In Memoriam
Here we remember some of the characters who have contributed to the success of Malmesbury Carnival but are no longer with us.
If you have a memory of someone who made a significant contribution to the Carnival, please send us details at info@malmesburycarnival.co.uk.
Kate Waterfield
Tribute to Kate Waterfield of Malmesbury who died 8th June 2025
Kate Waterfield initially got involved in carnival well over 20 years ago by opening up her garden in Holloway as part of Malmesbury Carnival open gardens. Her house in Holloway had a large conservatory so became the location for open gardens coffee and cakes
After a period of difficulty for the carnival, Kate took over as chairperson and with a degree of exceptional dedication, together with a small number of the new carnival committee, rebuilt carnival as a registered charity with proper governance. For over 10 years Kate put a very large part of her spare time into Malmesbury carnival, which became very successful once again.
Her husband Paul Barton said it was actually a lot more than her spare time; she put a large part of her life into carnival. She loved Malmesbury carnival and thought it was so important to life in Malmesbury. Kate was awarded Malmesbury citizen of the year in 2011 for her dedication to carnival.
Kate was involved in carnival for over 13 years
Derek Tilney
1933 - 2025
It is with the greatest sorrow that the Carnival Committee learned of the passing of Derek Tilney, a stalwart supporter of Carnival over many years, and an enthusiast of the Scarecrow Trail. His family’s Coldstream Guardsman in the Sentry Box brought BBC South West into town and gave that particular event a huge publicity boost.
Derek had been the Chairman of the Royal British legion since 1974 and in 2024 had been awarded the Gold Medal from the RBL for his magnificent and loyal service to that organisation and to the town of Malmesbury as a whole. Derek was a magistrate for Malmesbury between 1978 and 1988 and received the British empire Medal in June 2017.
An enthusiastic supporter of all that carnival does he took part in many of the Processions that round off the August programme, especially with his old friend Norman and his mobility scooter. He leaves a proud daughter and son, Judie and Richard, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies.
Paul Overton
Chair Malmesbury Carnival
