text: Denis Kilcommons: A cuppa that celebrated the local Co-op - Denis Kilcommons - YorkshireLive
  A teapot that was probably used for a brew to soothe nerves when war was declared in 1939, and to mark its end in 1945
  The Kirkheaton Co-op teapot which belongs to Margaret Brier, of Linthwaite
  What do the English do in times of stress or celebration?
  They put the kettle on for tea. But how about a cuppa made in a teapot that is more than 80 years old?
  This is one that was probably used for a brew to soothe nerves when war was declared in 1939, and to mark its end in 1945, not to mention family gatherings, coronations and royal weddings. This is a teapot with history.
  It belongs to old friend Margaret Brier, of Linthwaite, and is one of the commemorative pewter teapots that were given to customers of Kirkheaton Co-op to mark its centenary in 1934.
  According to Dave Whitworth of Mount, members also got a hamper of groceries, but they are long gone.
  Margaret says: "The teapot has been well used by my grandparents and aunts but it could still make a good cuppa."
  On the side it says: K C S Ltd1834-1934 and underneath it's stamped: English hammered pewter890B.
  Geoff Lumb, of Cowlersley, has a milk jug that would go with it perfectly: another commemorative item that celebrated Scapegoat Hill Co-op's Golden Jubilee in 1930, that was obtained by his mother.
  Amongst all these co-operative memories, I used a photograph last week of the mocked-up Co-op in Netherthong that was used in First Of The Summer Wine. The BBC did such a good job I thought it was the original village Co-op but that was in Towngate.
  The excellent History of Netherthong website says: "The filming took place in the grocers shop/post office in Giles Street, which had been converted into a Co-op, as filming at the real Co-op in Towngate would have caused serious traffic problems."
  For authenticity the production crew had rubber cobbles made, cast from the real thing, which were unrolled in the street.
  The web site adds: "They were dressed with dirt and horse manure but, when the actors walked on them, they squeaked (the cobbles not the actors) and the sound of footsteps had to be added later."