Seeds of Change Project Co-operative Education in Huddersfield What was co-operative education like in Huddersfield? I recently gave a talk to the Huddersfield Local History Society on the Co-operative College, and co-operative education in Huddersfield. The talk was in conjunction with my current project, Seeds of Change, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to catalogue the Co-operative College Collection. I thought I’d turn my findings into a blog post on Huddersfield co-operative education. Giving my talk to Huddersfield Local History Society, Nov 2025 The question of education has always been considered an important one by co-operators all over the world; the enthusiasts nearly always incorporated in their plans some scheme for the education of their members or member's children. They recognised that unless their members had knowledge and vision their progress would be hindered. Education has been a co-operative principle since the Rochdale Pioneers opened their store in December 1844. The original plan of the Rochdale Pioneers included a clause expressing their intention to arrange the powers of “production, distribution, education and government”. James Smithies, born and educated in Huddersfield and one of the original pioneers, held special classes for children who paid 2 pence per week to learn reading and writing. The Huddersfield Industrial Society was founded in 1860, and from the very start, education was on the agenda. Just two months after its formation, profits from the sale of The Co-operator were earmarked for a newsroom fund - a small but significant step toward learning and information sharing. The Co-operator was Dr. William King's periodical, in which he promoted co-operative study and self-improvement. Under the magazine's title ran the words: "Knowledge and Union are Power: Power, directed by Knowledge is happiness: Happiness is the end of Creation". Greenside Branch of Huddersfield Industrial Society c.1900 (NCRS/2/22/2/1) Systematic provision for education, however, took time. For years, members who understood its importance tried to persuade the majority to allocate a fixed share of profits for this purpose. These efforts repeatedly failed—not because members opposed education outright, but because they preferred occasional, modest contributions rather than a regular commitment. That changed in July 1892, when members agreed—almost unanimously—that 1% of net profits should go toward an educational fund to promote instruction, culture, and recreation. It was a turning point. By May 1893, the committee opened Huddersfield’s first Public Free Reading Room on Albion Street, complete with a conversation room. A lending library followed in August 1894, and by early 1895, it had become hugely popular, boasting around 1,000 borrowers. Within a year, three branch reading rooms were added at Mirfield, Kirkheaton, and Outlane. The 1895 Co-operative Congress praised the Society’s efforts: “The reading room is now more accessible… both rooms being highly appreciated… The library now numbers some 800 or 900 volumes… Such has been the success that the hours hitherto deemed sufficient are now totally inadequate.” Co-op Congress Report 1895 (Co-operative Heritage Trust) Education continued to grow. In January 1900, the first children’s class in co-operation was launched. By 1904, six classes were running across branches enrolling over 400 children. In May 1907, new premises opened on Princess Street featuring a library, reading room, committee room, and lecture hall—a major upgrade from Albion Street. The Society even encouraged excellence through awards. Gold and silver medals were given for the best exam papers by under-16s in the North Western Section of the Co-operative Union. In 1908, Huddersfield proudly won four out of five medals. Children’s examination paper, 1898 (Co-operative Heritage Trust) While preparing for my talk, I came across a fascinating find: the 1949–1950 session programme for the Education Department of the Huddersfield Industrial Society. It offers a wonderful snapshot of the educational activities taking place at the time and the sheer variety is impressive. Huddersfield Industrial Co-operative Society Education Department Programme 1949-50 (Co-operative Retail Services (Northern Region), NCRS/2/23/2/1, Co-operative Heritage Trust) Classes and Talks Between You and Me – a weekly discussion on current events Our Story – a class for young co-operators aged 11–15 Lectures and Schools The programme featured day schools, one-day schools, and weekend residential schools—often in partnership with organisations like the Workers’ Educational Association, trade unions, other co-operative societies, and Huddersfield College. One residential school at Tong Hall, arranged with the National Council of Labour Colleges, included two lectures followed by student-led discussions—both educational and socially enriching. Film Shows A series of “lecturette” films, the kind rarely seen in commercial cinemas, were shown in collaboration with the Women’s Co-operative Guild. Admission was free and open to all. Youth Engagement The Co-operative Youth Club welcomed members aged 15–21, aiming to prepare young people to take an active role in community life. Arts and Culture Theatre and choir activities were popular, including competitive festivals and full-length plays. Learning by Post For those unable to attend in person, tuition by post covered subjects such as co-operation, English, arithmetic, business methods, geography, economics, civics, and sociology. Professional Training Courses were offered for junior and senior sales staff, branch managers, and office employees. Specialist training covered grocery, dairy, butchery, drapery, footwear, furnishing, and hardware departments, alongside bookkeeping and secretarial skills. Fees were modest and students who completed 75% of lessons had their fees refunded. Scholarships and Summer Schools Scholarships provided full-time study at the Co-operative College covering accommodation, tuition, and personal expenses for both members and employees. Summer schools were also arranged by the Co-operative Union at venues like Bangor, Stanford Hall, Tong Hall, Dalston Hall, and Collington Rise. Tong Hall Comparable in spirit to Stanford Hall, which served as the Co-operative College’s residential base, Tong Hall was Huddersfield Co-operative Society’s first dedicated youth centre. Tong Hall, 1946-1948 (Co-operative Youth Centres Photographs, X54/1, Co-operative Heritage Trust) Established in 1943, these centres were designed to mirror the growing network of residential youth facilities across the country. Their purpose was simple yet powerful: to give young people a place to meet, learn, and enjoy activities together under the guidance of experienced staff. Eventually, the Co-operative movement opened centres at Tong Hall near Huddersfield, Dalston Hall near Carlisle, Collington Rise at Bexhill-on-Sea, and Losehill Hall in Derbyshire creating spaces for education and community life. Tong Hall was the pioneer. Purchased for £7,500 in June 1944 from the Huddersfield Industrial Society, it officially opened on 20 May 1944. From that moment it became a hub for youth engagement and co-operative learning in the region. Activities included handicrafts, storytelling, percussion band, debates, photography, first aid, dress making, cookery and organising plays such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The movement would continue up until the eventual sale of each property. Snow White & The Seven Dwarves at Tong Hall, 1946-1948 (Co-operative Youth Centres Photographs, X54/1, Co-operative Heritage Trust) The Huddersfield co-operative societies played a pivotal role in shaping education in the area. From the earliest reading rooms and lending libraries to children’s classes and cultural activities, the Huddersfield Industrial Society stood among the first to champion educational initiatives locally. These efforts reflected a broader principle that has defined the co-operative movement since its inception; education is key. Manage Cookie Preferences