Weekly Meeting - District Governor Visit

District Governor - Joan Goldsmith

We had the pleasure of entertaining the current District Governor, Joan Goldsmith, to listen to her thoughts and ambitions for her year.
Joan started by giving us a short biography of herself.  Born in Ireland, in Enniskillen, she and her parents moved to Westcliffe on Sea near Southend in Kent, where she met her husband David.

After a few other moves, she and David finally ended up in Gloucestershire (the Graveyard of Ambition as they were told)!  Joan had trained as a teacher, but was finding it difficult to find a job, primarily because she was a young married woman and employers were cautious about maternity absences!  How things have changed!

Joan found herself eventually working in the probation service, with the young people who had not taken to the education system and had got themselves into trouble as a consequence.  She found this particularly fulfilling, being able to make a difference to young people’s lives.

Another career change saw Joan working with the Scout movement, eventually becoming the County commissioner.  She seems to have a knack of rising to the top of whatever profession she chooses!
Rotary began for Joan some 10 years ago, when a colleague invited her along to see what the fledgling Nailsworth Rotary was doing, where she eventually joined the movement.

Joan then touched on her preparation for DG, with a visit to Latvia and then San Diego.  It was apparently full on in San Diego and spouses are also trained!  She told us that the current RI president was not the one that was expected, as the poor guy died just before taking office.  His replacement, Barry Rassin, had a very steep learning curve!

Joan referred to her goals and ambitions.  She wanted to modify the way the District Council Meetings were run to make them more interesting.  This was demonstrated at the last District Council, where she showcased some of her favourite activities, the biggest being the Iron Lung replica which is housed by Thornbury club, which can be hired as a money raiser and pass on education to those who have never heard of it as a medical tool.

Joan reflected on the membership issues and opining that unless the Rotary movement adapts to cope with modern society, it will fade away.  She outlined some of the ways that clubs are facing this challenge.

The current Rotary year’s motto is ’Be the Inspiration’ and Joan’s inspiration is clearly shown in her talk to our club.

Richard Colley