After more than two decades Betty and I have reached the point when we shall have to give up attending the Oxford Bury Knowle open air art exhibition, which was held on the University Parks railings on Sundays throughout the summer months.
In its heyday this exhibition was an important part of the Oxford scene, with up to 50 artists booked to take part; today it is a shadow of its former self.
During our period there, two questions have been put to us by visitors to the parks.
(1) Is there a cafe or restaurant in the park? When told 'no' we are then asked where the nearest one is. Unfortunately I've not been able to think of anything close.
The ice-cream man, who has been there for about a quarter of a century, was able to provide the essential water and soft drinks on those hot summer days. However during the past few years he has been pestered by traffic wardens. It seems that he has decided to retire, since I have not seen him for some time.
(2) Is there a toilet in the park? There is, but I'm loathe to direct them there because it's not one of those places one would wish to visit, unless rather desperate.
I've often thought it would be a good idea if the parks department build a cafe with a attached toilet; perhaps adjacent to the pavilion.
Not only would this be a great benefit to the park and visitors but, with Oxford so short of toilets, would help to provided something that was needed.
Derrick Holt, Fortnam Close, Headington, Oxford
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