Round Tables in Oxfordshire can look back on years of successful fundraising for a variety of groups and organisations.

The Oxford Mail was always pleased to cover such events, particularly with surprises such as the mobile Dalek in Picture 1.

Children out shopping with their parents were surprised to find the visitor from outer space outside St Michael at the Northgate Church in Cornmarket Street, Oxford.

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Inside the Dalek was 10-year-old Alastair Greenway, son of Mr F J Greenway, chairman of Oxford Round Table’s social services.

He had fun trying to master the controls, shouting as he - and the Dalek - rumbled along the pavement: “You need seven pairs of hands!” The duo were supporting Oxford Round Table’s annual charity appeal.

Picture 2 might suggest that Round Table activities are dangerous, as Clem Davies walks a taut wire across a swamp, risking possibly the gaping jaws of crocodiles, sharks and piranhas.

Oxford Mail:

He was advertising Wantage Round Table’s third annual motor show at Grove Airfield in 1982, inviting visitors to take part in a tightrope walk.

But entrants were assured there would be no danger on the day - the tightrope would be stretched over an artificial pond in the main arena, with no crocodiles and other dangerous creatures.

Abingdon Round Table raised more than £2,500 at their biennial May Fair in the Market Place and Picture 3 shows one of the early handouts, to members of the town’s Adult Training Centre.

Oxford Mail:

Tablers Paul Heast, Robert Patterson and Graeme Harper are seen in 1987 presenting cheques to, left to right, Eileen Pottinger with son Richard, three, Edith Chamberlain, Christine Faulkner, Doreen Eato and Alanna Lawrie, four.

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Oxford Round Tablers in Picture 4 were setting off with two caravans, stocked with blankets and bedding, to help victims of an earthquake which struck Banja Luka in Yugoslavia in 1969.

Oxford Mail:

The Lord Mayor, Alderman Percy Bromley, accompanied by his wife, the Lady Mayoress, is seen shaking hands with vice-chairman John Larking.

Members held a street collection to raise money for the trip and also received donations from Oxford Ladies Circle and the Oxford ’41 Club. Alan Knowles and James Offen led the expedition.

Bicester Round Table organised a sponsored 20-mile cycle ride and in Picture 5, you see Cynthia Capel-Smith, alias ‘Busy Bee’, who won the fancy dress prize.

Alongside her is Iris Rhodes, area chairman of the Ladies Circle, whose members also supported the event.

Oxford Mail:

Sixty riders took part, most of them in fancy dress, and several rode vintage cycles owned by local cycle dealer Eric Trinder.

Generosity by Didcot Round Tablers was spread around, with no fewer than 10 charities and worthy causes receiving support in 1968.

Picture 6 shows chairman John Dacre, right, handing a £100 cheque to Dudley Butcher for the newly-formed Didcot and District Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Oxford Mail:

This and other presentations were made at a ‘bangers and mash’ night at the Dragon Hotel, Didcot.

The money had been raised at a football match between Round Tables and an Entertainers XI.

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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