Co-op backs bid to revive Crewe Carnival with special town centre bank holiday event
By Ryan Parker
16th Aug 2023 | Local News
Nub News takes a look back at the history of the Co-op in Crewe as it continues its support for the town.
The Co-op was established in 1844 by the Rochdale pioneers, a group of 28 working-class men tired of private owners selling low quality food at prices the majority couldn't afford.
Today, the Co-op employs over 65,000 staff with stores in more than 7,000 locations.
The history of Co-op in Crewe, Cheshire
The story of Co-op in Crewe began in 1845, with the formation of the Crewe Co-operative Friendly Society.
The township of Crewe was just eight years old, with skilled workers colonising in the area of Monks Coppenhall, in order to be employed by Crewe Works.
Among the workers to arrive were a group of labourers from Edge Hill workshops, aware of the Rochdale Pioneers' principles.
Recognising the town's growing population, and believing in the pioneers' ideology, the Crewe Works factory employees brought the society to the town.
The opening of Co-op's second ever store
The workers voluntarily opened a food store inside a London North Western Railway-owned cottage on Earle Street, near to the railway bridge.
This became Co-op's second ever UK store, after the one in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
Local people were encouraged to become Co-op members by first secretary, James Ainsco, who established the Crewe society, later retiring in 1852.
Co-op branches began to grow across Crewe, with Richard Whiddle, taking over as secretary, largely responsible for the success of the business.
The development of Co-op in Crewe
In 1866, Co-op vacated from its Earle Street store, moving to a new location on Market Street - with a new bakery, butchery, tailors, drapery and furniture store.
Here, the Crewe Co-operative Friendly Society could make and sell all of its own goods.
The road leading to these buildings was named Co-operative Street. This lasted until the 1980s when it was demolished for Market Shopping Centre.
In proportion to population, Crewe became the most Co-operative town in the country.
As Crewe grew in the 20th century, so did the Co-op, with the opening of the Co-operative Bank and Co-op Funeralcare.
Changes to Co-op in Crewe and beyond
With the continuing growth of large businesses, in 1969 the Crewe Co-operative Friendly Society was absorbed into the North Midlands Co-operative Society.
In 1976, Co-op invested in the opening of its 99 tea factory, off Weston Road - becoming one of the most sophisticated tea factories in Europe.
The North Midlands Co-operative ran the Crewe stores until 2007, merging with the original parent company in Manchester.
All stores underwent major changes as they became part of the National Co-operative Group, with the company reinvesting in new branches.
In 2016, the Co-operative launched a nationwide campaign to bring its focus back to local communities - including Crewe.
The Co-op and Crewe Carnival
Co-op colleagues and members would get involved with Crewe Carnival, taking place on August bank holiday Saturdays.
Every year there would be a Co-op 99 tea float at the carnival event.
The Crewe Carnival procession took place across the town, with local residents taking to the streets to show their support.
It lasted for miles, moving on to Queens Park at night for a fairground, stalls and more entertainment.
Plans to bring back Crewe Carnival
'Our Crewe; Let's Celebrate' is an event taking place at Lyceum Square on the bank holiday afternoon of Monday 28 August.
The event, supported by the Co-op, will showcase all aspects of Crewe life, including: its heritage, the present and the bright future of years to come.
It aims to be a prelude to a full street carnival in Crewe again, targeted to recommence in 2024.
There will a spin the wheel competition for Co-op members with a variety of prizes to be won on the day.
There will also be a DJ covering live music, as well as face painting and food and drink tasting.
Co-op Member Pioneer, Ben Wye, told Nub News: "This event is an opportunity for anyone wanting to bring back carnival to Crewe.
"We hope groups and individuals will come and meet each other to celebrate Crewe's past, and also plan a small piece of its future."
If you're looking to save some money, consider becoming a Co-op member HERE.
READ MORE: Last fully operational Crewe-built steam train to arrive in town this month.
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