THE role that the Iron Lady played in stopping North Weald suffering from severe flooding is remembered well by one former villager.
On July 29, 1987, horrendous flooding followed 50mm of rain in under half an hour.
Robin Vaughan-Lyons, 49, lived on High Road with his parents at the time.
"It was a major flood and it was scary when it happened – we had been flooded two times before but this was far worse," said Mr Vaughan-Lyons, who now lives in Kent.
"I had my camera and managed to film cars floating past our house and down High Road, the water was unstoppable.
"I wrote to Margaret Thatcher complaining of the flood and our problem and asked for her help. I didn't expect to get a reply.
"Shortly after she wrote back, which was a real shock.
"She said she couldn't understand how nothing had been done and would direct £30 million for flood defences."
Mrs Thatcher was true to her word and the flood defences, which consisted of paddocks and relief areas, still protect North Weald to this day.
"I am forever thankful for what she did and the house, which we often return to, is still standing today," he said.
