North Western Section Co-operative Farming Society

Records of the North Western Section Co-operative Farming Society. Includes a minute book.

The first meeting to discuss setting up an agricultural co-operative in the North Western region took place on 15 January 1885. After a long discussion it was decided that enquiries were to be made in a quiet way to start the society. Adam Percival was made Chairman and Mr S Bamford the Secreatry. At the second meeting on 10th February it was decided that members of the society would ask managers in local societies to consult farms that they do business with regarding any suitable farms to let or buy. At the next meeting on 10th March the Committee was made aware of a farm at Gawsworth near Macclesfield. Over the ensuing months several farms were visited as possible locations for the venture and a farm at Smeaton Wood became the firm favourite of the Committee. In early 1886 discussions took place over a price for the land and the North West Section of the Co-operative Union was consulted to gain authority to make an offer of £1200. The Co-operative Union reccomended calling a conference for all interested societies to gage opinion of the scheme. The conference took place and it was concluded in April 1886 that support was insufficient to continue with negotiations regarding Smeaton Wood farm.

Throughout the summer of 1886 rules were drafted for the society and it was concluded that it would be called The North Western Section Co-operative Farming Society. The society then made efforts to gain sufficient subscribers to the scheme as to push forward. Despite several attempts to gain further support, the society decided on 15th December 1888 to wind up.

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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.

Found amongst the records of the Co-operative Press (PRES) depositted with the National Co-operative Archive 2001. It is likely that the minute book was kept by S Bamford, Secretary of the North Western Section Co-operative Farming Society who was also Editor of the Co-operative Newspaper Society.

No other finding aids exist.

Description compiled by Adam Shaw, Archivist, February 2012.

None expected.