Here we look through some Oxford Mail archive photos from 1989.

It was the year when Thames Water accidentally flooded Earl Street and Duke Street in west Oxford, and headteacher Anne Baker retired after 36 years of service.

Ms Baker left her role at St Francis First School in July 1989.

READ MORE: Why is Oxford flood channel taking so long to complete 

The Leckford Road resident had been in primary education for 36 years and had been at the school in Horspath Road, Cowley, since 1976.

She said: "I will miss the children and it'll be very different not having them around.

"I have had a happy time here and I made friends with a great number of parents over the years.

"I hope to keep in touch with the school."

READ MORE: Apology issued as night works overrun

Miss Baker was taking early retirement to fulfil a lifetime ambition.

She added: "I want to travel the world while I'm still capable of climbing on the plane.

"And I'm a great dog lover. I've been looking after other people's dogs, but I would like to get one of my own now."

Colleague Karen Hale said: "She loves children and always had their interests at heart.

"The staff will miss her too."

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe 

As a digital subscriber you will get: 

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website 
  • Advert-light access 
  • Reader rewards 
  • Full access to our app 

About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.