Carnival stalwart was an inspiration

4:20pm Saturday 19th July 2008

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A NORTHWICH Carnival stalwart who raised thousands of pounds over the years for charity died aged 90 – the day before this year’s event.

Marjorie Turner, of Marshall Lane, Greenbank attended every carnival since 1963 and trained hundreds of youngsters who appeared in the retinue.

This is the only year she hadn’t been. She even went last year when staff from Daneside took her in a chair – they were going to do the same this year.

Marjorie Turner's daughter, Barbara

She was also president of the women’s section of the Royal British Legion in Northwich and president of Friends of the Burma Star Association.

Over the years she was Brownie and Guider leader in Rudheath and Winnington, a midday assistant at Victoria Road Infant School and manageress at a number of shops in the town.

Her daughter Barbara said: “She worked tirelessly and loved it.

“She was a real Northwich person, born and brought up in Oak Street.

“Her heart was down in town.”

Marjorie had a stroke 18 months ago and needed constant care at Daneside Court but had fought back to reasonable health.

“This is the only year she hadn’t been. She even went last year when staff from Daneside took her in a chair – they were going to do the same this year,” said Barbara.

“She was very sociable and liked to be among people knowing what was going on.

“She was a caring and loving person but didn’t stand for any messing.

“She was very independent and very strong. The way she fought back from her stroke was amazing.”

Barbara explained her feelings at the carnival just 24 hours after her mother died.

“I was stunned. I didn’t know which way to turn,” she said.

“I came home and was walking around in circles.

“We couldn’t have cancelled it, it wasn’t what she would have wanted. It was whether I could do it being on the microphone in the public eye and I decided the show must go on.”

She added: “It is the end of an era. There is going to be a big void in my life. We have done everything together 100 per cent and supported each other.”

Northwich Carnival Committee paid tribute to Marjorie.

A statement said: “We want to express our sadness at learning of Marjorie Turner’s death.

“She has been a leading force along with her family in maintaining and upholding the tradition of the Northwich Carnival during the past 45 years.

“Marjorie has been an inspiration to us all and will be sadly missed.”

They added: “We want to say a really big thank you to Barbara, who kept going despite what had happened.

“We wouldn’t have been able to continue without her at the carnival.”