Barnsley Museums needs people’s help to build up a collection of objects, photographs and memories relating to all aspects of the Barnsley Co-op, including co-op shopping bags, dividend (divi) cards and shopping receipts.

Whether residents worked, shopped or took their children to see Father Christmas in the much-loved store, the museum would like to hear from everyone who has a tale to tell.

Cllr Roy Miller, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for Place, said: "The collection will give people a fascinating glimpse into the borough’s social history. The Co-op was an important part of many people’s lives and was a well-loved institution. I’ve no doubt that people will come forward with their objects and memories so that the stories of the Co-op will be recorded for future generations to enjoy."

A special drop-in afternoon has been organised at Experience Barnsley on Friday 24 October from 2pm to 4pm for people to bring along their objects and find out more about this project.

People willing to kindly loan or donate their items to the museum, or who would like to attend the event, are asked to contact Jemma Conway by emailing jemmaconway@barnsley.gov.uk.

[quote=Cllr Roy Miller, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for Place]"The Co-op was an important part of many people’s lives and was a well-loved institution."[/quote]

This exciting project, Service Please! Digitisation and display of the Barnsley British Co-operative Society Archives, focuses on the Barnsley British Co-operative Society archive held in Barnsley Archives, which will be catalogued and digitised, enabling the collections to be accessible to the public for the first time. It has been made possible by £43,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Further information

Jemma Conway, Community Heritage Curator at Barnsley Arts, Museums and Archives on tel: 01226 787 771 or email: jemmaconway@barnsley.gov.uk