WE often take them for granted, but they provide wonderful support behind the scenes at hundreds of events in Oxfordshire every year.

Members of St John Ambulance in their smart uniforms stay in the background, but are ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

In Picture 1, we see a group from the Kidlington division with the trophies they won by coming second in national St John competitions in 1973.

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The cadets are, left to right, Robin Bosher, Stephen Underwood, Alan Cousins and Ellis Fairbairn. They are seen with Keith Bee, who had trained them.

It wasn’t a totally happy occasion as Mr Bee was moving to Macclesfield. He was presented with an engraved tankard and other gifts to thank him for his work.

Hilary Ashcroft and Karen Williams, in Picture 2, were helping to collect money for the Wantage division around the statue of King Alfred in the town’s market square in 1981.

(Image: Oxford Mail) The aim was to encourage shoppers and passersby to cover the steps to the statue with coins towards the cost of new headquarters. Town mayor Peter Rolls had laid the first coins.

The fundraising effort received a boost when members of the Old Berks Hunt Club gave £1,000 to thank the division for its support over the years.

The parade in Picture 3 was led by the Banbury Cadets’ bugle and drum band, followed by members of the Bicester and Kidlington divisions.

They are seen in Bicester Market Square in 1969 during a day of events, which included an annual inspection, a first-aid demonstration and a church service.

Taking the salute, left, were Mr G Archer, chairman of Bicester Urban Council, and Mr T Coles, St John deputy commissioner for Oxfordshire.

The St John Cadet Division at Northway, Headington, Oxford, won the trophy in Picture 4 answering questions on first aid and nursing in a national quiz competition at Croydon in 1981.

Martina Sullivan, 13, left, David Cahill, 15, and Dawn Coppock, 15, are seen holding their prize on the head of Mark Longford, 14.

Representing Oxford, they beat the trophy holders, Essex, by 38 points to 33.

The team in Picture 5 from Abingdon had won a regional first aid and home nursing final against opponents from five other counties in 1979.

Seen with town mayor Ewert Hemmings are, left to right, Joanna Crockett, Lorraine Osborne, Fiona Green, Anne Hobday and Sally Woodcock.

There are more smiles in Picture 6 after Wallingford Cadets won the county first aid quiz cup in 1982 - left to right, Catherine Harvey, 16, Julia Rogers, 14, Liza Holmes, 14, and Samantha Rush, 13.

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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.