On a bright, clear day, the de Havilland DH82 “Tiger Moth” soared gloriously over Roe Green Village, its flypast greeted by cheers and waves from a crowd of over 400 spectators. The sight of this iconic aircraft, designed and built at the nearby Stag Lane factory, added a special touch to the celebrations marking 100 years of our cherished community.
Roe Green Village holds a unique historical legacy, closely tied to some notable figures. It was home to Amy Johnson, the trailblazing aviator who planned her famous solo flight to Australia here to be close to Stag Lane Aerodrome. It was also the workplace of Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, whose company, Airco, designed the legendary Tiger Moth. Adding to this illustrious roster, Sir Frank Baines (1877-1933), the architect behind the design of Roe Green’s Garden Village, also contributed to building MI5’s headquarters in Millbank.
The Centenary Celebrations
The centenary festivities were an incredible showcase of community spirit, spanning several events across June. From a Fun Walk on the 2nd to a Dog Show on the 9th and a quiz night on the 16th, energy and enthusiasm filled the days leading up to the grand finale – our Village Day.
On Village Day, the Green was buzzing with excitement. The newly renovated village sign was unveiled by the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, accompanied by his wife, Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt, and other local councillors.
Marquees sprang up across the Green, housing everything from Chinese calligraphy workshops to head massages. Stalls offered a range of attractions for all ages, with the Brent Concert Band setting the tone for the day with their musical talent. Children were treated to timeless favourites like acapella singing, Punch & Judy shows, and games like Tug o’ War. Meanwhile, a Bake-Off competition was in full swing, judged by none other than Urvashi Roe of TV Bake-Off fame.
At exactly 1500 hours, all eyes turned upwards as the Tiger Moth made its triumphant three-pass flyover. It was a moment of overwhelming pride and joy for everyone present – proof that even after so many decades, the vintage plane could still grace our skies.
Festivities for All
There truly was something for everyone, with a packed schedule that included a yoga demonstration, a writing competition, and a plant auction. Visitors enjoyed a delectable selection of cuisines, including Greek dishes, authentic Indian vegetarian fare, and hearty Caribbean home-cooked meals.
The evening celebrations began with the soulful tunes of the KIX jazz band featuring Kate Daniels, perfectly balanced later by DJ Dan’s upbeat disco sounds.
The Greatest Village Day Yet
Among the bunting and laughter, there was an undeniable sense of camaraderie and belonging. After hosting over 40 Village Days through the years, this centenary celebration has been declared the greatest of them all – a true testament to the spirit of Roe Green Village.
With memories we’ll cherish for years to come, taking down the bunting almost feels like an impossible task. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a historic and joyous occasion. Here’s to the next 100 years!