THE end of term meant only one thing – a Christmas party!

The paper chains were put up, the Christmas tree was decorated and hats put on, and it was time to forget lessons and have fun.

The festive picture was taken at St Christopher’s School in Temple Road, Cowley, Oxford, in the mid-1950s. The picture comes from former pupil Peter Reeve, of Manor Road, Oakley, near Thame.

He writes: “I was searching for an old photograph and came across this old photograph from the infants’ school. I’m not sure of the year, but I think Miss Lucy was the last teacher before we went to junior school, therefore it could be 1956 or 1957.

“There are a few names I can remember – I think Susan Hedges is in the back row next to the teacher on the left. In front is Brian Gelder.

“Miss Lucy is on the right of the picture. On her right is Chris Cox and on her left is Shirley Barnes.

“Just in front of Shirley Barnes is Trudy Broadway and just in front, on her right, is Keith Popple.

“I’m second from the left kneeling in the second row. Front row centre is, I believe, Susan Eales.

“I wonder if your readers can recognise any more.”

The school, which is still going strong, recently won a revamp from Abingdon building firm Leadbitter worth £7,500 in an Oxford Mail competition.

Work took place over the summer on a new outdoor classroom, featuring a ‘human’ sundial, performance area and outdoor teaching area, with stepping stones winding around.