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.
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.
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
2022 Programme and a variety of photos showing donkeys before saddles were used, and some senior citizens enjoying the teas. Roy Shergold, Ann Shergold, Rita Govier. Ralph and Primrose Seacole, Mrs Clarke, Joan Pearce, Mr and Mrs Taylor, Freda Bradley, Mrs Elward, Miss Hobbs SPAJERS COMMITTEE Andrew Money Chairman Simon Chatterton Vice Chairman lan Watson Treasurer Michael Fallon Secretary Julia Williams Social Media and communications Don Rouse Advertising and PR Nick Rivett Committee Member Mike Dunbar Committee Member Josie Buckingham Committee Member Ollie Weaver Committee Member Connor Mcclure Committee Member Toby Perry Committee
Programme and photographs of the 2022 Donkey Derby held in the Sandford Field August Bank Holiday This is organised by the SPAJERS and generates funds for the Senior Citizens of Bampton and Lew. Local Companies sponsor the races and the donkeys are ridden by children There are also stalls selling local crafts and produce.
49 photos of The Donkey Derby held in Sandford Field, August bank holiday 2021 Master of ceremonies was Don Rouse and village communities had various stall, the Donkeys are jockeyed by children with parental consent. Stalls included Bampton Belles WI Cake stall Splat the rat Guess my name Shopping Village Face painting Jo Lewingtons garden pottery Buckingham Christmas time Sue Stanbridge Stamps Needle Felt Tombola
2021 Donkey Derby held in Sandfords field on August Bank Holiday Monday ecery year. The event is accompanied by a fete and is well attended. The donkeys are ridden by children and the races are sponsored by local businesses. and there was a raffle with prizes given by Majestic Wine, Patrick Strange Butchers, Blenheim Palace, Crocodiles of the World, Bampton Garden Plants The Shake Shop Aston Pottery, Cotswold Wildlife Park. 50 Photos showing participating attractions and visitors.
