Co-Op Parade

Footage of the 75th Anniversary Parade of the Co-operative Society in Colchester.

This inter-war footage highlights the social significance of the local Co-operative movement. The parade includes CWS (Co-operative Wholesale Society) floats, horse-drawn wagons and vans, delivery boys on bicycles. There are decorated motor vans with signs in the High Street. Tram lines and cables are clearly visible. A charabanc leads the procession on its way to the recreation ground. A crowd of adults and children watch the parade pass, and there are closer views of all the vehicles.

Featured Events

75th Anniversary Parade of Co-operative Society

Keywords

Co-operative Wholesale Society; Parades

Background Information

The following information is from www.arcs.co.uk (Anglia Regional Co-operative Society): "Many people believe that the Co-operative movement is a single large national organisation. The fact is that the Co-operative movement is made up of many separate and independent societies albeit they share the same common belief in certain values and principles with the shared objective of serving their members. "The Rochdale Pioneers, formed by a group of Lancashire Weavers, are credited with starting the first successful Retail Co-operative Society in 1844, although there had been earlier attempts to do so. The Rochdale Pioneers opened a shop in Toad Lane, Rochdale, selling unadulterated food at reasonable prices. They also introduced a dividend that meant customers became members of the Society and received a dividend based on their purchases. 'In 1844 the Rochdale Pioneers formed what is recognised as the first successful Retail Co-operative Society.' "By 1890 the tremendous efforts of ordinary men and women had resulted in the formation of over 1400 Co-operative Societies across the length and breadth of the country. Over the last century many of these Societies merged to create larger more efficient businesses. "The Rochdale model was used by most Societies. Anglia Society covers a good deal of the country and although the Headquarters are in Peterborough, it is the amalgamation of many Societies..."