Daughter of Late Cardiff Mayor Aims to Continue Mother’s Legacy
Anny Anderson, daughter of the late Jane Henshaw, former beloved mayor of Cardiff, has expressed her desire to carry on her mother’s vision for Splott. Cllr Jane Henshaw, who served as the Cardiff Council ward member for Splott, passed away in September. Anny will be standing as the Labour candidate in the upcoming Splott by-election scheduled for December. She shared that while canvassing in Splott, Tremorfa, and Pengam Green, she was touched by the stories people shared about her mother, who inspired her deeply to pursue a career in politics. Anny mentioned that her mother instilled in her and her siblings the values of volunteering and community involvement from a young age.
Anny, who joined the Labour party in 1997, has been residing in Splott for over 11 years. During this time, she actively participated in various volunteer groups, such as Keep Splott Tidy and Tremorfa Parkrun, and contributed to her children’s school’s parent-teacher association and a breastfeeding support group called Milk Splott Breastfeeding. She aims to continue her mother’s work, focusing on initiatives like addressing period poverty and enhancing recreational spaces for children, especially creating more informal areas for older children to gather.
One of the primary projects Anny aims to progress is the redevelopment of Splott Park playground, following a petition initiated in 2022 for its improvement. She highlighted her mother’s advocacy for natural play areas, incorporating elements like logs, rocks, and den building to encourage creative and imaginative play among children. Anny emphasised the importance of listening to residents’ concerns, such as transportation, housing, and spaces for older children to socialise informally, rather than crime, which was not a major issue raised during her interactions.
Regarding poverty in Splott, Tremorfa, and Pengam Green, Anny acknowledged its presence but noted the strong community support systems available in the area. While poverty persists in various forms, she observed that residents often do not perceive themselves as poor due to their love for the community and positive outlook on life. Anny aims to address poverty-related challenges and improve living conditions while preserving the vibrant spirit of Splott and its residents.
In memory of her mother’s dedication to children’s welfare and community development, Anny strives to continue her legacy by focusing on key areas like enhancing play spaces, supporting vulnerable individuals, and promoting a sense of pride and unity among Splott residents. Through her candidacy and commitment to serving the community, Anny Anderson aims to honour her mother’s impactful legacy and contribute to making Splott a thriving and inclusive place for all its residents.