Annual fair at town hall raises vital funds for sick animals

The picture was taken at the annual fair organised by the Oxford Federation of Animal Welfare Societies in 1974.

We’re not sure how much was raised, but it must have been a reasonable sum if every stall was as crowded.

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The fair had been opened by the Lord Mayor, Olive Gibbs, who had a stern message for those who ill-treated animals.

She said the killing and torturing of them in the name of sport was an affront to civilised society.

She said animals never killed for sport and in that context, man was “much less civilised than the wild animal”.

She added: “Animals are not able to voice criticisms or ask questions – man would be put to shame if they could. This is all the more reason why they are entitled to our loving care and protection.”

She told her large audience that it was important to teach children to love and care for animals, otherwise cruel attitudes could rub off on them.

Ten animal welfare groups were represented at the fair that year, including the RSPCA, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals and a group representing vegetarians.

As we have recorded, Mrs Gibbs was well known for supporting what she considered good causes.

She chaired the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and often joined marches in Oxford and elsewhere.

She was also a leading opponent of the famous Cutteslowe Walls, which were built across two roads separating private from council homes on the North Oxford estate. They were two metres high, with lethal spikes on top.

She and her husband Edmund were famously pictured in 1959 helping to demolish them, 25 years after they had been erected.