Battersea Society in Wandsworth’s Heritage Festival
Every year, Wandsworth fields an impressive and always interesting Heritage Festival, and every year the Battersea Society and Battersea Society members make memorable contributions to the programme.
Our participation was kicked off 30 May with the unveiling of a plaque organised by the indefatigable Jeanne Rathbone. A big crowd gathered outside 310 Battersea Park Road for the unveiling of a plaque to Clive Branson1907-1944) an artist, and his wife Noreen (1910-2003) who was a historian and their artist daughter Rosa (1933-). MBE. Clive and Noreen were both communist activists. Their daughter Rosa (1933-) became an artist. An impressive line-up of speakers, including Rosa’s granddaughter Isolde shared memories and stories about this exceptional family.
Next up was Carol Rahn on 1 June to talk about the evolution of the Northcote Road. Fittingly, this talk was held in the newly opened Community Hall of the Northcote Library. The talk shared research going back to 1900, with stories and photos of shops that were once found on the Northcote Road as well as showing how larger trends in society played out in the retail landscape.
Our contributions concluded with Sue Demont’s talk on 3 June, “Listen to the Woman with the Basket.” The London Co-operative Society was once the largest retail organisation in the UK. It was the go-to place for groceries, but it was also a social movement, a philosophy and a political force – especially for women who had otherwise very little opportunity to shine outside the home. Sue engaged her audience with this history and highlighted the story of our own Caroline Ganley, who rose from Battersea activist to become the Society’s first female President. This tireless woman also served as Labour and Co-operative MP for Battersea South from 1945-51, where her experience as a Co-operator informed her Parliamentary speeches and activities. She remained an active member of the Women’s Co-operative Guild until her death in 1966.
The Battersea Society thanks our contributors and especially thanks Emma Anthony, of the Wandsworth Libraries and Heritage Service who puts together this landmark festival every year.
Just prior to this year’s Wandsworth Heritage Festival and in the same spirit, Carol Rahn delivered a talk on The Bombing of Battersea to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the end of the Blitz. There was a full house in the Royal College of Art’s state-of-the-art theatre, the perfect venue to showcase the eyewitness testimonies that were the highlight of the evening. The Battersea Society appreciates our longstanding association with the RCA and thanks them for their hospitality.
