Saturday 11th October 2025
From The Warminster Carnival 2025 Programme:
In Memory Of Jill Goodenough
Jill’s involvement with Warminster carnival began 40 years ago. She was asked to help with the catering for invited guests. The carnival then assembled at the Geest banana factory site (now Hillbourne Close), the procession started at 5 pm, and was held in September. Judges decided upon winners prior to the procession, cups and shields given out.
In 1987 she became Procession Secretary organising bands, majorettes, first aid and the entries. By this time the mounted section became more illuminated. It was felt that they should be seen at their best later in the evening. 1988 the committee heard of the Wessex Carnival Circuit and applied to join. At this time Warminster and Mere swapped dates, Warminster moving to the date used to this day, the last Saturday in October. Other changes Warminster made was to change to the old style of judging stationery to judging on the actual route. Jill was the main instigator of this. Carnival moved from Geest’s to Battlesbury Barracks to its now assembly place at Boreham Road.
Jill moved to live in Bridgwater over 27 years ago, but still held her role as Judging Organiser, she always came up carnival week to help out, her main role in Warminster Carnival was to organise the judges. This would have been her 40th Warminster Carnival.
The committee have lost a great member of the Carnival Committee as well as a great friend. She will be sorely missed throughout Carnival by all who knew her.