CHRISTMAS may have been over, but there was still plenty to celebrate in Oxford as the old year gave way to the new 60 years ago.

The arrival of 1954 was the signal for a large number of dances and parties.

As midnight chimed to say farewell to 1953, more than 300 people danced and sang Auld Lang Syne in the middle of Carfax.

One major event was the mayor of Oxford’s New Year’s Eve ball at Oxford Town Hall, attended by several hundred revellers.

Meanwhile, more than 250 Scots and their friends saw in the New Year at their annual Hogmanay Ball at the Randolph Hotel.

The climax of the South Oxford Civil Defence Social Club’s New Year party was the entrance of Miss 1954, Miss I Saywell, at midnight, preceded by the exit of Father Tyme, alias George Harris.

About 1,600 cinemagoers saw a midnight showing of Rob Roy at the Regal in Cowley Road.

A large crowd greeted the New Year at St James’s Hall, Cowley, at a party organised by the St James’s dancing class and the Mothers’ Union.

The Cowley St John cricket, tennis and bowls club held a New Year’s Eve ball at the Cadena Cafe in Cornmarket Street, with more than 200 attending.

The Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor R E Warrell, said grace before 130 children started on the jelly and ice cream at a Labour Party celebration in Marston Road Congregational Church hall in Oxford. Films were shown after tea.

It was a busy time for the mayor and mayoress, Councillor and Mrs A B Brown, who attended numerous New Year parties for children and the elderly.

Father Christmas was still around to emerge from a ‘chimney’ built in one corner of the gym when the annual party for the children of city police officers was held at St Aldate’s police station.

After tea, the children watched a show of performing dogs before leaving for home with their presents.

Santa also put in an appearance at a party for children of bus drivers and conductors employed by City of Oxford Motor Services at the Town Hall.

He arrived on a large sleigh laden with gifts.

Among numerous other celebrations was a party for deaf and dumb children at the Oxford Deaf and Dumb Centre in Banbury Road. More than 50 children received presents donated by Oxford Round Table and watched a film show.