Fenwick Weavers' Society
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The Fenwick Weavers' Society was a professional association created in the town of Fenwick, East Ayrshire, Scotland in the 1760s (some sources say 1761, others 1769). The original purpose of the society was to foster high standards in the weaving craft, but activities later expanded to include collective purchasing of bulk food items and books. The latter resulted in the creation of the Fenwick Library in 1808.
This practice of collective purchasing for the benefit of members has led many to consider Fenwick Weavers' Society the first co-operative.
[edit] References
- Crawford, John. "The community library in Scottish history." 68th IFLA Council and General Conference, August 18-24, 2002.
- East Ayrshire Council tourism website
- Carrell, Severin. "Strike Rochdale from the record books. The Co-op began in Scotland", The Guardian, August 7, 2007
NOTE: Fenwick Weavers Society was founded in 1761. In 1769 this society established a co-op for the benefits of members. - From Frank Beattie, journalist, historian and author.
