Sunday 15th July 1990
Warminster Carnival Committee’s car treasure trail held on St. Swithin’s Day, was a great success. The route was organised by Danny Howell, who also set the clues.
Fifteen teams took part in the 18 mile trail, which began, after a picnic, at Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury. By answering 65 clues, contestants travelled via Tisbury, through the picturesque villages of Ansty, Alvesdiston, Ebbesbourne Wake, Fifield Bavant, Fovant and Sutton Mandeville, before reaching the finishing point at the Compasses Inn, at Chicksgrove, near Tisbury.
As well as answering clues, either by observation or deciphering cryptic messages, teams had to collect various objects en route. Cars were also put to the limit because the trail included the notorious one-in-five ascent over Swallowcliffe Down, a steep climb with hairpin bends!
The eventual placings were close run, with two teams equal on points, first and second being decided by the car with less mileage.
The winners were the Postman Pat team (Mike and Joan Ogden from Boreham Post Office, with their niece Clare), who scored 59 points out of a possible 70. They received bottles of wine and spirits, and a Porsche car trophy.
In second place, also with 59 points (but with additional miles on the clock) were the Tailenders team, Dick and Jill Goodenough and son Paul. They received wine, and a Ford car trophy.
Third, with 58½ points, were the Mad Hatters team (Pauline Rowley and her fiance Garth Watson. Pauline is one of Warminster Carnival Queen’s attendants this year. The Mad Hatters gained a bottle of wine and a Camaro car trophy.
Warminster Carnival Queen Wendy Watkinson presented the prizes to the winners, amid much applause and revelry at the finishing point. The event made a profit of £70 for Warminster Carnival funds.