Travel through time on the Ripley Heritage Trail

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 14/02/2024

Central Co-op is inviting locals to travel in time through Ripley’s vibrant past by taking part in the Ripley Co-operative Heritage Trail. The trail will be running from 11am on the 15th of February until 14th of April – providing great family fun right through to Easter half term and beyond.

Participants will be transported from the humble origins of the first Ripley Co-operative in 1860, right through to its triumphant reign over Ripley town centre in the late 20th century.

Those following the trail can learn all about Ripley’s rich co-operative history, including the opening of Ripley Zoo, and listen to recordings of local people sharing stories of co-op shops, colourful characters, unforgettable events and everyday life that thrived in Ripley. Simply follow the map, find the trail signs and scan the QR codes to unlock their stories, available to listen to either while on the trail or at home.

Trail maps can be collected from local Central Co-op stores, the Ripley Town Council office or the local library. Upon completing the trail and handing in the map with completed word game into a Ripley Central Co-op shop, participants will be able to claim a free instant coffee, tea or juice.

For those who struggle with getting around, the Ripley co-operative heritage trail is also online for people to follow and listen to local stories all from the comfort of their home.

At midday on the 15th February, refreshments will be available at Ripley’s Central Co-op café on Derby Road to celebrate the opening of the trail. The initiative has been supported by Ripley Town Council, Ripley & District Heritage Trust and Central Co-op with the aim of bringing old stories and memories of the town alive.

For further information on Central Co-op’s initiatives, head to the Central Co-op website, or find on socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found on the Membership site. 

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