International Year of Co-operatives
Back to the start
The co-operative movement was started by 28 men – the Rochdale
Pioneers in 1844 who opened the first co-op store on Toad Lane
selling basic products such as butter, sugar, flour and
oatmeal.
The Pioneers’ way of doing business was different. It was based
on a set of values including honesty, openness, self-help and
equality. They returned a share of the profits to customers and
loyal customers had an equal say in how the business was run.
Those principles spread across the world and 800 million people
in over 100 countries are now members of co-ops. In the UK there
are more than 5,500 co-operatives with a turnover of more than £30
billion.
The International Year of Co-operatives is underway!
Rochdale, the World Capital of Co-operatives, is hosting events
across the borough throughout 2012 in celebration. People from
around the globe will be visiting the borough in recognition of the
Rochdale Pioneers who, in 1844, laid down the principles along
which the Co-operative Movement was formed.
The coming year will see the borough celebrate its unique role
in the Co-operative Movement with everything from activities
symbolising our co-operative heritage and our status as a Fairtrade
Borough through to a summer of sport, music, entertainment and
competitions.
Fairtrade
The Co-operative Movement is at the heart of promoting fair
trade, making sure producers get a fair deal. Rochdale is a
Fairtrade Borough and in this special year we will be working with
the Fairtrade Foundation to spread the word and make sure everyone
knows what they can do to make a difference. There will be
activities and events in schools and in Fairtrade Fortnight (27
February – 11 March) we will be welcoming a tea producer from the
Kibagenge Co-operative in Kenya to share his experience of fair
trade.
Enjoy Fairtrade food!
Our primary schools have been developing recipes using fairly
traded ingredients. You can enjoy the fruits of their labour during
Fairtrade Fortnight at special events at Hopwood Hall College.
The hospitality and catering students along with Cottons
Restaurant will be serving the recipes up on:
- Tuesday 28 February 12pm – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
- Thursday 8 March 2011 – 12pm – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
To find out more and book your place call the college’s Cottons
Restaurant on 01706 345346 (ext 2238).
Co-operative activities at Touchstones Arts and Heritage
Centre
Throughout the year there will be a Co-operative exhibition at
Touchstones Rochdale as well as a series of activities including
talks and craft sessions. There will also be ‘Co-op Fun-Tastic’ on
20 October, 11am-2pm. A fun-filled day of family friendly arts and
craft activities on a co-operative theme. Throughout August
Touchstones Rochdale and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum will be
delivering fun arts and crafts sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays.
Fancy finding out about our heritage?
The Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane, in the building where
the Rochdale Pioneers opened their first co-op store, will reopen
after extensive refurbishment and improvements.
Co-operative trails
Throughout the year there will be the opportunity to join Blue
Badge guides on walks to find out more about the borough’s
co-operative heritage.
Rochdale town centre has a fascinating, rich heritage and you
can find out all about it by following our town centre trail. You
can do it on your own.
Or join one of our Blue Badge Guided Walks on 16 or 17 March,
Easter Saturday (7 April) and then on various dates, one per week,
from 5 May to 28 September. From late May onwards these walks will
give an opportunity to visit the re-opened Pioneers Museum as part
of the walk (subject to operating schedule at the Museum). These
walks are free. Book via Rochdale Tourist information
Centre on 01706 924928.