The Rochdale Pioneers Museum will host a commemorative event on 21 December to mark the 176th anniversary of the co-operative store set up by the Rochdale pioneers.
The commemoration will be live-streamed by the Co-operative Heritage Trust, which runs the museum. The trust is asking co-operators from the UK and across the world to join in the celebration by lighting their own candles as they watch a livestream.
The event will feature the reading a passage from George Jacob Holyoake’s description of the original opening night, followed by a ceremonial lighting of a candle in the front shop window at 8pm.
Currently seen as the birthplace of the modern day co-operative movement, Rochdale welcomed its first co-operative store in 1844 when a group of 28 locals set up Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.
Since then their model has inspired groups all over the world, who set up their own co-operatives.
More information about the event is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/864919107660602/
