27/10/2025
So sad to hear this news. Along with our neighbour Bev at The Bargain Bookshop, we sold so many of his videos/DVDs, and attended his screenings.
We featured somewhere on a newsreel or two.
A lovely man, and a legend. Condolences to his family. RIP.
Acorn Films Founder David Piggott Dies Ahead of 75th Anniversary Celebrations
David John Piggott 13 December 1939 – 15 October 2025
We are sad to announce the passing of David Piggott, Acorn Films member and frontman of The Chingford Newsreel, who died peacefully at Whipps Cross Hospital from pneumonia, following complications after his recent recovery from Covid. He was a pioneering figure in British amateur filmmaking and a beloved chronicler of Chingford’s local life.
Mr Piggott’s death on Wednesday 15th October, aged 85, comes just one year before Acorn Films’ 75th anniversary, which will be marked in 2026 with a series of special events, a commemorative publication, and a celebratory film honouring the legacy of one of Britain’s most enduring community film collectives. In a recent interview with David, he described his work on The Chingford Newsreel as “a labour of love”.
Tim Emblem-English, who now works as an archive telecine specialist, was a member of Acorn Films since 1980 and worked closely with David in various roles, from camera operator to editing and post production, alongside his career with the BBC.
> “David introduced me to the worlds of amateur film-making and subsequently film collecting, both of which chimed with my career as an engineer / operator in post-production at the BBC and led to me becoming the department’s specialist in amateur and archive telecine work. In large part I owe my career to David’s knowledge and enthusiasm. A dear friend, much missed.”
Since 1958, David Piggott had been the driving force behind The Chingford Newsreel, capturing the everyday stories, civic milestones, and quiet revolutions of East London life. The Newsreel preserved decades of local history, from local fêtes and festivals, to changes on the high street and royal visits. Audiences flocked to watch annual screenings at The Parish Hall on The Ridgeway in 1958, then packed out the newly built Chingford Assembly Hall from 1960 until the final screening of The Chingford Newsreel in 2006.
Acorn Films treated audiences to a yearly round-up of local events and highlighted national events, including the 1977 street party celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, the 1981 Royal Wedding, the aftermath of the Great Storm of 1987, the 1995 funeral of notorious east-ender, Ronnie Kray, and local reactions on the day of Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
As the distinctive voice of The Chingford Newsreel, David offered a uniquely human perspective on the changing face of this suburban London town. His work has undoubtedly inspired generations of amateur filmmakers and community historians.
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David, who was interviewed in August this year by researcher Theresa Rendle and Gary Stone, Chairman of Chingford Historical Society, reflected on his feelings of pride after being stopped in the street following the screening of 1997 BBC2 Documentary Picture This, which was watched by over two million people.
> “One woman said ‘it was through you that we moved to Chingford’ – and the day after the screening at a Saturday event in Ealing, we went into WH Smiths and a man came up to me and said ‘it’s you, isn’t it?’.”
“It was amazing that people had watched [Picture This] and that it meant something to them.”
Gary Stone said,
> “David will be sorely missed by the society of which he was a member for many years. David was generous in providing us with unique access to the film archive, which documents the changing face of Chingford over more than five decades, for the benefit of our members, the wider community, and local history research.”
David, a life-long Chingford resident, also had a successful City career at Lloyds of London, working in various roles, including event management.
To honour David’s memory and gather stories from those touched by Acorn’s work, a free community event is being held on Thursday 30th October from 2–5pm at Chingford Community Hub on Station Road, Chingford E4 6AL. This event is open to all who wish to share memories and view archival material.
Highlights of the event include:
Screenings of two acclaimed BBC2 documentaries: Picture This (1997) and The Great British Homemade Movie Roadshow (2010), both of which feature Acorn Films and its unique legacy.
A special appearance by Tim Emblem-English, Acorn cameraman and collaborator, who will be on hand to speak with attendees.
A rare public display of photographs, documents, and vintage filming equipment from the extensive Acorn Films archive.
David is survived by his wife Joan and his brother Michael. The Piggott family invites all who knew David—or were touched by his work—to celebrate a life lived through a lens of compassion, curiosity, and community.
His funeral will be held at The Chingford Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul on Tuesday 25th November at 12.30pm.
