Wandsworth Civic Award for Jeanne Rathbone
Jenny Sheridan
Congratulations to Jeanne Rathbone, who has won a Wandsworth Civic Award. The Awards go to just six individuals each year and are the highest awards Wandsworth Council can bestow. Wandsworth’s mayor, Cllr Sana Jafri presented Jeanne with the award on 5 November 2024.
Youth Mayor Millie Quinn and Mayor Cllr Sana Jafri with Jeanne Rathbone
The citation for Jeanne’s award stated:
Jeanne has worked tirelessly to make sure the important women in Battersea’s past are remembered. In 2022 she published her book “Inspiring Women of Battersea” and she has been the force behind heritage plaques celebrating notable local women. Jeanne also voluntarily gives walks and talks throughout the year to help people learn more about their area.
Jeanne’s talks, walks and blog posts have introduced hundreds of people to inspiring Battersea women, including Britain’s first female pilot and first female civil servant as well as artists, authors and social reformers such as Charlotte Despard. The unveiling of her blue plaques, supported by the Battersea Society, have attracted dozens of attenders and have featured, among others, the former President of Ireland and the Bishop of Southwark. Marsha de Cordova, Battersea’s MP, always attends and speaks at these unveilings.
Jeanne was nominated for the Civic Award by the Battersea Society and by Emma Anthony, the borough archivist. We are proud of Jeanne’s achievement and are grateful for all she does for Battersea.
Jeanne’s book is available here from the Battersea Society website.