euston Station, Senate House and Centre Point from the top of the tower. There’s also a nice shot of the viewing platform interior, showing people taking photographs of the view.