THERE were feelings of pride and regret when Oxford lost its police force – pride on a job well done but regret that a force which had served the city for almost 100 years was being abolished.

The Lord Mayor, Alderman Frank Pickstock, invited senior officers of Oxford City Police to a farewell reception at the Town Hall just days before the force became part of the new Thames Valley Police on April 1, 1968.

Among those present were the Chief Constable, Clem Burrows, and his deputy, Len North.

Alderman Pickstock spoke of the high opinion councillors had for the police, an opinion which, he said, had been endorsed by the public following his recent appeal for support for the Police Dependants’ Fund.

He said: “This has already reached more than £1,000 and shows the way in which Oxford regards its police.

“We are all sorry at what has happened, that our police are going to lose their separate identity, but it is one of those inevitable things that happen nowadays.

“We can only hope that the close and happy co-operation between the civic authorities and the force will continue, and for our part, we shall do everything we can to see it is carried on.”

The passing of the force was also marked by parties at both St Aldate’s and Cowley police stations.

At Cowley, 250 policemen and women, wives and guests gathered in the clubroom on the evening of March 31, 1968.

As the hour of midnight approached, everyone stood in front of a large Oxford City Police badge and as midnight struck, a black curtain was pulled across the badge and the Last Post was played on a trombone. The message was – the Oxford City Police force was dead but never to be forgotten!

It had been set up on January 1, 1869 by the 1868 Oxford Police Act and replaced a system whereby policing was exercised during the night by the University and during the day by the city.

The force served the city for 99 years and three months before being amalgamated with the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Reading Borough forces to form Thames Valley Police.

Nearly 50 years later, the force is still fondly remembered by former officers and staff who belong to the Oxford City Police Association.

Membership is open to all officers and support staff who served in the city force. It meets three times a year and publishes regular newsletters.

Anyone wishing to get back in contact with old friends and colleagues should contact Wally Cox on 01367 860250 or email ocpa@btinternet.com