Newspaper article about the cancellation of 2023 Shirt Race, which had been one of Oxfordshire’s most popular social events was cancelled in 2023 , The historic Great Shirt Race at Bampton, organised by the Spajers (the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Junketing) - has delighted hundreds of people annually for seven decades. Cancelled because three committee members had resigned. Don Rouse, one of the organisers still in post, was Master of Ceremonies at this race since 1970. The modern version began in 1953 when village gasman John Quick, farmer Doug Read and fishmonger Paul Bevington dreamed up the idea of a pram race through the streets to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation.
2023 Donkey Derby Programme. SPAJERS are a registered charity organising day trips and Christmas presents for the senior citizens of Bampton and Lew. Headline fund raising events are the Shirt Race, Donkey Derby, Fireworks and Josie's Draw. Mention made in the programme of the loss of 3 past members of the SPAJERS committee: Dixie Dean- David Hawkins- Lynne Pointer and highlighted the time, effort & excellent work put in by David, Dixie & Lynne over the years passed on condolences to all the friends and families involved. Long time member Shirley Brooks who recently passed requested donations for SPAJERS at her funeral
Article in the Limited Edition Magazine of Oxfordshire in 2000 about Don Rouse having been connected with the Bampton Mummers for 50 years. Characters in the play, the script of which has been handed down through the ages by word of mouth, include The Doctor, Jack Finney, The Turkish Knight, the Royal O'Prussia King, Tom the Tinker, Father Christmas, Robin Hood and St George or King George. The Bampton Mummers are organised by The SPAJERS and they collect funds by performing at private homes and pubs on Christmas Eve every year.
Lynne Rosemary Pointer was born on 23rd April 1946 and in Bampton enjoyed helping save the local library from closure, and being involved with the SPAJERS charity whose events are fun, legendary, and unique to a village with a strongly supportive community.
9 Photographs showing various events and dances hosted by the SPAJERS . the following named as known Neville Woodley, Dixie Deane, Don Rouse, Josie ,Frank Hudson, Paul McGarth Jo Peck, Francis Shergold, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Jackson, Mr and Mrs Mansfield, Mrs Ellis Jean Howell, Dor Thompson
Set of photographs showing committee of SPAJERS in 1980 (Standing LlR. Roger Peck, Frank Hudson, Major Colvile, Maurice Wiggins. Seated L/R. Ruth Wheeler, Francis Shergold, Liz Rose, John Quick, Mary Cook. on the donation of a seat and some Bampton ladies sitting on the seat, seated l-r Dora Townsend, Mrs Shergold, Mrs Sweetingham, Emmie Bishop, back l- r Rosie Well, Peggy Awcutt , ?? Edie Foreshew, Also photos of Doug Reed and Paul Bovington members of SPAJERS