IT MAY have been a summer similar to the one which we have just had.

With overcoats on, these schoolboys were clearly expecting bad weather, despite the fact it was July.

The photograph shows footballers from Hinksey School in Oxford on their way to Fairford Carnival in Gloucestershire in 1939. The only details that are given are that the trip was made possible “through the generosity of a supporter”.

The outing took place on Saturday, July 8, a few weeks before the outbreak of the Second World War.

The picture, which appeared in the Oxford Mail two days later, came to light when Tony Miles, of Upper Road, Kennington, attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, Bill Allen, and one of Mr Allen’s children produced a copy of the paper.

Mr Allen is in the photograph, second from the left in the front row.

There is no clue how the party got to Fairford. It could have been by coach, but it could have been by rail, as trains ran between Oxford and Fairford at that time.

The track left the Oxford-Worcester line just after the Wolvercote junction and trains called at Yarnton, Cassington, Eynsham, South Leigh, Witney, Brize Norton and Bampton, Carterton, Alvescot, Kelmscott and Langford and Lechlade on their way to Fairford.

An extension to Cheltenham was planned, but never built.

Passenger services were withdrawn in 1962, but freight continued on the section between Oxford and Witney until 1970. However the schoolboys got to Fairford, they would have enjoyed the popular carnival, which was dubbed the ‘Best in the West’.

l Do you know anyone in the picture above, or have memories of Hinksey School? Write and let me know.