The Liverpool Cowkeepers’ Association came into existence on 28th September 1865, following a meeting held at the Oddfellow's Hall, St Annes Street, Liverpool. However, as the city expanded, the association's membership also expanded and this wider catchment area was recognised in 1873, when the organisation relaunched itself as 'The City of Liverpool and District Cowkeepers’ Association'. Later, in 1935, the association changed its name once more, it became: 'The Liverpool & District Dairy Farmers' Association'. Under whichever title, this organisation served its members and the people of Liverpool for over a hundred years – the association’s books eventually being closed on 25th April 1975 by the then Secretary, Mr T Hogg.
For anyone interested in the history of the Liverpool Cowkeepers, the records of their professional association would surely make fascinating reading. Certainly, at the time of researching my book, ‘Liverpool Cowkeepers’, they would have been extremely useful. Sadly, at that time and to date, said records have evaded me. If anyone does happen to know their whereabouts please do get in touch! In their absence I was able to glean something of the Association’s activities from reports in the local newspapers and from references in the records of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society and I’ve quoted from these in my book. More recently, I’ve received additional information from my readers, who have very generously provided copies of documents and images and given permission for me to reproduce them here and incorporate them into my talks.
For anyone interested in the history of the Liverpool Cowkeepers, the records of their professional association would surely make fascinating reading. Certainly, at the time of researching my book, ‘Liverpool Cowkeepers’, they would have been extremely useful. Sadly, at that time and to date, said records have evaded me. If anyone does happen to know their whereabouts please do get in touch! In their absence I was able to glean something of the Association’s activities from reports in the local newspapers and from references in the records of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society and I’ve quoted from these in my book. More recently, I’ve received additional information from my readers, who have very generously provided copies of documents and images and given permission for me to reproduce them here and incorporate them into my talks.
One such image is that shown above, depicting a group of well-dressed gentlemen. The image was kindly provided by Roy Thwaite, who told me it was a photo of members of the Liverpool Cowkeepers’ Association. It looks like this might have been taken at one of the Association’s annual cattle shows that were held in the city – in which case, the venerable gentlemen might be judges or members of the show committee. Unfortunately, their identities are unknown and the photo is undated, so there is no further information – that is, unless you know otherwise!
On the attached pages I’ve transcribed a number of articles and other documents to provide a fuller picture of the Association’s activities and in doing so, hope to add to the description of the life and times of the Liverpool Cowkeepers included in my book. I’ve deliberately chosen source material that names individuals, as I know this is of particular interest to those who, like me, have ancestors who were cowkeepers in Liverpool.
My thanks to all who have contributed material so far. If you have anything additional, I would love to hear from you.
Enjoy!
Dave
My thanks to all who have contributed material so far. If you have anything additional, I would love to hear from you.
Enjoy!
Dave