The idea
Pendle Radicals tells the stories of the nonconformists and change makers drawn to our inspiring Pennine landscape over centuries… Conceived for the four-year Pendle Hill programme, and powered by a brilliant team of volunteer researchers, Pendle Radicals is transforming the way that we think about these places that we live in or visit. The Pendle Hill programme has finished this winter, but Radicals volunteers are just getting started! They need your help to take the next steps, and establish this unique project to be self-sufficient for the long term, as a lasting asset of cultural heritage for Pendle Hill and for Lancashire. Our programme for the year ahead will set up Radicals as a friendly society that anyone can join, so Radicals volunteers can shape their own programme. And it will set up a toolkit of research activities and special events that will be open to all. With your help, we can make sure that Pendle Radicals is built to last, and here to stay.
What we'll deliver
- Set up Radicals as a new friendly society, that anyone can join
- Research visits for volunteers to 3 major archives
- 2 new themed Radicals walks
- New podcast series of 3 episodes
- The first annual Radicals Week of talks and special events
- Put a Radicals publication in every Lancashire library
Why it's a great idea
Pendle Hill - It's not just the witches... There is so much more to tell. From the first Quaker to women's suffrage campaigners, nonconformists to the birth of the Labour movement... We know already that Pendle Radicals can be inspiring - for volunteers, for audiences, and for people exploring the area around Pendle Hill. 140 researchers have already signed up to the group. Audiences of thousands have dipped in to the histories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. And we're just getting started! There is so much more to explore. Pendle Radicals opens little windows into the past. The stories we tell reveal different kinds of role models, and help visitors and locals see familiar places with fresh eyes. For all ages and for young people especially, Pendle Radicals builds immense pride of place by revealing layers of overlooked history. And as audiences explore these stories in the villages and towns around Pendle Hill, we support our rural economy in lots of small ways..
Steps to get it done
- Launch Radicals Society and invite members - spring 2023
- Publish first podcast episode - summer 2023
- Promote first Radicals Week of events - autumn 2023
- Launch 2 new walking routes - autumn 2023
- Offer a Radicals publication to every Lancashire library - spring 2024
Still unclear about Pendle Radicals? Well, try a look at our website or blog, and dip into the stories of ordinary people who did some extraordinary things. Meet the mill girl Ethel Carnie, who somehow reinvented herself as a celebrity writer, and became the first working class woman to be published. Another mill girl, Selina Cooper, who took the message of Votes for Women to the steps of No 10. And the first black person that Nelson had ever seen, who came to play cricket but became the most eloquent, extraordinary ambassador for equality...
There are so many stories of heroes like these. But Pendle Radicals explores the spirit of radical in other ways too. Take a look at the spectacular banner exhibitions we've shown at British Textile Biennials.
Pendle Radicals is special because it is powered by volunteers, and you won't need to be a member to join in. Radicals events will be open to all, and many will be free of charge. Please help us now if you can. Then join the Radicals!
