About

A special talk by Barbara Andrew about the life of activist Fanny Deakin.

September focus Fanny Deakin is a hero of grassroots politics. Born in the mining village of Silverdale in 1883, only one of her five children survived. This sad fact inspired a lifetime fighting for much-needed maternity care.

After meeting with Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald she gained free milk for pregnant women and children under five. Her political life included membership first of Independent Labour, then the Communist Party. In 1941 she became the first Communist to be appointed an Alderman.

Many of you will remember the Fanny Deakin Maternity Hospital in Chesterton. It was opened in her honour in 1947.