AN appeal is underway to preserve the work of a pioneering initiative dedicated to East Lancashire’s ‘radicals’.

For four years Pendle Radicals, a creative project led by Mid Pennine Arts, has shone a light on the inspiring tales of non-Conformists and campaigners who transformed the way we think about life.

This has ranged from Quakers founding father George Fox to lesser-known figures such as Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, the early 20th century Oswaldtwistle-born writer, poet and activist.

Holdsworth penned her seminal work Miss Nobody in Great Harwood and forged a career as a rare example of a working-class female author.

Her novel has recently been adapted into a Radio 4 play by Mary Cooper.

She also edited an anti-Fascist journal, The Clear Light, and was involved with the Independent Labour Party, from which today’s Labour Party evolved.

Another focus has been former Nelson mill girl Selina Cooper, the Suffragist whose lobbying won her an audience with then Prime Minister Herbert Asquith.

Cooper was also a stalwart of the Independent Labour Party, starting out with the Nelson Social Democratic Federation, she also joined the Women’s Co-operative Guild.

Town councillors worked to secure lottery funding for stained glass windows for the Unity Wellbeing Centre in Vernon Street, which has links to the ILP and Cooper, who has a blue plaque outside her home in St Mary’s Street.

Those behind the extensive research, conducted under the Pendle Radicals umbrella, which has attracted 140 amateur archivists, have launched a Spacehive funding appeal to ensure their work continues.

A spokesman said: “ The Pendle Hill programme 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.”

Plans are being drawn up for research visits, themed walks, a new podcast and publications for every Lancashire library. The appeal has so far collected nearly £14,000 of a £23,912 target, To make a pledge go online to www.spacehive.com/pendleradicals