Here we look at photos from the Oxford Mail archive from 1998.
It was the year when former drug dealer Howard Marks was invited to give a talk at the Oxford Union, campaigners in Wantage marched to protect hospital services, and animal rights protesters besieged Hillgrove cat farm near Witney.
At the height of the campaign, hundreds of demonstrators poured into the area.
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In 1998, about 700 protesters gathered at the Minster Lovell farm outside metal perimeter fences where they were confronted by police.
Youths in balaclavas mixed with women and children in the long trek to the farm.
The protest was mostly peaceful, with a few clashes between police, some mounted on horseback and others with riot shields, outside farmer Christopher Brown's house.
Some protesters threw rocks at the police but the incident was short-lived.
As campaigners milled in the field, the biggest draw was an elderly clergyman in long white robes holding a placard which read Christians against all animal abuse.
He spoke against the cat farm, and was rewarded with three cheers afterwards.
The Rev James Thompson, 68, a retired rector, said at the time: "I feel the church which claims to be the moral mouth-piece of the nation should be taking a stand against cruelty.
"This is comparable to what the slave trade was a couple of hundred years ago. It's our task as Christians to protect life."
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Another protester, Sally Higgs, 33, from Faringdon, said: "I've got ME and struggling up here absolutely kills me but it's worth it.
"I think it's awful that this trade has carried on with all the public opinion that's against it.
"I don't agree with violence but because of what Christopher Brown is doing, I don't feel sorry for him."
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Davidson said in 1998: "A substantial police presence and the early arrests of alleged offenders stopped further violent scenes as were evident at the last demonstration on April 18. There were no injuries."
At the time, the cost of protecting Hillgrove Farm had cost more than £600,000.
Protest organiser Greg Jennings, of Save the Hillgrove Cats campaign, said: "Animals are being produced here for cruel and unnecessary experiments. We will be coming back until we have seen Hillgrove Farm closed."
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The farm was set up 30 years earlier to breed cats for medical research. About 1,000 kittens and their mothers were kept in germ-free conditions before being sold on laboratories.
Owner Mr Brown said at the time: "These people want to stop animal experiments yet they behave like a mob.
"They should make reasoned arguments rather than organise demonstrations at huge public cost.
Our animals are kept in A1 condition - the protesters have no reason to be here."
Over the years there were clashes with police, 350 people, arrested and 21 jailed.
The policing bill was about £5m before the farm closed in 1999.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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