North Western Co-operative Convalescent Homes Association

This collection comprises minute books of the North-West Co-operative Convalescent Homes Association and house meetings minute books of the three convalescent homes established by the Association. The collection also includes Annual Reports and a visitor book as well as correspondence and inventories.

The Association was established in June 1901 with the aim to set up co-operative convalescent homes in order that retail societies in the north-west could send sick employees and members of the society to recover from illness. Two homes were planned to begin with, one in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire. The inspiration behind the Association was the success of similar work by co-operators in Scotland. The first home of the North West Convalescent Homes Association was Chevin Hall in Otley and was opened in August 1904. The home contained many indoor amusements, including a piano, a billiard table, chess, draughts, cards, books, magazines and papers. Those convalescing could also explore the surrounding countryside. A healthy diet was provided by the home. Two further homes were later established, ‘Glenroyd’ in Blackpool opened in 1906 and Thorpe Dene in Scarborough opened in 1921.Glenroyd was used as an emergency maternity home during the Second World War as a place for evacuees to have their babies in a safe and secure environment. Also, during the Second World War, Thorpe Dene was temporarily closed. The North West Convalescent Homes Association was dissolved in 1978 after the sale of their last property, Glenroyd in Blackpool.

The collection is open to any accredited reader, subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Some files in this collection are subject to Data Protection legislation as they contain sensitive information and material under 30 years old is closed to access. It is advised that you contact the Archivist before visiting.

A list is available to consult in the Archive.

This description was compiled by Caroline Flint, volunteer, with additions by Sophie Stewart, Assistant Archivist.

Some of the material will require a copyright form to be completed before copying.

The North West Co-operative Convalescent Homes Association legally deposited these records with the National Co-operative Archive

Related material includes the minute books and account information from The Southern Co-operative Convalescent Fund 1904-1990 and the minute books and account ledgers of the South Western Section Co-operative Convalescent Fund 1914-1971.