March 17th: Today’s Feature

March

Lois Patricia Golding OBE CStJ, commonly known as Peaches Golding (born 1953), is an American-British business executive, administrator, and former academic who is Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol. On her 2010 appointment as High Sheriff of Bristol, she was the second Black person and the first Black woman to hold the position. She was appointed Honorary Captain of the Royal Naval Reserves in June 2020.

Peaches Golding's life tells a powerful story that highlights diversity, inclusion, personal achievements, and a commitment to public service. Her family history, intertwined with the legacy of slavery, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by her ancestors. Despite growing up in an era marked by segregation, Peaches Golding chooses to embrace a mindset that transcends racial boundaries. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr., she emphasises the importance of evaluating individuals based on their character rather than superficial attributes like skin colour.

The values instilled in Peaches Golding by her father, Dr. Charles Brady Hauser, have played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview. Dr. Hauser's unwavering commitment to justice and equality, as evidenced by his courageous actions during the civil rights movement, serves as a guiding light for Peaches. His legacy of resilience and determination, exemplified by his successful legal battle against the Greyhound Bus Company, underscores the importance of standing up for one's beliefs in the face of adversity. Through her own journey, Peaches Golding continues to embody the principles of grace, dignity, and unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive society for all.

Lois Patricia, affectionately known as Peaches, was raised in a family that valued exploration and personal growth. Her parents, who worked in education, instilled in her a love for travel and learning. From attending Expo 67 in Montreal to camping in the mountains of North Carolina, Lois Patricia's childhood was filled with music, laughter, and adventure.

As she progressed through elementary and high school, Lois Patricia's talents began to shine. She pursued a biology major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also Lois also embraced her passion for cheerleading and proudly represented her university as a Carolina Blue cheerleader. In fact, her dedication and enthusiasm were so remarkable that she graced the cover of the football program in 1974, symbolising her commitment to both academics and extracurricular activities.

Following her graduation, she traveled to Nigeria accompanied by a friend, with a strong conviction that success and joy would come her way. Her intuition proved correct as she embarked on a teaching career, starting in a school and later progressing to the University of Ibadan. It was during her time on campus that she crossed paths with her future spouse, Bob.

Their love story began on campus when a peculiar incident involving an elephant brought them together. Bob, who was in charge of directing the elephant to the zoo, had to halt the journey due to safety concerns. This unexpected delay led him to the campus staff club where he first laid eyes on Peaches.

From that moment on, their bond grew stronger as they discovered shared interests in zoology, snakes, and reptiles. Their love story blossomed, leading to a beautiful family and a move to Bristol in 1983. Despite Bob's passing in January 2022, their enduring love and the memories they created together will always be cherished. Bob's unwavering devotion, such as building a conservatory for Peaches to have a hibiscus to match her outfit every day, is a testament to the deep love they shared.

After settling in Bristol, they dedicated themselves to their respective careers. Peaches, who had previously led the Aluminium Can Recycling Association for several years, embarked on a new venture by establishing a highly successful marketing company. She poured her heart and soul into building her business, working tirelessly day and night. Peaches' dedication and hard work paid off, as her profile soared to new heights. One notable achievement was when she graced the cover of Metal Bulletin, a prestigious trade magazine in the metal marketing industry. This recognition provided a valuable platform for Peaches' burgeoning business career, further elevating her status and reputation.

As Peaches' business and commercial endeavours flourished, so did her involvement in the community. In 1996, she joined the Prince of Wales' Business in the Community Trust, where she actively contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing workforce diversity. Over time, Peaches became a prominent figure, assuming board-level positions in various private, public, and third sector organisations. Notable among these were her roles in HTV Independent Television, the governing body of UWE, and the boards of the North Bristol NHS Trust and Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trusts.

Peaches' commitment to her community extended beyond these responsibilities. She also took on the role of chairing the Bristol Water Challenge Panel, served as a trustee of the SS Great Britain, and engaged in numerous other endeavours. In recognition of her exceptional service to ethnic minority communities in the South West, Peaches was honoured with the OBE in 2009.

Peaches Golding made history in 2010 when she became the first black woman to hold the esteemed position of High Sheriff of Bristol, a role with a tradition dating back over a thousand years.

Her appointment as Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol in the following year further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer, with an exhaustive selection process highlighting the widespread respect and admiration she commands. Taking over from Mary Prior, a distinguished Pro Chancellor of a local university, Peaches Golding now serves as the Queen's personal representative in the city, a testament to the trust placed in her by the community, its leaders, and the monarch.

Peaches Golding's appointment as the first black woman to hold the position of Lord-Lieutenant in England is a significant milestone, underscoring her pioneering spirit and dedication to breaking barriers. Her achievements not only symbolise progress towards greater diversity and inclusion but also serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Peaches Golding's journey from High Sheriff to Lord-Lieutenant showcases her unwavering commitment to upholding values such as enterprise, public service, compassion, and diversity, making her a beacon of hope and a role model for all who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities.