The Ancient Order of Forresters This was one of The Friendly Societies, a National Organisation, which provided financial help to the sick. Members would pay fees into a central fund. The local branch was known as the ‘Bush Court’, which was established in 1891. It had a membership of about 100. On August 6th,1900, there was a great ceremony in which their new banner was unfurled and carried in procession. Every year, usually the last Sunday before August Bank Holiday, they would assemble at their court at the New Inn (now the Morris Clown). They would march to the church for a special service, then back to the New Inn for their annual dinner. This became known as Hospital Sunday because proceeds from a collection went to the Radcliffe Infirmary. They were instrumental (excuse the pun) in establishing the Bampton Brass Band. There were two other similar local societies, The Self-help Club, based at The Lamb Inn and the Victoria Club based at the Wheatsheaf. They would march to the church on Whit Monday, each led by a band and return to their respective “headquarters”. After Lloyd George’s Insurance Act of 1911, these ceased to be needed.
Pumpkin Club The club was inaugurated by Arnold Woodley, Jack Horn and Reg Absolom, in March 1969 at the Eagle Inn, Church View and was initially known as The Eagle Pumpkin Club. It had a pumpkin weigh-in to raise money to provide a cash gift (Initially £5) for pensioners at Christmas. Apart from the weigh-ins, there were other fundraising events, e.g., raffles, jumble sales, dances, sports nights (bar billiards, Aunt Sally and darts), a Pumpkin Club Clay Pigeon-shooting with a cup awarded, Dwile Flunking, and of course, the annual street fair which started in 1979. This fair, apart from stalls and entertainment, had a May Queen. An example of the programme is shown below at left. The year is uncertain. There was an annual contest, started before 1970, between Bampton Pumpkin Club and Cumnor Horticultural Society. The contest was usually held at the Bear and Ragged Staff in Cumnor, followed by the dunking of their “mayor”, in the village pond. There were some contests against other clubs from time to time. In 1970, for the George Seymour Challenge Pumpkin Pot for the heaviest six pumpkins, Bampton only came third, because one of their best pumpkins burst while being loaded and had to be replaced, but with a smaller one.
Hospital Sunday (year unknown)
S.P.A.J.E.R.S. The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Junketing was formed in 1953 as part of the Coronation Celebrations. It was decided to hold a pram race to raise money, which was given to nurses for the Radcliffe Infirmary. It was so successful that it was decided to run it every year and proceeds would go to pensioners. This race was known as the Great Shirt Race and still continues annually. In the 1950’s to 1970’s they also held Shirt Race Balls and Gala Dances to promote the race. The following three are a selection of tickets from “SPAJERS: Collection of Dance Tickets” on the Bampton Archive website and a Grand Xmas Draw ticket. SPAJERS still organise other events such as the Donkey Derby, Josie’s Draw, Fireworks Display, quizzes, etc.
In 1988 Central Television had a feature on Bampton Pumpkin Club in the Heart of the Country programme. The largest pumpkin recorded was 167½ lbs (approximately 76 kilograms) in about 1990/91, by Roger Glyde. Earlier in 1983, there had been an apparent winner, but on investigation it proved that it had concrete in the middle. The contestant’s name was U B Foulde, so it was obviously a hoax, concocted by Graham Taylor.
Zimbabwe Project This is a brief outline of a piece written by Alastair Wray and Michael St. John Parker, in the accompanying book. Bampton Zimbabwe Project was set up as a charity in June 2003 and registered as a charity in 2006, with the object of raising funds for the reduction of distress and suffering Zimbabwe. The Project’s fund-raising activities, which were designed to engage local interest as widely as possible, included an annual bring-and-buy fair, sponsored walks, quiz nights, tea parties and a twenty-four-hour vigil in the village market place, as well as a pattern of regular covenanted donation. Two Bampton residents, Tony and Elizabeth Page, had advocated directing some of the village’s charitable activity towards a suitable external objective. Research and discussion suggested Zimbabwe. A brave Zimbabwean journalist, Cathy Buckle, who had relations in Bampton, was found to supply invaluable information. The Project quickly acquired a strong following among Bampton residents and was served devotedly by a staunch group of committee members. The charity closed its operation in June 2024.
Garage Sale July 2021
Autumn Fair November 2021
Quiz night, February 2019
Tea Party, September 2019