One of our volunteers has been looking at the songbooks which are in our collections and has written the following post. 

As is traditional in different groups, faith, community or protest based...song and the pursuit of unification through music has a strong history in the co-operative movement. Songs have been used at Congresses and meetings, in societies and social events to help unite people by providing a sense of togetherness.

The National Co-operative Archive has materials and publications by various societies and affiliated groups. These include songbooks from the Women's Guild, Educational Committees of the Co-operative Union and Youth representation. Although serving the same purpose, some were tailored to appeal to specific audiences.

    

The song books included a foreword stating the importance of the songs and the aim and objectives of the society that produced it. They also often included background information about the society, how and why the songs were chosen, as well as practical advice for how to use the song books.

 “There is a good chance that people who sing together or play together will be inspired to work together.”

The Co-operative Fellowship Song Book

Songs for Co-operative Youths. Co-operative Heritage Trust

“[…] In the choice of Songs, the Committee have been guided by two main considerations: first, the requirements of the ordinary Social Gathering; secondly, the requirements of Propogandist Committees.”

The Co-operative Fellowship Song Book

Songs for the holidaymakers

The Co-operative Holidays Association originated in 1891 when church minister T.A Leonard took a small party from his congregation on a walking holiday to the Lake District. After several more successful excursions, it was formally constituted a society with Leonard as the Secretary. It continued to expand into the 20th Century with an emphasis on daily walks, evening social activities such as singing and a philosophy of social inclusion and revitalization.

By 1913, Leonard felt the CHA had become too middle class and he wanted to attract more working people, so the Holiday Fellowship was formed where singing was still important to keep the walking pace and feel inclusive- so it didn't matter if you couldn't sing well, as long as you joined in!

The foreword in the fellowship booklet had a more unusual tone to get this important message across!

“It is believed that all hymns and songs in this book are not only worthy of inclusion but are worth singing and if one is announced that is not known don’t shut up like an oyster and begin to turn over the leaves of your book with audible rustlings; just listen to it and try to pick it up, even if mistakes are made; maybe, before long there will be a request for that very song.”

Songs of Faith, Nature and Fellowship – The Cooperative Holidays Association and The Holiday Fellowship

Page from 'Summer Holidays in Wharfedale', 1925

Although the tone may seem slightly aggressive at first, it can also be seen as comical and affectionately illustrating the approach and style of the society. Comedic style was often embraced in co-op literature and a more informal tone was less hierarchical and in line with the spirit of co-operation.

England, Arise! Songs for Co-operators. 

The types of songs included vary in the songbooks but generally include similar songs to “England, Arise” a socialist marching song written by Edward Carpenter

Although usually only the lyrics are provided, the tune is given of a well-known song to make it more accessible to members and re-enforced by local dialect in some editions.

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Songs and readings for Co-operators.

The inclusion of such literature in the movement can be seen in the wider context of protest songs and music

"The Educational Committee of the Co-operative Union have observed the growing number of Choral Classes and Glee Clubs which are formed in connection with Co-operative Societies, and the need that exists for a Co-operator’s Song Book. Just as music and song lessen the toil of the long night march, so the contents of this little book may 'strengthen the wavering'."