Keith Turton's Private Owner wagon's in Warwickshire

Photograph Reference: kt622

Lockhurst Lane Co-operative Society Ltd, Foleshill, Private Owner Wagon No 15.

LOCKHURST LANE CO-OP

The Lockhurst Lane Co-op was one of many in industrial areas which were founded virtually in the canteen of a local mill, factory or even a railway engine shed. It's origins date back to 1832 in the ribbon trade, pre-dating the generally recognised birth of the Co-operative Movement in Rochdale by 12 years. It survived independently till 1968 when it was merged with that of Coventry.

Four wagons were purchased from the Gloucester RC&WCo in 1912. Each wagon measured 15'6" x 6'11" x 4'0" with seven planks and side doors, painted chocolate with white letters shaded black and black vertical ironwork. They were registered by the Midland Railway These are the only wagons known to have been operated by the Co-op, despite the running number (the series ran from 15 to 18).

Although the Co-op was in close proximity to the Warwickshire coalfield pits around Coventry and Nuneaton, the preferred source was the Arley Colliery, between Nuneaton and Washwood Heath on the Midland Railway.

Keith Turton

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