News Release

CO-OP SHOPPERS' MEMORIES
SOUGHT FOR ORAL HISTORY PROJECT


Shoppers who were customers of local co-ops are being sought for a new oral history project. The project is part of the continuing redevelopment work on the new exhibition hall at Summerlee museum in Heritage Way.

Social History Curator Clare Weir is collecting people’s memories of the Co-op movement in North Lanarkshire for the new displays.

Clare said: “I would like to speak with people who worked or shopped in the Co-op.
Excerpts will be used in the new display, which also features a grand sandstone pediment rescued from the last Co-op building in Coatbridge before it was demolished in 1989”.
She continued: "Do you remember collecting your divi? Were you a member of one of the Co-op's women's guilds? I would be delighted to hear from anyone with good co-op stories!"

The pediment from the Coatbridge store is currently being conserved, thanks to a grant of almost £11,000 from the Scottish Museums Council.

To pass on your co-op memories to Clare, call her on (01236) 423256, write to her at Summerlee Museum, Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 1QD, or e-mail her at weirc @northlan.gov.uk.