Photos of Oxford railway station over the years

The latest revamp of Oxford railway station has been announced, with plans for an extra platform to cope with the increasing number of trains.

Extra capacity is needed for the reopening of the East-West route from Oxford to Bletchley and Cambridge and the possible return of passenger trains to the Oxford-Cowley line.

These pictures take us back to the old days when British Railways were in charge of everything - passengers, freight, track and signals.

Picture 1 recalls the days when passenger trains regularly carried freight. Passengers waiting on the platform would have to move as it was trundled on trolleys from the train to the despatch area.

A porter is seen in 1955 pulling a load of what looks like animals or birds perilously close to the platform edge.

British Rail started a campaign in 1983 to encourage staff to polish up on little things like courtesy, manners and helpfulness. There was a threat to move sour-faced and grumpy staff away from the public.

Oxford Mail:

One employee who didn’t need to change was Nicholas Pinchin, in Picture 2, who described himself as “lovable” – and it seems passengers agreed.

Nancy Pike, of Lonsdale Road, Summertown, and Mary Nowakowski, of Green Road, Kidlington, are seen in good spirits in his company. Both agreed the 24-year-old guard was “rather super”.

Picture 3 was taken in 1986 when British Rail organised a Network Day, encouraging families to spend a day at a destination of their choice for £4.

Oxford Mail:

Oxford station was packed during the morning, with trains to Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole the most popular.

Customer services manager Martin Woolacott said: “Everyone was gaily festooned with picnic boxes.”

Before the days of machines, passengers had to queue for tickets.

Picture 4 shows a long queue at the booking office at Oxford station in 1964. Queues were often so long that it led to a debate at a city council meeting.

Oxford Mail: