The word ‘extraordinary’ isn’t used lightly; it is a special word that is very significant. Last month, a new book that explores our local history, Extraordinary Wandsworth Women, was released and highlights some of the many incredible women who have made a lasting impact on this fascinating London borough.

Researched and written by Chris Everett, Elaine Wein, Jenni Bowley, and Jenny Rossiter, their book explores the cultural, social, and political contribution that women in Wandsworth have made. On first glance, the book is a wonderful testimony to not only their legacy but also to the uniqueness of Wandsworth. The London borough has an interesting and rich history that has been massively influenced by the role that Wandsworth women have played.

From sports to the arts, the book opens up this history in a way that is as captivating as it is inspiring. Joining Fara Williams, writer George Eliot, artist Marie Stillman, British intelligence officer Milicent Bagot, and actress Margaret Rutherford is our artistic director, Sahana Gero MBE.

Sahana founded World Heart Beat in 2009 with a simple mission: to make music education accessible to all young people from all backgrounds.  Sahana was instrumental in expanding the academy to the state-of-the-art space in Nine Elms.

All children should have access to music lessons. For our team, we get to be guided by someone who doesn’t just believe in this but has built an academy that celebrates and champions that sentiment every day. We can see why Sahana was included in Extraordinary Wandsworth Women, and like all of the women featured in this book, Sahana has made a lasting cultural contribution. But it is more than that; it has been the impact that World Heart Beat has had on the lives of the thousands of young people in Wandsworth that is a real testament to Sahana’s work.

Extraordinary Wandsworth Women
Chris Everett, Elaine Wein, Jenni Bowley, Jenny Rossiter
Available Now