Opening of the Industrial Cooperative Society Building October 1906
The Industrial Cooperative Society building was purchased by the adjoining St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on the Quay in 1979 and demolition began in October 1980 (Tony Woolrich, ‘St Joseph’s on the Quay‘, 2020)
Additional Notes
Bridgwater Mercury 1903
DEATH OF MR. L. CATLEY
We regret to record the death of Mr. Levi Catley, manager of the Bridgwater Industrial Co-operative Stores, which sad event took place in the Bristol Royal Hospital on Wednesday evening last. The deceased, who was only thirty-two years of age, had been in ill-health for some time past; and proceeded to Bristol on Monday week for the purpose of undergoing an operation for an internal complaint. He was visited on Wednesday evening by his wife, when about half-past seven he expired in her presence somewhat suddenly. The sad news was received with great regret in Bridgwater, especially among the members of the Co-operative Society, among whom Mr. Catley was greatly esteemed, he having held the post of manager for the past seven years, during which the society has flourished exceedingly, removing to their present commodious premises in Eastover. Deceased leaves a widow and four young children, for whom heartfelt sympathy is expressed. The funeral took place on Saturday, in Bristol.
Bridgwater Mercury July 1904
BRIDGWATER CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY: CHILDREN’S TREAT
On Saturday afternoon the children of parents connected with the Bridgwater Co-operative Society had their annual treat, and, as usual, the affair was a great success. About three o’clock the hundreds of children, neatly and prettily attired, assembled at the eastern end of the town, and, headed by the B. A. Christy Band, marched in procession to the Malt Shovel football field. Their progress through the streets of the town created much attention, for, in addition to the largeness of the number of children composing the procession, and which was suggestive of the strength of the Co-operative movement in the town, the whole length of the string of merry youngsters was dotted with pretty banners and flags. Prizes were offered for the best banners, etc., and this doubtless accounted for the unusual display of flags, etc. A maypole, accompanied by a number of little maypole-dancers, was quite a feature of the procession. On reaching the fete field there were endless amusements for the children, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After tea, which was of the usual sumptuous character, a lengthy and varied sports programme was gone through. The entries were large and the events many, but with characteristic despatch the officials had the races run off in excellent time. The events were keenly contested, and favourites were enthusiastically cheered by the critical crowd of children. At dusk the happy proceedings concluded, the opinion being expressed that the event was the most successful arranged by the society.
Western Daily Press 08 October 1906
“On Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a large crowd of members and friends, the new central premises of the Bridgwater Co-operative Society were formally opened by the president (Mr H. Attwell). tea was subsequently held in the Town Hall, and in the same building a concert took place in the evening.”
A scrapbook relating to the Bridgwater Industrial Co-operative Society, 1891-1913, is held by the Somerset Heritage Centre A\DPM (not yet consulted).
Any further information on this building and organisation would be very gratefully received.