On the 18th May 1984, the Thames Barrier was officially `opened` by Her Majesty the Queen, eighteen years after it was first considered as the answer to the possible flooding of London.

It cost £435M to build and has been described as the Eight Wonder of the World.

In 1972 the Thames Barrier & Flood Prevention Act was passed by Parliament and construction of the Barrier begun in 1974.

It became operational in October 1982 and was first used in February 1983.

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1980s

Standing proudly in front of the newly opened Gurdwara are the men, young and old, who spent many hours working on the building. c1984

Photo: Newham Archives and Local Studies Library

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1980s

One of the hockey teams competing in the tournament at the Newham Extravaganza in 1984. They look so serious perhaps they all had pre-match nerves.

Photo: Newham Archives and Local Studies Library

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1980s

Teachers and pupils in the convent grounds in 1985.  They still wear the familiar brown uniforms but how relaxed and informal the atmosphere is is, very different from that of earlier photographs.

Photo: Newham Archives and Local Studies Library

FOREST GATE FACES - 1980s

A well known and much respected local resident Hannah Streisow was  born in Bamberg, Germany in 1908, and came to England in 1936. She set up her own surgery in Claremont Road in 1950, which she ran full time until she was 81. She continued to work as a locum until 1999 and for many years Dr Streisow was the local Police Surgeon.  She delivered many of her patient's babies as well as two of her own grandchildren.

Photo: Private family collection

FOREST GATE FACES EXHIBITION - 1980s

The Dawson family moved into Beauchamp Road in 1890 when Eric's grandfather and great uncle bought adjoining houses at a cost of £200 each. As a young man he attended art school and during WWII whilst serving in the Army he was an appointed War Artist. The photograph was taken in his studio in Epping.

Photo: Private family collection