HE nannies may have looked the right age, but the ‘babies’ looked a little older than usual. Motorists and passersby looked on in astonishment as a motley crew of nursemaids and babes in prams tore down Barns Road, Cowley.

It was the annual pram race, part of the Cowley Community Centre Carnival in 1974.

The Oxford Mail reported: “All the ‘babies’ were decked out in ribbons, mobcaps and nighties, complete with dummies and rattles, while the nannies had lost all their starch.

“At the end of the race, having drunk the required number of beers, most of them had lost their breath too.”

Pictured above staggering up the road to collect the booby prize are Jean Hawkin (nanny) and Pat Chambers (baby), carrying their pram, a runaway wheel and a bottle of beer.

The first prize went to Tony Mayes, clad in wig, dress and rolled-up trousers, who swept up Barns Road with his splendid baby, Ruth Racey.

The carnival, a tradition since the war and the days of the annual Cowley Feast, had the usual baby show, children’s fancy dress parade, bingo, raffles, games stalls and many other attractions.

Keith Beasley, chairman of Cowley Community Association, said the carnival was intended to give members and the community something different to do. Any profits would go back to the community centre, he said.

He added: “It’s just a get-together for everyone. In the evening, we have a family session, with dancing and snacks, something people can bring the children to as well.”

First prize in the fancy dress competition was captured by Dane Wirdman. Perhaps appropriately given his name, he was wearing a Viking costume.

The community centre in Barns Road was once a hive of activity, providing social events and educational courses for people of all ages, but now it is no more.

Seven years ago, the centre was plunged into financial chaos when the social club, which contributed about £800 a week towards its running costs, crashed with debts of nearly £100,000.

Later, it was discovered the buildings contained asbestos and there were fire safety problems.

The building was demolished and the site is still derelict while its future is decided.

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