THESE were the people who led the Scout movement in Oxford.

The photograph was taken at the leaders’ annual commemoration dinner in 1934.

With empty beer bottles on the table, empty and half-full glasses and some of the men smoking their pipes, it had clearly been an enjoyable and relaxing evening.

We are not sure where the event was held, but it could have been the Cadena, the famous restaurant in Cornmarket Street.

The picture comes from George Springall, of Staun-ton Road, Headington.

He writes: “I recognise a few, such as Joe Brown (4th Oxford), on the extreme left in the back row, whose sister, I think, had a flower shop in St Ebbe’s.

“Next to him is Mr Leach, Rover leader, and Bob Glanville, Scoutmaster, both from the 8th Oxford.

“The sixth from the left is, I think, Jim Wale, of the 4th Oxford. Sitting on the left is Colonel Swiffen-Jervis, County Commissioner, and next to him is Lord Elton, chairman of the 8th Oxford.

“I can also see Ernie Hounslow, Ralph Bodey and Elsie Adams. I recognise others, but forget their names.”

The commemoration dinner was an annual event held as near as possible to February 22, the birthday of Robert Baden Powell, who founded the Scouts.

Mr Springall recalls: “I first remember the dinners in the Cadena in Cornmarket and then at the Forum in High Street.

“Later, they became less frequent and were held at various locations throughout the area.”

Do you recognise any of the other Scouters in the picture? Write in and let me know.

  • To get involved in Scouting, see the Oxfordshire Scouts' website or call 0845 0945 207