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.

Photos of the Shirt Race in 2024, Copy of programme and 34 photographs showing the amazing fancy dress and the crowds enjoying the event, which happens every year on Whit Saturday and is organised by the SPAJERS.

Shirt Race 1976
L-R Richard Snook, Mike Smith; beinmg presented with cup from George Hunt & Harry Hampton who were the 1st ever Shirt Race winners

Photos of the Shirt Race in 2019 117 photographs showing the amazing fancy dress and the crowds enjoying the event, which happens every year on Whit Saturday and is organised by the SPAJERS.

Ernie Hunt known as Rocky, Dicky or Arab. A very popular Character who had a heart of gold and was apparently somewhat slow. He was involved in everything in the village. He entered the Shirt Race every year on his three wheeler bike,. He was also the clown in the Morris Dancing team. He worked for the Air Ministry and the RAF put him forward for a Queens Recommendation Medal because he was a very good and loyal worker.

Photograph of Shirt race 1954. Organised by the SPAJERS Harry Hampton at back

Newspaper cutting Oxford Mail Aug 27th 2018. Chariot racing with names Maurice Walsh, Ken Mullis, Tony Sweetenham. Frank Hudson, Colin Woodward, Brian Radband, Robert Radband

Photo of Cyril Smith and Robert Radband running in Shirt Race in1960.

Start of the Shirt Race, The Swan, Buckland Road 1965

SHIRT RACE ROCKY 1989