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.

Oxford Mail: Bampton Donkey Derby

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.

READ MORE: David and Victoria Beckham withdraw plans for new road

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.

Nick Holmes of Spajers said: “Thank you to everyone who helped make the Donkey Derby such a great success this year.

Oxford Mail: Bampton Donkey Derby

“What a fabulous day we had – fun and sunshine all round! We are very grateful to all our volunteers and stallholders and to everyone who came along to enjoy the afternoon.

“Special thanks, of course, go to our wonderful donkeys who travel from Weston-Super-Mare every year!”

SPAJERS next fundraising event is the Fireworks Display on Friday October 27 at Bampton Recreation Ground.

By admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *