Article by Miranda Norris, entitled "Bampton's annual Donkey Derby is a runaway success" Children race donkeys around a field as a much-loved village tradition on bank holiday Monday. The donkey derby in Bampton is run by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Junketing (SPAJERS), which was formed in 1953 and also runs the village's famous shirt race. Children aged eight and above and weighing under eight stone are allowed to ride the donkeys with a donkey welfare officer in attendance.There are eight races, with six donkeys in each. Each race is sponsored by a local business, and the donkeys are sponsored by villagers. All proceeds from the event go to events and trips for Bampton's senior citizens. Visitors to Sandford's Field also tried their hand at games such as crockery smashing and Splat the Rat, while children not keen on donkey racing enjoyed pinning the tail on one.
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.
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
Don Rouse, probably the longest serving committee member of the SPAJERS (Society for The Preservation of Ancient Junketing) wrote this history of the society in March 2022.
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.
Edith Susan Quick nee Sheppard died on September 10th 2020. Edie came from a Bampton family of several generations. Her husband John was the principal founder member of the SPAJERS, our charity which creates fun events to raise funds for local senior citizens. They include the Shirt Race, Donkey Derby, Josie's Grand Draw and in conjunction with Bampton's fire brigade a wonderful bonfire and firework night. In the past there have been balls in Weald Manor.