The country’s oldest surviving Clarion House has been undergoing some much needed renovation work thanks, in part, to the Big Lottery Fund, and the building now has a new plaque to adorn its newly refurbished walls.
Nelson ILP’s Clarion House in Newchurch-in-Pendle, Lancashire, has been welcoming radical walkers and political activists alike since it was first opened by pioneering ILPers back in 1912.
Having celebrated its centenary two years ago, the socialist cafe and tea house recently set up Friends of Clarion House to raise funds for preservation and maintenance work.
Donations worth £44,000 enabled the Nelson ILP and Land Society to replace windows and floors, build a new veranda, instal a new kitchen, and establish a library; while the roof was replaced this summer with a Big Lottery grant; and a generous donation from Philip Mason and Christine Sutton, in memory of their mother Audrey Mason, has paid for an external wall to be refurbished.
Friends of Clarion House was launched in 2014 to encourage supporters of the co-operative venture to volunteer at the House and grounds, and “be part of its socialist spirit”. Members of the new group work closely with the Land Society, which manages the cafe, and help with maintenance, gardening, social events and outdoor activities.
Membership costs just £2 for individuals and £3 for a family and wil be valid for a year from 1 January to 31 December.
Forms are available from Ruth Charlton, Secretary of Friends of Clarion House: Secretary, Friends of Clarion House, Clarion House, Jinney Lane, Newchurch-in-Pendle, BB12 9LL.
Or email: clarionhousefriends@gmail.com
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More information about Clarion House is here.
The centenary of Clarion House was celebrated in August 2012.
