Well, what is the mayor of Oxford doing lifting a woman’s skirt?

Alderman Charles Henry Brown is seen above judging the ladies’ ankle competition at the Great Western Railway’s grand flower show and fete, which attracted more than 10,000 people to the Botley recreation ground in August 1933.

As reader Frank Dumbleton, who sent in the picture, writes: “I am sure if the current Lord Mayor lifted the hem of a lady’s skirt, he would be guilty of some crime.”

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He has also provided the lower picture, of the procession the same day from Oxford railway station to the showground, with Botley Road railway bridge – its closure to road traffic now the subject of much debate – in the background.

The photographs are part of a huge collection of memorabilia assembled by Mr Dumbleton and his colleagues at Didcot Railway Centre.

The Great Western Railway magazine in 1933 included a lengthy report of the show that summer, including the crowning of the Floral Queen, Eileen Joan Kew, of Woodstock.

(Image: Frank Dumbleton) “In the centre of a large arena, around which were ranged thousands of people, Lady Burrows placed a crown on the head of the ‘Queen’ and presented her with a gold watch as a memento. Each of the six maids of honour received a triple string of pearls.”

Proceeds from the event were divided between the Wingfield-Morris Orthopaedic Hospital in Oxford and the Helping Hand fund of the Social and Educational Union, the latter helping the families of railwaymen who had fallen on hard times.

Earlier, the official party had been led in procession from the railway station to the showground by two bands, the Paddington Pipers and the Swindon Silver Prize Band.

Organisers made sure there was something for everyone to enjoy, with athletics, bowls, skittles, Aunt Sally, gymnastics and displays featuring fruit, flowers, vegetables, honey, eggs, jams, cakes and sandwiches.

Beach and bathing wear, holiday attire, outdoor dresses and evening gowns also featured, as well as a pushball contest and performances by ‘living marionettes’.

One surprise item, described as a ‘boxing fright’, caused considerable amusement, according to the newsletter.

Boxers Clack Metersoon and Black Boil battled it out over 10 rounds, with both being forced through the ropes before Black Boil was knocked out.

So many women entered the ankle competition we mentioned earlier that judging had to be done in relays.

And it wasn’t only the ladies whose anatomy was put to the test – there was also a beauty competition for men!

The day ended with a carnival dance with music from one of the bands.

Didcot Railway Centre, next to Didcot Parkway station, is a popular visitor centre featuring steam trains and other railway memorabilia.

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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.