Parish Profile

We know David Johnston as our local county councillor – he was elected in 2009. But before that he spent much of his working life in Social Services, responsible for the care of some of the most vulnerable members of society. David was born in Liverpool and grew up in St Helens in Lancashire. After gaining a degree in Social Studies from Keele University, a career in personnel management beckoned. However, a short work placement in Pentonville Prison led David to realise that he could better use his talents in other areas. He began as a probation officer before moving into social care. This was a time when the development of social services was very much in its infancy.

David arrived in the mid-seventies, with his wife Marion, in Southam where he became head of Social Care. They came to Wellesbourne in 1986 when David took charge of all field work in the Stratford area. Then followed a move to Cockermouth in 1991 where he became head of Social Services in West Cumbria. But in 1995 they were back in the village, David involving himself this time in the need to reintegrate those with learning difficulties back into the community. This was after it was decided that long term (often lifetime) stays in the old institutions were, for most patients, no longer acceptable. David says the most pleasing aspect of a rewarding career was the pioneering work he led during the seventies which pushed the boundaries of conventional care. This resulted in what is now known as ‘personalised’ social care which David was active in introducing in the eighties. This is where care is tailored for the individual rather than the individual being made to fit into a rigid package.

David has been married to Marion since 1973 and they have two daughters, Helen and Alison.

As well being on the Warwickshire County Council for the Wellesbourne Division he is also a member of the Parish Council. He is a trustee of Stratford Mencap and does sponsored cycle rides for charity. He says he is gregarious, a team player, stubborn, forgetful and impatient. Being a scouser, he naturally supports Liverpool and his favourite piece of music is ‘You'll Never Walk Alone’. His biggest regret is that he didn't bat well enough to play cricket for Lancashire. The moment in history he would like to have been at was the fall of the Berlin Wall, although he says he has a dreadful head for heights so standing at the top of the wall might have been a problem – he would have had to make do with the party at the bottom.

David reads mainly non-fiction although he enjoys John Le Carré. He likes all sorts of music ranging from brass band to folk-rock – favourite at the moment is Bellowhead. Paul Merton makes him laugh. He likes curries, especially fish curries.

David sees Wellesbourne as being a village of good local businesses. It is safe and friendly and has a nice balance of being close to the countryside whilst having good access to the rest of the country.

NLB

Book Review

THE FOURFOLD LEADERSHIP OF JESUS
by Andrew Watson
published by BRF

An excellent book on Christian Leadership based on the four commands that Jesus gave His disciples. Although it is about leadership, it nevertheless is applicable to all Disciples/ Christians in that it helps us to get to know Jesus better:

Come to me (Matthew 11 v 28) which is all about accessible leadership, and Jesus as the Shepherd, His characteristics of compassion, humility, gentleness, a peaceable spirit, vulnerability and accessibility to His Father.

Follow me (Matthew 4 v 19) which tells us about His inspirational leadership. It describes the character of the Pioneer and Perfecter - integrity, insight, self-sacrifice, obedience to His Father and walking the way of costly grace.

Wait for me (Acts 1 v 4) in which is described long-term leadership, and Jesus as the Farmer, and His characteristics as the Farmer of prayerful expectancy, proactivity, patience, endurance, and His trust in His Father. This chapter also describes embracing the call to passionate patience.

Go for me (Matthew 28 v 18,19) describing multiplying leadership and Jesus as Our Lord. The characteristics of Our Lord include decisiveness, discernment, vision, comfort. The chapter also Jesus' calling from the Father, and suggests our response to the missionary challenge.

The concluding chapter describes some wider applications of the "Come, Follow, Wait and Go" aspects of leadership.

Although this book is not in the library, anyone who wishes to borrow this can do so from me.

Stephen Nightingale