Visitors will able to step back in time when a new community venue featuring a permanent home for a historical society opens for the first time this weekend.

The North Chingford community hub will be open to the public from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, coinciding with the launch of Chingford Historical Society’s new heritage trail in partnership and funded by the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

The hub is the result of hard work by the society, Love North Chingford and local residents, who refurbished three floors of the Victorian station building that were once where the station master lived.

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The new community hub

Although it has taken a long time to refurbish the building, society chair Gary Stone explained the organisation can now move into the station that was built in 1878, giving the society its first permanent home in 40 years.

He said: “We can now provide a place for historical research, exhibitions and talks for members and the wider community.”

The new community hub also boasts a co-working space and meeting/function rooms with high-speed internet.

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Gary added: “The hub has opened at a good time for us as it coincides with the launch of the North Chingford Heritage Trail.

“It’s an opportunity for visitors to step back in time and learn about the journey of North Chingford from a quaint hamlet to bustling town centre. Visitors can explore the top 20 heritage landmarks on our guided trail all bought to life through a limited-edition booklet and hand illustrated maps available on the day.

“It’s a chance to discover the fascinating heritage of this iconic part of East London literally on the edge of the stunning Epping Forest.”

Chingford Historical Society was founded in 1939 and its first president was Sir Winston Churchill.

For further information, visit www.northchingfordheritagetrail.org.uk