WHEN it opened in March 1969, dozens of motoring enthusiasts drove to the pub in some of the 155,000 Cowley-built cars which shared its name.

But now The Bullnose Morris in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, is having a makeover to accelerate it into the 21st century.

Thousands of pounds are being spent on the internal and external revamp of the Watlington Road pub, which will create 10 new jobs.

And in a bid to remind people of its roots, staff are appealing for old pictures of the estate to dedicate an area to memories of Blackbird Leys and the Cowley plant.

Manager Ruth Wilson said: “We have been here as a pub for a long time now and we want to celebrate.

“The community in Blackbird Leys is so strong, so we want memories from the past to show that to everyone.

“We want any old pictures that people have of celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee, street parties or anything like that.”

The pub is just metres from the Mini Plant and got its name from the first William Morris car made in Cowley, the Oxford.

The car, made between 1913 and 1926, was given the name ‘Bullnose’ because of its distinctive round-topped radiator, which was first called the bullet nose.

Mrs Wilson said the pub’s makeover would make a big difference.

She added: “There have been lots of changes since the 1960s, bits added on, but nothing like this for a long time.

“The last thing it had done was a lick of paint and a promise about three years ago.”

The refurbishment is being funded by owners Greene King and will feature a new restaurant area, sports section, toilets and disabled entrance.

Staff numbers will be boosted from 12 to 22, with recruitment currently taking place.

Mrs Wilson said: “At the moment it looks like a building site, but it’s going to be beautiful.

“Our aim is to make it a place where people can feel comfortable. And people donating their photographs can help them put their own stamp on the place.”

Any pictures will be copied in the pub and handed back to the owners immediately.

The pub closed last week for the refurbishment to take place and it is due to reopen on Friday, December 2.

Contact Mrs Wilson on 01865 771430 for the picture to be collected or alternatively pop into the pub once it reopens.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk