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.
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
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
