On 5th June 1875, the Ten Acres & Stirchley Co-operative Society opened their first shop on Hazelwell Street, a few doors up from where Stirchley Baths now stands.  Over the next century, TASCOS as it was affectionately known grew to be one of the largest businesses in the district with shops, a bakery, laundry, transport department and even a plant nursery.

Alongside the trading business, the society played a significant part in the cultural and political life of the area.  Members included Mary Cottrell, who became a pioneering woman councillor and took a leading position in the Co-operative Movement nationally, commemorated with a blue plaque on the high street, and the annual International Co-op Day Parade to Cotteridge Park was in some ways a forerunner of today’s Cocomad Festival.

The legacy of that mutual endeavour can be seen in various buildings across Stirchley and the story comes right up to date with the fight to secure the Stirchley Co-operative Development, and the various worker and housing co-ops in Stirchley today.

This guided walking tour, starting from Stirchley Baths, will include some of the more and less well known co-op buildings.  It should take approximately 45 minutes.  The route is fairly flat and on pavements so wheelchair users are welcome.  Sensible shoes are advised!  The walk will finish at Attic Brewery’s tap room where refreshments will be available.

How to get there:
The 45/47 buses stop outside the Co-op Funeral home and Morrisons on Pershore Road, and Bournville station is a 5 minute walk up Bournville Lane.

Organised by Birmingham Co-op history Group