Oxford News
Popular TV presenter is trapped on stage at city carnival
It was held at the Sandy Lane field at Blackbird Leys on a hot, sunny afternoon in June 1976 and attracted more than 1,000 people.
The star attraction was TV personality Simon Dee, who was so popular at that time that the large crowd trapped him on the stage.
The Oxford Mail reported: “He mounted the stage to crown 21-year-old Wendy Hardman as Miss Oxford when the crowd surrounding the arena broke through and surged forward.
“Carnival officials managed to get Miss Oxford and her attendants off the stage, but after that it was deadlock.
“Simon Dee and a girl who was with him were stuck on the stage as fans surged round, trying to get his autograph.
“A policeman tried to get the crowd away from the edge of the stage, but Simon refused to get down to go to a special table to sign autographs.
“Instead, he signed them on the stage, until six of the largest men in the crowd were recruited to get him bodily through the cheering fans.
“A plan for Simon to ‘mingle furtively’ through the sideshows, as he put it, had to be abandoned.”
The carnival had opened with a parade of floats, led by a lorry carrying 21-year-old Wendy, Miss Oxford, and her attendants, from the Oxpens in Oxford to Blackbird Leys.
The funfair did a roaring trade, and the heat drove people in their hundreds to ice cream stalls and the beer tent.
There were also demonstrations by gymnasts, judo enthusiasts and young dancers.
The winning float in the procession, chosen by the Lord Mayor, Peter Spokes, was a lorry full of pensioners called ‘Full House at Northbrooke House’ – a bingo game on wheels.
Among the other floats was the one at the top of the page, staged by the Blackbird Leys St John Ambulance Brigade and the Combined Cadet Division.
Miss M E Doughty, vice-chairman of the carnival committee, told the Oxford Mail: “I am thrilled with the success of the carnival. It is a triumph for Blackbird Leys.”
The carnival day ended in Oxford with a dance at the Town Hall, with Simon Dee leading Miss Oxford on the floor to the music of an American Air Force band.
Simon Dee hosted a twice-weekly BBC TV chat show, Dee Time, in the late 1960s.
Before his broadcasting career, he worked as a bouncer in a coffee bar, photographic assistant, builders’ labourer, leaf-sweeper in Hyde Park and vacuum cleaner salesman.
In 1964, he joined Radio Caroline, the pirate radio station broadcasting pop music off the Essex coast, and his was the first live voice to be heard by listeners.
A year later, he joined the BBC Light Programme, anchoring a late-night Saturday show, before switching to TV. His Dee Time show attracted up to 18 million viewers.
Father Clive Dytor, parish priest for Chipping Norton and Charlbury, visited The Fox Inn in Middle Barton, which is set to reopen on Saturday, July 18.
The pub, which was closed in 2023, has been taken over by businessman Tony O’Sullivan after a community campaign to ensure its reopening.
The Fox Inn, a building of historical significance, has been part of the village since at least 1809.
A spokesperson for the pub said on social media: “Tony was honoured to welcome Father Clive to The Fox today for a special blessing of the pub.
“As a proud Catholic, Tony was keen to have The Fox blessed as we continue its restoration and prepare to welcome the community through its doors once again.
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“The blessing marks an important milestone in our journey, and we hope it brings prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to everyone who visits.
“We are grateful to Father Clive for taking the time to visit and share this special moment with us.”
Father Clive was awarded the Military Cross in the Falklands War after leading his Royal Marines unit in an assault on an Argentine machine gun position.
He became an Anglican priest and a public school headmaster before converting to Catholicism.
The former England footballer, who co-owns Inter Miami CF, met the squad in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with sons Cruz and Romeo ahead of the match against Norway.
Beckham was seen warmly greeting players, including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane, with hugs and handshakes.
His visit came on the eve of the highly anticipated last-eight encounter in the Miami heat at Hard Rock Stadium.
The England squad arrived in Florida on Friday and began training at Inter Miami’s facilities.
Beckham, 51, showed his support by attending the training session and speaking to the players in the gym before they hit the field.
The former Manchester United and England great, who earned 115 caps for his country, has been seen at numerous World Cup matches this summer.
Since his move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy in 2007, Beckham has been a significant influence on Major League Soccer (MLS).
His unique deal allowed him to purchase an expansion club at a discounted price, which led to the creation of Inter Miami.
Despite some challenges since the team’s first season in 2020, the arrival of Lionel Messi has helped propel the club to new heights.
However, Beckham’s day was marked by the absence of his eldest son, Brooklyn, who was noticeably missing from the family gathering.
The match against Norway is set to take place today, with England fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4, finished in the rare Verde Blenheim colour, will be showcased at the luxury automotive event at Blenheim Palace this September in the Passione Ferrari Concours class.
One of just three models originally painted in Verde Blenheim – and believed to be the only one with a beige interior – the car was first registered in January 1972 and delivered to its original owner, Baron Giovanni Silvestri, the following month.
Andrew Bagley, chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: “The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is one of those cars that is often overshadowed by some of Ferrari’s more famous models, but those who know them appreciate just how special they are.
“To find an example as rare and original as this is remarkable enough, but the fact it is finished in Verde Blenheim makes the Salon Privé Concours field at Blenheim Palace, the ideal stage for the 365, where its owners can showcase its rarity, provenance, and fascinating history in equal measure.”
The car spent more than 40 years in Italy, passing through several owners before moving to Germany in 2013.
Salon Privé 2026 will mark its first public appearance at Blenheim Palace.
Built between 1971 and 1972, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 features a 4.4-litre Colombo V12 engine producing 340bhp and was capable of reaching speeds up to 163mph.
Only 505 units were ever produced, making it even rarer than the iconic Ferrari Daytona.
Designed by Pininfarina, the car is equipped with pop-up headlights, power steering, air conditioning, and occasional rear seating, offering a blend of high performance and long-distance comfort.
The 365 GTC/4 joins a standout collection of entries at this year’s Salon Privé, including a 1952 Ferrari 212 Coupé Speciale by Ghia – originally owned by Argentinian president Juan Perón – a 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype, a 1963 Mercedes-Benz Roadster 300SL, and a 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S.
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 6.
The event will feature the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, which will showcase some of the rarest and most significant privately-owned vehicles from around the world, judged by an international panel of experts.
Other highlights include Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Concours de Vente, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday, and Lifestyle Clubs Day.
For ticket bookings, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/.
To enter a vehicle in this year’s Concours, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter/.
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