SPAJERS Donkey Derby photos

Bampton’s Day of Donkeys

by Nick Holmes 

They came up from Weston, hooves on the road, 
a patient parade with an unlikely load.

From sand and salt air to an Oxfordshire green lane, 
the donkeys of summer had journeyed again.

The village turned out under wide open skies, 
hundreds of faces, and sun in their eyes.

Children climbed up onto saddles of leather,
Small hands gripped tight as their donkey’s galloped together.

Then off down the field to a cheer and a shout, 
while punters placed bets on who’d win and who’d nowt!

The smell of hot burgers rose up with the heat, 
ice creams were melting almost too quick to eat.

Pink candy floss stuck to small fingers and lips 
and cream teas were served with the jam-first-then-thick-cream whips.

The adults bowled at skittles, took aim at Aunt Sally, 
plate smashing was fab and increased the tally.

Games for the children ran on through the day, 
laughter and sunshine, all Bampton at play.

Under it all, past the games and the cheer,
a purpose ran quiet but true and sincere.
For every kind pound that was raised at this fair
went straight to SPAJERS, to help and to care.

Forward the work of a cause close to heart,
a donkey-shaped day, but with a donkey-sized heart.