"More Than Just a Shop"

Today's speaker was Gillian Lonergan from the Co-operative Heritage Trust Rochdale who spoke on "More than just a shop".

She gave an audio visual presentation describing and depicting the work of the archives and the history of the Co-op from its concept by the Rochdale pioneers in 1844.

The CWS developed over the years recruiting members, establishing stores, improving food quality and even education and housing.

She showed 2 films and said there are currently 6,323 co-operatives in the UK. She also answered questions from members.