A Biographical outline of the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress
2009-2010
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Councillor John D Godward and Mrs Jean Godward
Councillor John Godward and his wife Jean were born in Bradford and have lived all their lives here. John Godward is a graduate of Bradford College with a BA degree and Diploma in Higher Education and Jean Godward has a Bachelor of Education degree and Diploma in Professional Studies in Education.
John Godward left Princeville Secondary school at the age of 15 and first worked in the offices of Robt Jowitt and Sons, a wool firm, as a clerk. He left at 16 to study for his GCEs and then went to work for Dewhurst Ltd the retail butchers which had 27 shops where he became Chief Clerk for the Bradford District at the age of 21.
Councillor John Godward retired from full-time employment as Chief Officer of Airedale Community Health Council in December 2003 after 23 years service and previously held positions with the Church of England Children’s Society, British Leprosy Relief Association, Help the Aged and the British Epilepsy Association where he was Education Officer for the North of England.
He was first elected to Bradford Council on 1 May 1980 for the Great Horton Ward and has held the seat continuously since then.
During his political career he has twice been Chair of Social Services and been Chair of the Schools (Special) Sub-Committee and also Chair of the Services to Children Sub-Committee for 9 years. He was the first Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care and served on the Council’s Executive Committee.
Recently, he has served on the Health Improvement Committee, Bradford South Area Committee and the Corporate Parenting Panel. He has served on the West Yorkshire Fire Authority, and is a member of the Bradford South Local Management Trust (Part of the Incommunities Group).
Councillor John Godward has been a Member of the Labour Party for 42 years. He is a retired member of UNISON.
Mrs Jean Godward, the Lady Mayoress, has been married to Councillor Godward for 35 years. They met and married at St Columba with St Andrew’s Church, Horton, where Jean was a member of the Choir and John was Churchwarden. They now attend St Chad’s Toller Lane. The Church is an important part of their lives.
Mrs Jean Godward was educated at Thornton Grammar School, Leeds Polytechnic and Bradford College and then taught in Bradford Special Schools. She was Deputy Head Teacher of Roundthorn School and then became Headteacher of Wedgwood School for 10 years, retiring in 2006.
Regarding their dietary requirements the Lord Mayor cannot take sugar because he is diabetic and cannot eat fish. The Lady Mayoress cannot eat any food with spices or garlic and does not eat pasta.
If you wish to invite the Lord Mayor to an event you will need to write/e-mail/fax the Lord Mayor's Office. Please note that at least fourteen clear days' notice is required for an invitation to be fully considered.
Please address your invitation to:
Mrs Loraine Radcliffe
Civic Affairs Manager
The Lord Mayor's Office
2nd Floor, City Hall
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 1HY
You may wish to e-mail us at: lord.mayor@bradford.gov.uk or alternatively reach us via fax on 01274 395529.
If your enquiry specifically pertains to the Lord Mayor's Appeal fund, you may contact Alexis Jenner, the Lord Mayor's Appeal Officer on 01274 434965 or via e-mail to alexis.jenner@bradford.gov.uk
If initially (before writing) you wish to ascertain the Lord Mayor's availability to attend an event please ring the Office on one of the following numbers 01274 432283, 432276, 432284, 434398 or 434935 where a staff member will be delighted to assist.
