Bampton celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II over 4 days at the beginning of June 2012. These are a few of the reports of some of the events which took place.
Programme of village events planned for the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 from 31st May to 4th June Includes Bell ringing in the Church, the SPAJERS 50th Shirt Race, Flower Festival, Art Exhibition, Garlands, Sports Day and Plant Sale. Commemorative Mugs and a Barn Dance in the Market Square
This shows the site of the demolition of the Market Square Garage, which had been built on the site of one of Bampton's old pubs -The Lamb, often known as The Tree because of the large elm tree that stood beside the front door.
The Trout part way along the road from Bampton to Buckland is a very popular eating place. It is on the Thames and many fishermen and women have the right to have a rod there and they go to the pub, eat and fish. A cycle path would have been a wonderful addition to safe riding and these pictures are taken from scanned black and white negatives.
This picture is of Bell Cottage which was visible briefly across the Market Square after Market Square Garage was completely removed and before Thornberry Flats were built on the site. The people living in the cottage at the time couldn't wait for the flats to go up to regain their privacy. The little lane, known by long-time locals as 'Back of The Bell' got its name from the Bell Inn which used to be where the Village Hall stands today. The Inn was bought by three ladies in 1923 for conversion into the WI Hall. In the 1980s the WI could no longer afford the upkeep of the building and it became the Village Hall ... next to the Town Hall.
This photograph was taken in the early nineties. In the background, on the extreme left can be seen the popular restaurant, The Poacher's Rest. Next to the restaurant is Adrian Simmond's shop. Further to the right it is just possible to see the little shop that was originally owned by Onisipherous Collett, who built a car in the garage behind the shop,in the very early 1900s. The shop later became Elsie Hughes's wool shop and later a newsapaper shop. It is now known as Exeter House.To the right of the picture can be seen The Market Square Garage. When it was demolished, it was replaced with Thornberry Flats for people aged 55+. The beautiful blue, 4.2 litre straight 6 twin overhead cam E type Jaguar, was owned by Mr. Jimmy Watts of Black Bourton.