My Bristol Favourites: Jean Golding

Jean Golding is a mathematician, epidemiologist and founder of the Children of the 90s study, which since 1991 has charted the health of 14,500 families in the Bristol area to improve the health of future generations.

Here are Jean’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Clifton Suspension Bridge

“I drive across the Clifton Suspension Bridge every week day to my office in Clifton. I never cease to marvel at the beauty of its structure, and how privileged we are to have such a gem in Bristol. It looks even more delightful when seen from afar at night with all its lights outlining the wonderful curve of its structure. To think that Isambard Kingdom Brunel was only 23 when he designed it does make one feel somewhat inadequate.”

The Lido

“The number of local restaurants that have facilities for wheelchair access (and, importantly, a disabled loo) is pretty limited. However, I am really lucky in that the Lido, the nearest restaurant to my office, can cater superbly for wheelchairs on their ground floor. This restaurant serves a tapas menu, as well as the full lunch or dinner menu. It is where I take, and impress, the overseas scientists who come to talk about the amazing studies carried out using the information that the Children of the 90s, and their parents have given us over the years. We can sit and watch the swimmers (even when it is raining or even snowing), and have a coffee or eat from the Lido’s delicious menu.”

Sunsets from Clevedon

“I used to live on top of a cliff above the Clevedon coast. The views across the Severn Estuary to Wales were spectacular, and always changing. Most amazing of all, however, were the sunsets. The colours were always different; the views were particularly breath-taking with the Clevedon pier in the foreground.”

Bristol Temple Meads

“Hats off again to Brunel. The approach and inside of Bristol Temple Meads is so impressive, and its bustle is exciting. I used to use it at least once a week when I was in charge of Children of the 90s – going to London to tell Government departments, MPs, other scientists or communities about the study. I was also, often, changing at Paddington for the Heathrow Express to fly all over the world – but mostly to North America – where the audiences were always so amazed at the cooperation and enthusiasm of our participants and the amount that we were discovering.”

Portishead Marina

“My last choice is, in contrast with the previous four choices, a recently built enterprise. In place of the industrial power station and various factories that were on the waterfront at Portishead not long ago, there is now an impressive marina, largely surrounded by town houses and apartments. There are exotic yachts parked there, some of which remind one of the Mediterranean. There is a walking area all around, ideal for wheelchairs, with an increasing selection of accessible eateries. A circle of the marina provides gentle relaxation, which I really enjoy.”

Photo of Jean Golding courtesy of Chris Bahn / Bristol Museums and Galleries