CHRISTMAS may have come and gone, but there was still time for a party.

January was the month that firms and other organisations would invite children of their employees or members to celebrate the New Year.

There would be a tea with jelly and ice cream, film shows, a magician, Punch and Judy – and of course, often a belated visit from Father Christmas.

Picture 1 shows happy smiles at North Oxford Association children’s party at the Ferry Centre in Summertown in 1973.

Five-year-old Sarah Martin gets caught in a game of Oranges and Lemons, much to the delight of the others, who had kept alive their chance of winning.

Oxford Mail:

Picture 2

Children, whose parents were members of the Oxford branch of Nalgo, the local government officers’ association, are seen in Picture 2 enjoying their party in 1972.

Judging from the smiles on their faces, they were watching a film or an entertainer.

Oxford Mail:

Picture 3

One little lad in Picture 3 seems doubtful whether he was going to enjoy the film – he took refuge in the arms of his sister.

The picture was taken at Littlemore village hall in 1963 at a tea party organised by Littlemore British Legion for members’ children.

Oxford Mail:

Picture 4

Picture 4, showing a girl tucking into a bowl of ice cream, was taken at the Comrades Club at Banbury in 1967 when 126 children enjoyed a tea and film show and then presents from Santa.

Oxford Mail:

Picture 5

There was plenty of fun, too, at the Oxford College of Technology party in 1969. Children are seen in Picture 5 awaiting their turn to join in the games.