Foodies, take note, appreciation of fresh, local British produce was born long before the ‘Observer Food Monthly’! The first of September sees the annual official opening of Colchester’s ancient oyster beds, and in this wonderful snippet of film flat caps mingle with trilbies as the people of the town gather to watch their mayor slurp up the river’s new seasonal offerings.

It is the animated passengers, rather than the oyster-harvesting paraphernalia, that provide most interest. Watch out for the traditional hors d’oeuvres – much more fun than champagne. (Marianne Levy)