Western

Birmingham Co-op History Group Fairtrade Talk with Debbie Robinson

On Tuesday, 2 March the Birmingham Co-op History Group hosted a special talk with the CEO of Central England Co-op Debbie Robinson. Debbie has an extensive history with Fairtrade and the nearly 30 people attending on the Zoom call were excited to learn about it. As the meeting was held

Southern

Double Celebration for International Women's Day

The Southern Membership & Community Council held an online International Women's Day event on Monday, 8 March 2021 for both members and colleagues. This year's theme was "Choose to Challenge" and we were delighted that our CEO Debbie Robinson, President Jane Avery and Vice-President

Fairtrade in the East

Cubs were tasked with creating their own fairtrade bunting!The Eastern MCC along with the manager of our Mulbarton store delivered Fairtrade workshops to over 500 people during Fairtrade fortnight. Mulbarton manager- Jamie Twell is also a Scout Leader in his spare time and caused a wave of interest in

Southern

Fairtrade Fortnight - 22nd February - 7th March 2021

Usually, during Fairtrade Fortnight, we are in schools most days delivering our Fairtrade assemblies or workshops.  This year has been a little different but we have still managed to educate over 250 children in the region about Fairtrade and what's behind the label.  This was via on-line workshops

Southern

Hygiene Bank Boost at Market Harborough Store

Members and customers who shop at our Market Harborough Store have been very generous in supporting the Hygiene Bank, since we launched it in store last year.  Here is what Judy, Co-ordinator for the Hygiene Bank, had to say:- "Today I spent £150 of your very generous donation

Western

Fairtrade donations to 'Hit the Spot'

As we are well into the first week of Fairtrade Fortnight, the Western MCC made 2 donations to local causes with Fairtrade goodies. Below is a picture of some Fairtrade Chocolate and Co-op biscuites that have been donated to the Covid Test Team volunteers working from the site at Burton

International Women's Day - Monday 8th March 2021

The Southern Membership & Community Council are pleased to invite women to our International Women's Event which is taking place via zoom on Monday 8th March 2021 from 3pm-5pm.  This year's theme is "Choose to Challenge" and we have four bitesize inspirational presentations from:

Community

Thousands of children to be reached with Fairtrade message during Fairtrade Fortnight

Central England Co-op is set to talk about the importance of Fairtrade to thousands of children as they provide a range of exciting content during two weeks of celebrations. The retailer will be hosting virtual workshops and supplying schools with home learning materials across the communities it serves to help

Western

Co-operatives and Fairtrade: A Shared History

On the 2nd March you're invited to join member of Birmingham Co-op History Group and Central England Co-op's Chief Executive, Debbie Robinson, on-line to explore the story of how Co-operatives in the UK and around the world have supported, shaped and enabled the growth of the

Community

Free home delivery for members in effort to ease the impact of lockdown

Members get free delivery bonus

Community

Lifesaving frontline NHS heroes in Leicester boosted by donation of 1,000 bottles of water

Our Southern MCC support project donating refreshments to frontline NHS workers in Leicester

Southern

New Strategy for MCC's

During December and January, lots of on-line meetings and planning events have been taking place to review our Membership & Community Strategy.  Some of our key themes have been adapted, and agreed by the Board, and with a little bit of tweaking, the Southern MCC have a new plan to

On-Line Co-op Courses Return for the New Year

We are pleased that students have returned for the Winter term with the continuation of on-line tutorials. Our tutors have been nothing short of amazing as they have adapted to a very different way of teaching by continuing to support students with improving their skills, and more importantly creating a

Western

2020... What a Year!

As we have entered 2021 the Western Membership and Community Council(MCC) wanted to look back and reflect on some highlights of 2020, and how through a global pandemic we were still able to help support our members in our community. As we entered 2020 the Western MCC had lots

Western

MCC Chair Shaz reviews 2020

"As Chair of the Western MCC I can say that 2020 was a year that did not turn out the way we expected it to. We had big plans that had to be cancelled. From January to March 2020 we continued with our normal plan. We attended events and

Langley Bread donations

The Eastern MCC supported the Langley Bread group of widows in St Ives this week with supplies to enable the members to carry on baking through lockdown. The Mayor was present at the store to show support for the group.

Northern

Local support for schools

MCC member, Joanna assisted with sorting a donation of food for schools as they break up for the holidays.  it was great to support them and thank the students and teachers for all their support and how they have all managed during these difficult times.

Northern

Shoe box appeal in Huthwaite

MCC member Becci and Craig from Huthwaite Store/Garage have responded to the Shoe Box Appeal in Huthwaite to help people receive gifts over the Christmas period.  The Committee provided vouchers so that some 'fun' items could also go into the boxes along with some essential items.

Northern

Refugee support

The Northern Membership & Community Council agreed to support a donation of hygiene products for the Upbeat Community in Derby.  The care packages were delivered to refugees in Derby.  This also resulted in more people signing up for the English lessons, which was a fantastic way to get people more

Northern

Fantastic response for the Toy Appeal

Many thanks to our colleagues at Terry Smiths and the Ripley Store for the amount of toys collected for the Society's Toy Appeal.  All the toys will be sent to Santa in order that they can be sorted for children in hospitals over the Christmas period.

Northern

Great to be trading back in Eastwood

It is very exciting to be back trading in Eastwood.  A converted store at Hilltop has re-opened as a Central England Co-operative store. Our dancing members came along to support the store.  They have missed their Dance Group as they had to close in March due to the virus, but

Northern

Last Painting Group for the year

Our painters in Chesterfield have had to put their brushes away until the New Year.  Due to the restrictions the painters who meet at St. Thomas Church have had to stop meeting until it is safe to do so.  The Painting Group has been going for many years helping members

Northern

A re-cycling project a hit in Derby

A recycling project has proved a hit for a community group in Derby. The Society has just refurbished its Lichfield store and all the old racking and contents of the old cafe have all been recycled to support a project in Derby. The Derby Food 4 Thought project are converting

Northern

Supporting Derby University students with care packages

During covid the students either in Halls of residents or living in private residential homes have had a difficult time isolating and not being able to interact in their local community. It was agreed to support the students with some products to help them and included was some baking products

Northern

A short return for our Keep Fit Group

A social distancing return for the Keep Fit in Derby.  The members were desperate to get back to their class.  So all the appropriate measures were taken and for about 6 weeks the members were able to return.  However, when further restrictions measures were introduced it was decided that the