Our archive photos from the early 1970s, mostly taken in Oxford, bring back memories of a postal strike in 1971, and a Morris dancer handing out 'fertility cake' to the May Morning crowd in 1972.

In 1970, Raymond Tuckwell had a lucky escape when he was rescued from Sandford Lock.

Raymond's determination to catch a fish nearly cost him his life and he had to be rescued by Celia Hillier, 21.

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The child had climbed on to a small island between the Kings Arms pub and the lock.

Oxford Mail:

He leant over trying to catch a fish, missed his footing, and went headlong into the river, which was about three feet deep.

Wearing her orange mini dress Miss Hillier, from Stroud, jumped in to rescue the boy, who was not injured.

Raymond was later pictured again using a fishing rod near to the river, but this time steered clear of the water.

Another photo from the archive shows people queuing up outside Oxford Post Office in 1971 to begin a long wait for their pensions.

The line stretched back from the doors of the St Aldate's post office from the crack of dawn ready for when the doors opened.

Oxford Mail:

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The post offices in Headington and Cowley centre were also open from 11am to 3pm ready for the payment of pensions and allowances.

Gerry Casey local spokesman for the Post Office said at the time: "We have had no trouble at the counters.

Oxford Mail:

"Business has been conducted in the most friendly manner, both by our members of staff and by the public." 

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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.