The Great Bampton Shirt Race in its modern times has been run every year since 1953 and was originally started by firing a 12-bore shotgun into the air. This article from the Witney Gazette charts the circumstances that have led to it being started by more than one method. The first race was part of Bampton's celebrations for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II but as it did so well - a collection was made by nurses from the Oxford Infirmary for the hospital - the SPAJERS (Society for the preservation of ancient junketing) was formed and from 1954 onwards, funds collected have gone to support the senior citizens of Bampton. Ernie Sheppard is with the 12-bore in the wheelchair and Ernie Buckingham is sitting on the wall with the gun. When the use of a 12 bore was no longer permitted as a starting 'gun' a race pistol was used. The starter pistol was confiscated March 2nd 2012 from Jonny Buckingham.