Monday, 4 July 2011

Cllr John Gold - 1902-59

Cllr John Gold was a  well-respected member of Dundee Corporation for over 20 years - from the mid 1930s until his death in 1959 at the age of 57.

He represented the then Dudhope Ward, was married at 7 Rosewood Terrace in the West End on 12th July 1929, and their oldest daughter was born exactly one year later - 12th July 1930 (who, now aged over 80, lives in Australia). 

Cllr John Gold was very much involved in the Temperance Movement, was heavily involved in amateur dramatics and was a basket maker to trade.

But in addition to all this, John Gold was a first - the first blind councillor in Scotland - educated at the Blind Institution in Magdalen Yard Road.

Today, along with his granddaughter Jill McLaren and her husband George - West End residents themselves - I had the great pleasure of taking part in a civic tour for Jill and George followed by a meeting with Lord Provost John Letford, in recognition of the civic contribution of the late Councillor John Gold.

I am very grateful to the Lord Provost for his kindness in meeting with Jill and George today in recognition of the contribution of Jill's grandfather to the City of Dundee.
Cllr John Gold (with chain) at a temperance event 

George & Jill McLaren during the civic tour

George & Jill with the Lord Provost and myself