WHEN Denis Murray settled in Oxford after the Second World War, he was puzzled when his mates asked him to go “snake’s heading”.

He soon realised that his pals were not in search of reptiles but wanted instead to gather the snake’s head fritillary flowers growing in Iffley Fields.

Now 87, Mr Murray, who served in Burma with 67 Fighter Squadron, fondly remembers those post-war days as he enters this year’s Oxford in Bloom contest.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-five, who lives with his wife Mary in Minchery Road, Littlemore, contacted the Oxford Mail to find out the best way to enter the annual competition, which is run by the city council’s parks department.

We put him in touch with the organisers and now he is looking forward to getting his front and back gardens ready for the judges.

Mr Murray, a former usher at Oxford Crown Court, said: “I first came to Oxford when I was 17 and there were lots of snake’s head fritillaries growing around Weirs Lane.

“I had escaped the slums of Birmingham and loved going to look for those flowers with my mates.

“It’s still one of my favourites and I’m really looking forward to taking part in Oxford in Bloom.

“I entered the competition a few years ago and this could be the last chance I ever have to take part.

“To make a really nice garden you have to be an artist and an experimental gardener – growing new plants fascinates me.”

The closing date for entries for this year’s competition is next Saturday and organisers are urging people to get their entries in before the deadline.

Oxford in Bloom chairman Karen Roberts said: “A lot of people, particularly our regulars, enter at the last minute, but we are slightly down on the usual numbers so we would urge people to get their entries in as soon as possible.

“Age is no barrier and Mr Murray is just the kind of person we like to see entering Oxford in Bloom.

“If people are struggling to fill in their forms, for whatever reason, they can always contact us and we will help them out.

“If anyone has any queries they can contact the council’s parks department on 01865 252437.”

Judging starts on July 19, and the winners will be announced at a presentation evening on Thursday, September 16, at Roman Way Sports and Social Club.