WAR may have been on the horizon in 1939, but that didn’t stop people in Oxfordshire enjoying themselves.

A copy of the Oxford Mail for Monday, January 30, 1939 – found in the family archives of Dorothy and Peter Leach, of Headley Way, Headington – revealed plenty of choice of New Year entertainment.

A Sunday evening show for young people at Oxford Town Hall attracted so many that the doors had to be closed before the start.

Eric Roberts, secretary of the Sunday Evening Committee, was the compere, and those taking part included the City of Oxford Military Band, under bandmaster HS Gosling, George Taylor (humorist), Mr F Greves (accordion) and Roy Ralle (conjurer).

There was community singing of old and new songs, the band providing the musical accompaniment.

Meanwhile, the Merry Medes organised a party for children and old people at Nazareth House, Oxford, laying on tea and handing out toys, oranges, apples, bananas and sweets.

A section of the Morris Motors’ band played music, while other entertainment was provided by Thomas Wharton (farmyard imitations), Ron Ward (accordion) and Ron Davey (violin).

There was also singing by Sylvia King, Richard Beech and a Mr Snelgrove and dancing from Vera Fletcher, Sheila Kaye and Yvonne Tubb.

The biggest laughs were provided by two clowns, Mr H Woodward and Mr T Bates.

At Kennington, the Memorial Hall was packed for a show by Joan Pledge and her Kennington Juveniles.

The paper reported: “This was the first appearance of the Juveniles, some of them very tiny tots, and they acquitted themselves ad-mirably.

“Two of their items, The Fairy on the Christmas Tree and Rainbow Ballet, were charming.”

Sonia Pledge contributed songs and dances, and members of the East Oxford Men’s Co-operative Guild sang and took part in sketches.

There was also a varied programme of entertainment at the Mission Hall, in St Clement’s, Oxford, at a party organised by the Ancient Order of Foresters for 200 children and parents.

After tea, they were entertained by Miss Cousin’s dancing troupe, Miss Bruce Jones (dancer and impersonator), Messrs Palmer and Hill (comedians), Mr R Grant (Punch and Judy), Mr B Smith (accordion), Miss J Holloway (tap dancer), P Holloway (banjoist), P Plaisted (burlesque) and J Smith (bagpipes).

The thought of war, just eight months ahead, was briefly forgotten.