DANCING is thirsty work, as these youngsters would have testified.

The music had hardly stopped when there was a stampede to the refreshment table.

Bottles of pop, straws and biscuits were quickly snapped up and despatched as the young dancers took a breather from the dance floor.

This was the scene at Oxford Town Hall in March 1964 when nearly 200 children enjoyed an afternoon of country dancing.

The Oxford Mail reported at the time: “They listened to English folk music and danced the country dances that have come down through the ages.

“They were all pupils from primary schools in the city and county, where folk dancing is part of the curriculum.”

The afternoon was arranged by the Oxford district branch of the English Folk Dance Society, which organised regular dances at the Town Hall for children and adults. The music that day was provided by the society’s district band.

The children who took part came from village schools at Stonesfield, Beckley, Kennington, Leafield, Horspath, Appleton and Littlemore.

Several Oxford schools also sent groups of dancers.

The mistress of ceremonies was Daphne Green, the society’s honorary area representative.

Does anyone recognise any of the young dancers pictured?