This year it will be a major disappointment to all children that they cannot enjoy Christmas parties.

Back in the 1950’s it was an established tradition that local firms and organisations organised a party for the children of their employees or members.

This week we show pictures of children enjoying themselves at some of these parties. Most of these children will now be parents and grandparents themselves now.

Somewhat belatedly, I wish you all a happy and peaceful festive season, and let’s hope we can return to some semblance of normality before the new year has progressed too far.

The answers to last week’s pictures of unusual chimneys around High Wycombe were:

Top: The Saracens Head public house on the corner of Green St and Upper Green St, did not intend to be overlooked, with its highly decorative walls, gables, chimneys, and door surrounds. The pub closed in October 1998.

Middle left: These are the chimneys of No.35a in the High St, High Wycombe, 1991.

Middle right: The Victorian Lodge in Loudwater, on the corner of Rayners Avenue and London Rd, c.1970.

Bottom left: This chimney is at the rear of the Wheatsheaf building in the High St, High Wycombe, 2020. The building is now being restored.

Bottom right: This crooked chimney was part of a house in Crendon St next to the Quaker meeting house in Crendon St, High Wycombe, which was demolished c.1930. There is a similar chimney on a building in Chapel Lane, Sands, which was originally designed as a “Folly” in the West Wycombe estate.