Monday, April 16, 2012

Guilds in the 1970's

Norwest Co-op
Previous posts have told about activities of the Barlow Moor Mixed Guild, founded in 1931. The year of formation of organisations is recorded and celebrated with birthdays but the decline and dissolution is rarely written about. They fade and are no longer mentioned.

In the Norwest Members Handbook 1975-76 there is no mention of the Barlow Moor members meeting at Hardy Lane. However Didsbury Guild, a mixed guild for both men and women and affiliated to the National Guild of Co-Operators are holding their meetings at Hardy Lane.

So here are list of the remaining guilds :
Women's Guilds
Ashton-on-Mersey, Cheadle, Knutsford, Ladybarn, Stockport, Stretford (meeting at Taylor's Road, Gorse Hill), and Yew Tree. That's seven.

National Guild of Co-Operators (mixed guilds)
Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Hyde, Offerton, Old Trafford & Firswood (meeting at St.John's Lesser Hall, Ayres Road), Woodhouse Park, and Wythenshawe. That's also seven.

Also listed in the booklet is the Norwest Co-Op Young Wives Group in Hattersley. Then there are two Woodcraft Folk groups in Chorlton. The Elfins 6-9 years meet at Chorlton C of E School, and the Pioneers 10-13 years are at Hardy Lane on a Monday night.

For the seniors there was a Norwest Over 60's Club at Hardy Lane on a Tuesday at 1430h.

In 2011 only a small Wythenshawe Guild remained with 18 registered members. The nearest Women's Guild is in Runcorn. Woodcraft Folk carry on and the South Manchester Members Group now fulfil what would have been guild activity.

Links :
Co-operative Women's Guild

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You can email : coop AT biffadigital.org with any information that will help in the making of this history.