Fond memories of Jill

Jill and Pam outside the gates at Coventry Airport

One of the most enduring memories I have of Jill is her care and love of her friends. I found a dog wondering the streets and I briefly gave him a home, only for him to be reunited(thankfully) with his owner. I had become really attached to him and was quite upset, Jill was there with a caring hug and reassurance. I remember being in the cells at Coventry, where Jill and I spent the night together, talking about animal rights and other injustices in general. We saw the same wrongs and had the same view of life in general.

The Tuesday before that awful day, about 45 people spent a really dreadful night at the airport gates, in pouring rain. We were trying to stop Jolley sneaking lorries into the airport, as the night before. I remember sitting in my camper with Jill and a lovely guy called Trog. We chatted a bit, dozed off a bit and were very cold, but it was worth it - no lorries went in. We went home about 6.30am and I returned with Trog and an alsation called Argo. Jill loved him and he really was and is very handsome, and had loads of fuss from us. Jill arrived about 3.20pm looking refreshed and we again sat in my camper van. The plane had landed, but we sat relaxed in my van stroking Argo, chatting and talking about the demo. Our policy was to try and stop the lorry by chains and padlocks, which we had in reddiness for the lorry`s arrival. We knew the operation was in jeopardy because of delays, and knew the scummy farmers were looking for alternative ways of continuing their sick trade. Jill, Trog and myself positioned ourselves next to the gate and at around 4.20pm approximately 50 cops created a cordon across the road. Jill, Trog and myself made our way through the cordon and joined some gathered along Rowley Road. There were now about 90 cops in action that day to help guide the lorry into the gates. As the lorry approached, I looked at Jill and we smiled at each other. We knew Trog was out of sight, and knew we were going to hold up the lorry. Jill and I had decided to go for something to eat afterwards because we were both very hungry. That was the last I saw of Jill - her huge smile!!

Memories are all I have left

I remember being in awe of Jill when I saw she had a didgeridoo. It had bark at the top and bottom and was elaborately painted. We both attempted to play it and Jill was good. It was one of those magical moments you only get now and then, two people having a good laugh. We`d been to Coventry looking for things to use at the demo, but also buying fishless fishcakes which we both loved. I had many a happy chat with Jill and these moments are treasured. The night the lorries at Shoreham were smashed up was great, that filled us both with glee!

New Years Eve was spent at the Hand & Heart Pub in Gosford Street. Jill & Justin, Heidi & Allan and myself had a great night, in the bar watching the drunks performing. It was a great night and we all went back to Jill`s where we sat and chilled out. I remember quite a few spliffs being passed round, and a great time had by all. I think we left about 2.30am. New Years Day was spent at Jolleys, and I think his gates were chained up, amongst other things!!

I know that 10 years have passed since that awful, depressing day, but i`ll be quite honest, there hasn`t been a day when I don`t think of Jill. To some she has become an iconic figure, someone to whom animal rights folk aspire. I`ve seen people carrying placards with a picture of Jill on it at demos and I even remember someone wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Jill printed on it. To me Jill is my friend who helped to fight evil, ruthless, cruel and vicious individuals head on. Jill had the same ideals as I do and saw the world the way I do. Jill has never gone away, although she is no longer here physically. I live my life the way Jill taught me, with care and love and I`ll miss Jill, till we meet again.

Pam Brown

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