Earby Co-op's history traced by new book

6:40pm Tuesday 30th September 2008

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A BOOK which traces the story of a landmark shop in a Pendle village is set to be launched at a special event.

Authors Bob Abel and Stephanie Carter, of Earby and District Local History Society, will present their latest literary offering, ‘Earby Co-op, The People’s Shop 1875-2008’, at the New Road Community Centre’s Autumn Fair on Saturday October 4.

The history book focuses on the story of the Co-operative over a 133-year-period, from its beginnings in Victorian England, through the difficulties of the depression, right up to the present day establishment, situated in Victoria Road.

It also provides an insight into the social activities of the local Co-operative enterprise and some of the personalities associated with it.

Chairman of Earby and District Local History Society Mr Abel, said they decided to write about the shop because it has been a ‘major influence’ on the community.

He added: “It really started two years ago when Stephanie Carter wrote a book about the history of shopping in Earby. She didn’t have room to write about the Co-op and we thought it deserved a bit more research, so we decided to write another one.”

The Co-op began in 1844 grew into a large scale international business, completely owned and controlled by its customers.

The working classes had shops of their own and subscribers originally paid 3d a week to raise capital to open a shop, which meant they had a shareholding and interest was paid on the shares.

Mrs Carter, who works in the library at Craven College, said: “There used to be a Co-op on every corner of every street - it’s still going strong but the supermarkets have taken over.

“The book will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in shopping, local history, Earby or the Co-op movement. It is full of interesting and amusing anecdotes of the social life of the Co-op and the personalities connected with it.”

The book will be available in paperback and features various photographs through the ages. It costs £7.50 or £9.00 by post.

To order a copy contact Earby and District Local History Society, 22 Salterforth Road, Earby, Lancs. BB18 6ND.

Donations towards the cost of the printing have been received from Earby Clarets and The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund.