TRIBUTES have been paid to a man and woman from the Westbury area who were two of four people killed in crashes on the Warminster bypass in just ten days this month.
Jennifer Jones and Philip Butler died after the Ford Mustang they were travelling in was in collision with a lorry on the A36. Susan Jones – Jennifer’s mother and partner to Phil – was also in the car but survived the collision with minor injuries.
Jennifer, 28, attended Bratton Primary and Matravers schools, and was a teacher at Fairfield Farm College in Dilton Marsh while Philip was described as a ‘devoted family man’.
Fairfield Farm College principal Dr Tina Pagett said, “The staff and students of Fairfield Farm College are grieving this week for the loss of Jenny Jones, a teacher at the college for four years.
“Jenny was a beautiful person in every respect. Her infectious smile and laugh filled the cafe and reception every day. Her work with students was encouraging, kindhearted and enthusiastic and she was vibrant and caring towards everyone who had the privilege to know her.
“Jenny loved working at Fairfield, the students and with the animals. The students past and present, are devastated at the sudden loss of her.
“Our thoughts are with her family.”
A statement issued from Jennifer’s family via Wiltshire Police said, “Jennifer Anne Louise Jones, 28, born in Wiltshire, attended Bratton Primary and Matravers Schools before graduating from Liverpool University with a BA joint honours in geography and archaeology.
“Jen worked as a tutor at Fairfield Farm College where she was passionate about supporting young adults with learning difficulties. Jen adored animals and had two dogs who she obedience trained; she had been an avid horse rider her whole life and had a horse, Stan, who she recently bought and planned to compete.
“Jen loved music and was a beautiful singer and was able to play a range of instruments including the clarinet and flute.
“Jen enjoyed painting and took pleasure in painting pictures of family pets, she had a real talent for it.
“Jen had a huge group of friends who all say that she will be remembered for her infectious smile and wicked sense of humour.”
Philip Butler was driving the car at the time of the accident. A tribute from his family, also issued via Wiltshire Police said, “Philip Reginald Butler, 61, born in Stoke on Trent; Phil was a devoted family man and cared dearly for them as well as having many friends worldwide.
“As a young man Phil was an accomplished footballer and a lifelong Stoke fan. Graduated from Newcastle university with a BA and MA in geography before working for 40 years in Further Education in Manchester, Birmingham, Warwickshire and Wiltshire; he was a highly regarded deputy and vice-principal.
“Phil travelled and worked internationally, especially in the United States. Phil loved travelling, his dogs and was passionate about the Stoke pottery industry.
“Phil had a huge love of cars, his first car was a Triumph Spitfire which he bought himself aged 17.”
The collision happened at around 4.38pm on Monday 13th July between the Crockerton and Heytesbury roundabouts on the A36 Warminster bypass. It involved a Morrison’s lorry, a red Ford Mustang, and a silver Volkswagen Golf which was also in collision with the lorry. The Golf driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at the RUH, Bath.
In a separate incident a driver and motorcyclist were both killed in a crash on Wednesday 22nd July on the same stretch of road. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Wiltshire Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened on either occasion or who saw any of the vehicles prior to the collisions.
Anyone with information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
