Jill`s Day 1998 took place at the main Midlands live export target at that time. Stephen Wood in Redditch was one of the biggest live exporters in the country as well as being a director of Farmers Ferry, the live export company set up by farmers. The report below describes what happened on the day.

The sun shone brightly on Sunday 1st February 1998, the 3rd anniversary of Jill`s death at Coventry Airport. A good crowd of over 200 were in attendance with purple ribbons and banners everywhere. Nancy (Jill`s mum) was, as always, cheerful and dignified, on what must have been a tremendously difficult day for her, as it must have been for Luke (Jill`s son) and the rest of the family.

A march from the Abbey Stadium car park, up Weights Lane to the railway bridge passed without incident. The police were out in force, it was another evidence gathering day with cameras and videos invading everyones privacy. At the bridge, a number of rousing speeches were made. The police were allowing children and adult 'escorts' to go past the bridge and lay flowers outside Stephen Wood's house. This was not enough for the crowd, and sensing 'trouble', the police allowed adults to lay flowers as well (in groups of four or five). This arrangement was causing frustration and anger (and a long queue), which resulted in a concerted attempt to push through the police blockade. Two arrests were made. Veggies supported this anniversary demo with their delicious vegan foods.

Back down on the main road(A441), a peaceful blockade was attempted and was largely successful. This good natured road block was marred by a crazed driver who had to get through at all costs. This was a dangerous moment with children and adults having to take evasive actions to get out of the way. Unfortunately (for him), his car was badly damaged as a result of this action.

The demo then made its way back to the car park, where many people then set off for Gloucestershire, to the live exporter Gordon Gilder`s premises. The Gloucestershire Police were already there when about 80 of us arrived! Gordon Gilder`s yard was full of transporters, but no workers or Gilder himself were to be seen. A police helicopter dropped by on what was a low-key demo.

There was lots of press coverage of the demo, some of which sadly focused on the incident with the car at Weights Lane.

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