League of Nations flag
Nelson was one of the first towns to set up a branch of the League of Nations Union (LNU), just a few months after the formation of the League of Nations. It held its first LNU committee meeting in June 1920. By July 1920 the nearby village of Barrowford was invited to join in with the work being done in Nelson. On 30 July 1920 a public meeting was held in the Town Hall. The main speaker was Mr Frederick Whelen from London, a familiar figure at LNU events in the North West. His topic was ‘The First Six Months of the League of Nations’. On 8 August 1920 Nelson LNU held a ‘Peace and League of Nations’ Sunday. Short appeals were made at band concerts in local parks, and an open air meeting was held.
This kind of regular event meant that membership of Nelson LNU grew steadily. In September 1920 a ‘Badge Day’ raised over £67, which was shared between the LNU and Save the Children. A large public meeting was held on 7 October 1920. The audience was reported to be most enthusiastic. Selina Cooper, a long time activist for peace from Nelson, was among those present.
References/Further Reading:
Headway: the Monthly Progress of the L.N.U., Aug-Sep 1920, Jun-Jul 1920, Sep-Oct 1920, Nov-Dec 1920.