NELLIE COWAN - WILLESDEN
Nellie Cowan was an active trade unionist and secretary of the women's section of the Workers Union (later TGWU now Unite).
"Her office as Secretary of the Women's Section of the Workers' Union, as well as her profession. brings her in daily contact with the wives and children of the workers in whose welfare she is most keenly interested."
Nellie Cowan was elected as a Labour councillor for Stonebridge ward on Willesden Urban District Council, (now Brent) in West London. She was the first woman elected mayor of Willesden in 1942 and was mayor again in 1956-1957.
Nellie Cowan worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Willesden, most notably on the reconstruction of the area after the War.
She had a long and disguised career in local government (43 years), for which Nellie Cowan received an OBE in 1951.
Above Miss Sawrd Workers Union organiser at Watford. Below Workers Union meeting for Women at Golders Green, London 1 June 1923.(also pic) Wiilesden British Socialist Party journal - The Willesden Call
