Markfield’s Central Co-op celebrates 155 years of community service with historical exhibition
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 05/11/2024
This November marks a milestone for the Central Co-op shop in Markfield, which celebrates an incredible 155 years of service to the local community. To commemorate this momentous anniversary, Central Co-op’s Member and Community Council has organised a historical exhibition in the store from the 1st of November, running for approximately two weeks.
The exhibition, designed to honour Markfield’s rich co-operative heritage, features a timeline of historical events and memorabilia including vintage receipts, trading records and photographs. Visitors are also invited to contribute to a memory book, capturing their own stories and reflections on the co-operative’s role in village life.
The story of the co-operative movement began with the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844 – 180 years ago this year, and Markfield’s own journey started in 1869 with the establishment of the Markfield Co-operative Society. This local chapter of the movement later joined the Coalville Society in 1920 and became part of the Leicestershire Co-operative Society in 1969. After various mergers, the shop now operates as Central Co-op, continuing a proud legacy of co-operative ownership and community support.
The longstanding co-operative tradition of the twice-yearly ‘divi’ (or dividend) payment was essential for many Markfield families, making their co-op purchases meaningful contributions to household budgets. Central Co-op has maintained this spirit of shared benefit today through its modern Member’s card, which entitles Central Co-op Members to exclusive offers and annual Share of the Profits dividend payment - continuing the heritage of giving back.
A rich archive of Markfield Co-op’s past, including references from historical directories and newspaper clippings, reveals its evolution over the decades. The shop, which once offered everything from drapery and butchery to grocery items, holds memories of the dedicated community members who served Markfield.
Central Co-op’s roots as a Membership-led Society are still prevalent today. For £1, anyone can join and become a Member, enjoying profit-sharing benefits, exclusive Members prices and a say in how the Society is run.
A tribute to Markfield’s past and present, this exhibition is a reminder of Central Co-op’s lasting commitment to service and community. For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/ or visit socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.
ENDS
For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk
Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004