MEMBERS of a social club for retired people learnt about the history of the Royal Gunpowder Mills on a recent trip to Waltham Abbey.

The group from Epping Probus group visited the site where a tractor drawn land train took them on a tour of the grounds through alder trees which were used to make the charcoal ingredient used in gunpowder.

Member Trevor Roberts said: “En route we saw the burning ground for waste explosive material, the partially restored site railway and the lake where the explosives for the Dam Busting Bombs of the Second World War were tested.”

The day ended with a re-enactments of the British Army Brigade drill and a historic battle.

The club has more than 60 members but there are a few vacancies left for retired or semi-retired men.

For more information contact the Club Secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573 188.