THIS was one of many happy occasions at Morris Motors’ car factory at Cowley.

The picture was sent in by Joy Turner, of Church Road, Wheatley, and was found in the belongings of her late brother-in-law, Derek Turner.

Mrs Turner believes the photograph was taken at an apprentices’ presentation ceremony at the plant between 1950 and 1960.

We don’t know the name of the man in the suit and tie making the award, or the young man receiving it.

In fact, the only person in the picture we know is Mr Turner, also of Wheatley, who is second from the left in the back row.

He worked at the factory for two years after completing his National Service in the RAF, but sadly died of cancer at an early age.

We don’t know where, in the huge plant, the ceremony took place.

Not only did apprentices attend, but older, more experienced workers who had no doubt helped train the young man and his colleagues came along too.

We also don’t know why the presentation was being made.

Was it someone completing their indentures? Or was it a social occasion, wishing good luck to a bridegroom-to-be, for example?

The clock, showing 1.10pm (it was a lunchtime gathering), and the flowers on the table may offer some clues.

Whatever it was, everyone seemed in jovial mood and determined to get some part of their body in the picture, even if it was just a hand!

Morris Motors had a long tradition of training apprentices.

We recalled (Memory Lane, January 12) how they attended an annual dinner in the staff canteen and competed for the Apprentice of the Year prize, an oak plaque.

A list of all the apprentices who trained at the factory from 1942-68, is on display at the Morris Motors Museum, in Long Hanboroughrailway station yard.

The museum also has many photographs of apprentice functions, as well as pictures of all those who won the annual award.

Let us know if this picture stirs any memories.