You could be forgiven for thinking this was not a happy occasion.

A few smiles, but mostly glum faces – one child is even shedding tears at the bottom right of the picture!

Perhaps the weight of all that headgear was to blame – or, perhaps, the intimidating presence of the Oxford Mail photographer.

But no doubt once Easter eggs began to appear, the children would soon be looking a lot more cheerful.

The picture was taken at the Easter bonnet parade at Cowley Community Centre play group in 1983.

As you can see, mums had spent weeks creating some weird and wonderful designs.

And when the big day came, the children looked resplendent in their marvellous array of hats and bonnets.

The winner of the girls’ section was Louisa Patey, three, seen in her exotic creation in the top right hand corner of the picture.

Second was Amy Nudds, three, and third place went to Kelly Walsh, four.

We’re not sure whether there was a boys’ competition. If there was, the winners were not recorded.

Do you recognise yourself or anyone else in the picture? Write and let me know.