MY BROTHER, Michael, has sent me a cutting of the Festival of Britain street party in Cranham Street, Jericho, Oxford, in June 1951 (Memory Lane, July 18).

My wife's mother and aunt helped organise it. They can be seen behind the second table.

The little girl sitting sixth along the table and drinking from a straw is my wife's cousin, Ann Hardiman.

Almost directly behind her is my wife's mother, Mrs Palmer, wearing a dark blouse with large patterns on it, next to her left is Olive Lock, and then my wife's aunt, Gwen Hardiman, Ann's mother.

My wife Sybil is in front of these ladies at an angle to the table, dark haired. I am standing far left on my own, not very clearly identified.

The event took place outside the Globe public house - Mrs Cox was the landlady. I would guess that the photograph was taken by Johnnie Johnson, the Oxford Mail's senior photographer at that time.

The highlight of the day was a visit by the mayor, William Osborn King, who spent the day, I believe, touring Oxford and visiting other street parties. He was a very fine man, born in Wolvercote, of course!

I was working for the Oxford Mail at this time, when Michael Rowntree was the general manager. It was a great place to work and a very happy environment.

A number of Oxford City Council members lived in North Oxford at this time, and I believe that a great deal of council business was conducted unofficially in the lounge bar at The Plough pub during those happy days.

I still have a letter of reference from Mr King, who knew my family well, which he kindly wrote for me before I emigrated to Canada. He loved Oxford and always did his best for the city.

I have in my possession a one-pint glass mug with a Victorian excise stamp, which is etched: “H Moreton Cherwell Hotel Sunnymeade.”

My father knew Harry Moreton well and I remember visiting the hotel with Michael and our father.

The hotel was pulled down in the 1950s, I think, and rebuilt, but I am sure the new building, which I have not seen, is not as interesting as the original one.

I would like to return the mug to any member of Harry's family who might still be alive, or perhaps to the new landlord of the Cherwell Hotel for display.

All I would ask in return is a donation to the building fund of St Peter’s Church, Wolvercote.

Please write to Memory Lane with your details.

These are wonderfully happy memories of our childhood, which children today would not understand as they struggle with their video games. Ugh!

When I look back on growing up in Wolvercote, it was a wonderfully happy time.

We had everything we wanted within our reach – the Thames, the railway, the meadows and great people. What more could a growing child want?

JOHN STOCKFORD Redwood City California