Video
WATCH: Footage emerges of Beckton Alps ski slope
Skiers prepare to ascend Beckton Alps, which was captured on camera by former councillor Jack Hart. - Credit: London Borough of Newham Heritage Service
Footage has emerged of one of Newham's iconic former landmarks - Beckton Alps.
The slag heap turned dry-ski-slope was officially opened by Princess Diana in 1989.
It was formed from spoil heaps left over by production at Beckton Gas Works, with the mound still visible from the A13.
Drawing skiers until 2001 when it closed, the slope was caught on camera by Jack Hart who was a borough councillor from 1935 to 1985.
He held positions in East Ham and then Newham Council, including mayor.
A trade unionist, Mr Hart was a member of the Labour Party from 1928 and served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
He was also an amateur filmmaker, making a series of documentaries on Super 8 film about life in Newham.
Most Read
- 1 Newham refuse workers vote to strike over pay dispute
- 2 Kelman's first goal lifts Leyton Orient to third straight win
- 3 Reward offered to trace Maryland fatal stabbing 'suspect'
- 4 'There is a cover-up going on somewhere', says flat death OAP's daughter
- 5 London among areas where drought is declared
- 6 Man suffers leg wound in Beckton stabbing
- 7 Jailed: Eight east London offenders locked up in July
- 8 Wellens wants fans 'out in force' as Leyton Orient host Mansfield
- 9 Cost of living crisis: What to do if you can't pay your bills
- 10 Councils get cash to tackle chewing gum on high streets
They show snapshots of life in the borough between the 1960s and 1980s, including footage of the aftermath of the great storm of 1987.
Some of the films were digitised as part of a British Film Institute project.
They were found by another former mayor, Bryan Collier, who was helping Mr Hart's family clear out his East Ham home following his death.
Mr Collier donated the films to Newham Archives. They are available to view at London's Screen Archives.