WHEN it comes to headgear, these ladies are in a class of their own.

These were some of the eye-catching creations on show at an Easter bonnet parade at Cowley Community Centre in 1970.

The ladies are Annie Dean, Doris Cook, Mary Pudner, Ann Yates and Amy Scott, all members of the Senior Citizens’ Club.

However, despite working hard on their outfits, they didn’t win the top prize.

That honour went to Lilian Skelcher, of Hendred Street, Cowley, whose hat looked like a bird’s nest.

The judge, Lord Mayor Percy Bromley, admitted he had a difficult job, but Mrs Skelcher’s bonnet had just edged it. She said she had made it during a spare afternoon in the run-up to Easter.

“I used a bit of cardboard to make a basic boater shape, then added straw, plastic flowers and a few of those little birds you buy as cake decorations.” The men had their own competition.

The winning entry – a crepe paper variation on an alpine theme – was modelled by Mr J G Newcombe, of New Cross Road, Headington.

After the Easter bonnet contest, the senior citizens were entertained to an old time music hall, with some members wearing Edwardian dress.