The widow of a historian who held a World War One Open Day in his memory said he would have been “thrilled” to see so many people remembering those who gave their lives for their country.

Eve Wilson, wife of the late Malcolm Doolin, joined forces with her husband’s friends and professional connections to make the event in Walthamstow Village possible.

But Eve insists Malcolm, who organised the open day as a one-off last year, had already done most of the work for the event on Saturday, September 15, before his sudden death in March.

It saw 700 visitors handle WWI artefacts, enjoy tastings of classic war foods such as bread and dripping and trench cake, and watch performances by the Stow Caledonian Pipe Band and a play about a shell-shocked soldier.

Ms Wilson said: “Many of the visitors arrived with their own stories of research to tell and everyone, visitors and presenters alike, commented on how much they learned.

“Malcolm would have been thrilled.

“People often commented on his ability to enthuse other people about his interests and it is wonderful to think that even though he is not here, his enthusiasm has introduced more people to this fascinating time in our history and to his other love for early cinema.”

The event held at Vestry House Museum and St Mary’s Church, kicked off with Leyton Orient’s 17th Pals Battalion Band marching through the village before a minute’s silence.

Speeches were heard from Neil Pearce, chairman of East London Western Front Association, Kath Cockshaw, head of museum and arts at Waltham Forest Council, and Cllr Sally Littlejohn, Mayor of Waltham Forest.

An excerpt from Malcolm’s book, The Boys of Blackhorse Road, was read by Eve.

In the evening, St Mary’s hosted a rare screening of the 1917 film, The Battle of the Ancre – The Advance of the Tanks, and a performance by Waltham Forest Youth Orchestra.

As well as being a favourite of Malcolm, the film has an interesting connection to the Walthamstow community.

J. B. McDowell, who shot the film with Geoffrey Malins at the front, was part of the thriving silent film industry in Walthamstow and owned the British and Colonial Film Studios in Hoe Street, which closed in 1924.

Local artist Emma Scutt invited guests to create a wreath to honour the men and women from across the Commonwealth who supported the allies’ war efforts and it be laid at Chingford Mount Cemetery.

Talks covered a range of topics including the RAF in Chingford, cartoons in the Great War, Nigerian soldiers, and how a boy from Blackhorse Road won the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

MP for Walthamstow, Stella Creasy, Cllr Roy Berg, Cllr Chris Robbins and several Pearly Kings and Queens supported the event.

Eve added: “I was very grateful for the exceptional support I have had to make the day such a success and delighted by the interest generated by the day.”