| Administrative History | Chester Co-operative Society was established in 1884. A number of special committees and social groups were established. In 1923 a Benevolent Fund was formed to help sick and convalescent members. An Education Committee was formed in 1898 to promote the education of both members and employees. A Women's Guild was formed in 1919 and a Sports and Social Club was established. The first grocery shop opened in Black Diamond Street and a branch shop was opened in Watergate Street in 1885. In 1905, the Society's premises in Foregate Street were developed into a department store. A café was opened in Foregate Street in the 1930s and a pharmacy was opened in Frodsham Street in 1939. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Society expanded, opening many new branches outside Chester. In 1967, the Chester Co-operative Society was taken over by the Birkenhead Co-operative Society and in 1984, the Foregate Street store was closed. |