tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56478249300316497342024-03-13T01:59:15.337+00:00Withington Co-Operative PartyNews, stories and information from Withington Co-Operative Party which covers a big chunk of south Manchester...lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comBlogger427125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-75276597373141637022012-01-23T21:53:00.000+00:002012-01-23T21:53:09.935+00:00AGM AhoyIt's the AGM season and Withington Co-operative Party are holding it on<br />
<b>Wednesday 22nd February in Hardy Lane Co-op Rooms starting at 2000h</b>. <br />
<br />
As ever it is above the Co-op food shop (479 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton M21 8AG) at the junction of Hardy Lane/Mauldeth Road West and Barlow Moor Road (entrance via black door to left of shop entrance).<br />
<br />
Our guest speaker is Duncan Bowdler – who is a member of Manchester Area Committee and also a main board member of The Co-operative Group and a long standing Withington Co-op Party member.<br />
<br />
He will be talking about "2012 -Year of co-operation". 12th January saw the launch of international year of co-operatives. The United Nations has dedicated a year to celebrating our way of working. How many businesses can say that?<br />
<br />
We will have the usual AGM business and Fairtrade refreshments.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-6673507903799438172012-01-03T10:41:00.001+00:002012-01-03T10:41:00.216+00:00Co-op Values Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.co-op.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Hidden-Alternative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.co-op.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Hidden-Alternative.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>"<i>This book, entitled <b>The hidden alternative – Co-operative values past, present and future</b>, came out of a conference held in Manchester in 2009 called ‘Can values make a difference’. It is aimed at an international audience of academics, co-operative members and all those interested in the co-operative model</i>"<br />
<br />
Essentially it is eighteen essays and one of them looks interesing to those who follow left of centre politics. Entitled "‘A Party within a Party’? The Co-operative Party-Labour Party Alliance and the Formation of the Social Democratic Party, 1974-81 written David Stewart.<br />
<br />
Book launch is at Waterstones, Gower Street, London and the Eighth Day Co-operative, Manchester on Thursday 12 January 1800-1930.<br />
<br />
Link : <a href="http://www.co-op.ac.uk/2011/11/hidden-alternative-co-operative-values-past-present-future-book-launch/">Co-operative College story</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-22415111580306094972012-01-01T23:53:00.001+00:002012-01-02T17:41:21.773+00:00IYC-2012To give it the full title it's the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012. The chance to promote and celebrate the co-operative model. Why not? These opportunties don't come around many times in a lifetime.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f2teUO-UtVM" width="560"></iframe><br />
The official launch is Thursday 12th January. Actually it started months back in New York and Cancun. But hey it culminates with a big event in Manchester in the early autumn. Maybe the Co-operative Party can be part of it too.<br />
Links:<br />
<a href="http://www.co-operative.coop/2012">The Co-operative 2012</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uk.coop/2012/aboutiyc/theyear">Co-ops UK 2012</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-77328228479627254372011-11-02T22:59:00.000+00:002011-11-02T22:59:53.388+00:00New Pioneers Short Animation<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KYPe5xJAm5w" width="560"></iframe><br />
The Rochdale Pioneers story told in animation in 4 minutes. Produced by Huckleberry Films of Accrington. Even the Crumpsall Biscuit Factory, Manchester gets a mention. Films have always been central to co-operative propaganda (don't be afraid to use that word) and now in 2011 it is on the YouTube.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-30909458852700998552011-11-02T00:15:00.001+00:002011-11-02T00:17:46.276+00:00Co-operative Housing: a way to address the housing crisis?Co-operative Housing is not a big deal in the UK but it could be. European average is 15%, this island it's a mere 0.6%.<br />
<br />
Check this out, maybe even find out about the Bill currently in Parliament to change things for the easier.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday 24th November, 1830 - 2000 local time & GMT</b><br />
Committee Room 1, Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester M2 5DB<br />
<br />
Jonathan Reynolds, Labour & Co-operative MP and campaigner for Co-operative Housing Tenure - yes it his Bill in Parliament, 2nd reading in January<br />
David Rodgers, Chief Executive CDS Co-ops<br />
Cllr Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council (tbc)<br />
Chair: Cllr Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council - one of our own in Withington Co-Op Party and always speaks out on co-operative issues.<br />
<br />
A better written version is on the Co-Op Party news page <a href="http://www.party.coop/2011/11/01/event-co-operative-housing-24-november-manchester/">here</a>.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-18032854253452551262011-10-31T21:25:00.002+00:002011-10-31T21:28:14.812+00:00IYC 2012 What a year ahead<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/swfs/player.swf" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="000000" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="flashvars" value="file=specialevents/2011/iyc2011.flv&image=http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/10/full/iyoc2011.jpg&autostart=false&controlbar=over&start=0&duration=172&dock=true&stretching=uniform&streamer=rtmp://webcast-flash.un.org/ondemand/" /><embed src="http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/swfs/player.swf?file=specialevents/2011/iyc2011.flv&image=http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/10/full/iyoc2011.jpg&autostart=false&controlbar=over&start=0&duration=172&dock=true&stretching=uniform&streamer=rtmp://webcast-flash.un.org/ondemand/" width="480" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"/></object><br />
The big year for co-operatives all over the world. The UN International Year of Co-operatives 2012 and it has just started today Monday 31st October 2011.<br />
<br />
The opportunity to celebrate the universal appeal of co-operatives and the future ahead. "Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility." says the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Usually we only celebrate our history in anniversaries. <br />
<br />
But what is happening locally, and for us that means Manchester and nearby. There will be plenty of that glorious past stuff. The re-opening of the refurbished Pioneers Store & Museum, Toad Lane, Rochdale in early 2012. A Co-operative Heritage Trail: A booklet, leaflet and a map will be produced detailing key heritage sites of co-operative significance.<br />
<br />
Then there is the Passport to Co-operative Centres: Members will be able to ‘earn’ a co-operative passport that would provide information on key co-operative outlets and centres in their Region. Stamps can be collected by attending activities, visiting key co-operative centres or on line through virtual activity. Members with six stamps or more in the passport would be eligible to be entered into a prize draw. <br />
<br />
An academic conference, a big push on Fairtrade Fortnight, and the opening of the new HQ for The Co-operative in Manchester...We have some ideas ourselves for some activity and promotion in our part of the city. That's under discussion right now.<br />
<br />
The best bit is at the end of the year. That's Wednesday 31 October - Friday 2 November.<br />
"<i>Manchester will be transformed into a hive of co-operative activity, with thousands of co-operators coming from the UK and overseas to take part in the global culmination of the International Year of Co-operatives. Manchester Central's 80,000 square foot exhibition hall will take centre stage with the ICA Expo co-operative trade fair, and a full programme of exciting events and activities will run alongside, from seminars and workshops to award shows and entertainment.</i>"<br />
<br />
Links : <a href="http://www.co-operative.coop/2012">http://www.co-operative.coop/2012</a><br />
<a href="http://social.un.org/coopsyear/index.html">http://social.un.org/coopsyear/index.html</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-91852867074433385322011-10-30T10:48:00.001+00:002011-10-30T10:49:30.585+00:00Successful Meeting on Transport<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzo23/6291928983/" title="Meeting Room by lorenzo23, on Flickr"><img alt="Meeting Room" height="374" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6291928983_1d84886716.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
One of the good things about the Co-operative Party is that you can get good speakers, people who know their subject who don't mind giving up their time to answer lots of questions. Well they are not going into a bear pit of a political point scoring and private agendas. Everyone is on the same side and wants the best outcome. <br />
<br />
So it was this night, last Thursday. Room was a bit chilly on the thermometer but the atmosphere was warm. Cllr. Andrew Fender (Lab/Co-op; Old Moat Manchester) did the talk. Transport for Greater Manchester has been his subject for over 20 years. He knows his stuff. We learnt a lot. You have to go back to the Transport Act of 1985 which de-regulated transport outside of London and how the tax-paying public isn't getting the best deal. Lots of public money invested in infrastructure for heavy and light rail (metrolink) and lots of subsidy. Essentially paying private companies to make profits from a much needed public service is not an efficient economic for Britain.<br />
<br />
Usually these meetings run for just over an hour but such was the interest that it was 2200h before we finally had to close it down.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-36762307311873547652011-10-25T12:11:00.001+00:002011-10-25T12:11:00.493+00:00More of the digitalWe're on that Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/withCoopParty">http://twitter.com/#!/withCoopParty</a> or follow @WithCoopParty.<br />
<br />
There is also a mobile version of this website. That's the QR code below. What next? As it is International Year of Co-operatives 2012, and it starts at the end of October 2011 we'll be making an effort to produce some video, audio and other things for the digital world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WtHbBGL6FdHMHvOc4DwOsgoRX8nrQxkAKQ32rNH0wp4VTnpFbl25wyt7kgWlxSyz_FmjnBdWeG211zChxqDyeDOqGG0D_LECqnCrfMvqRbcK1-JxPazfnUPR2LMbsjVFk_fMOAWEHIXZ/s1600/QR+With+Coop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WtHbBGL6FdHMHvOc4DwOsgoRX8nrQxkAKQ32rNH0wp4VTnpFbl25wyt7kgWlxSyz_FmjnBdWeG211zChxqDyeDOqGG0D_LECqnCrfMvqRbcK1-JxPazfnUPR2LMbsjVFk_fMOAWEHIXZ/s200/QR+With+Coop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-89456181731930173342011-10-21T20:49:00.000+00:002011-10-21T20:49:07.888+00:00Robert Owen Co-op is on TwitterRobert Owen, the father of co-operation, might have passed over in 1858 but someone is tweeting on his behalf. Bit of irony in that late in life Robert Owen did turn to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Owen#Role_in_spiritualism">spiritualism</a> and had contact with people from an earlier past. <br />
<br />
<i>@RobertOwenCoop London</i><br />
<i>I am a social reformer. Through education, and improving the living and working conditions of all, I believe we can create a fairer and more prosperous society.</i><br />
<br />
Or maybe it really his him tweeting? Well no the National Co-operative Archive have owned up. It is a way to draw attention to Owen's thoughts on social reform, education and co-operation to a 21st Century audience.<br />
<br />
Here are the links<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/RobertOwenCoop">http://twitter.com/#!/RobertOwenCoop</a><br />
<a href="http://www.co-op.ac.uk/our-heritage/national-co-operative-archive/">http://www.co-op.ac.uk/our-heritage/national-co-operative-archive/</a><br />
<br />
Ed Mayo Secretary General of Co-operatives UK clearly knows his Robert Owen. He recently wrote a concise article for Co-op News 14th October. The echoes of Robert Owen are in the current free schools movement. If you are interested it's worth a shufti at- <a href="http://www.thenews.coop/article/children-know-co-operation-lets-keep-it-way">http://www.thenews.coop/article/children-know-co-operation-lets-keep-it-way</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-50965565300106836772011-10-18T18:34:00.000+00:002011-10-18T18:34:01.304+00:00End Legal LoansharkingManchester City Council has passed a motion condemning ‘legal loan sharks’ and promoting credit unions. It was proposed, seconded and supported by Labour / Co-operative Councillors, members of this branch. Although this doesn't change anything it does give support to the <a href="http://www.endlegalloansharks.org.uk/">End Legal Loansharking campaign</a>. It's a serious issue for people with a poor credit rating who have to pay interest rates of 2,000 percent and consequently get deeper in debt. Essentially the poorest have to pay the most for credit. It is not just cash loans it is easy-term catalogue shopping, or forced to use meter cards for electricity & gas. But that is an another issue, part of the bigger picture of no credit rating then you pay over the odds. Definately a need for further development of credit unions.<br />
<br />
<i>Notes and welcomes the UK-wide campaign to end ‘legal loan sharking’.<br />
<br />
Believes that the lack of access to affordable credit is socially and economically damaging. Unaffordable credit is causing a myriad of unwanted effects such as poorer diets, colder homes, rent, council tax and utility arrears, depression (which impacts on job seeking behaviour) and poor health.<br />
<br />
Further notes that unaffordable credit is extracting wealth from the most deprived communities.<br />
<br />
Believes it is the responsibility of all levels of government to try to ensure affordable credit for all, and therefore pledges to use best practice to promote financial literacy and affordable lending. This will help to ensure that wealth stays in the local economy. We also pledge to promote credit unions in<br />
Manchester, community based organisations offering access to affordable credit and promoting saving.<br />
<br />
Calls on the government to introduce caps on the total lending rates that can be charged for providing credit.<br />
<br />
Calls on the government to give local authorities the power to veto licences for high street credit agencies where they could have negative economic or social impacts on communities.<br />
<br />
Signed: Councillors Sue Murphy (proposer), Kevin Peel (seconder), J Battle, N Murphy,<br />
Smith, Longsden<br />
<br />
Passed 12th October 2011.</i>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-8872724003735361192011-10-15T18:58:00.001+00:002011-10-15T18:58:00.850+00:00Carbon Co-op at Hardy Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm1B6r4CATAYLkchxOay8elxlvpQkJJgFGK6NARdlL963LZ926m7YtexfvMvMNyYyPr4TXGnAQ2HeOk7mT6WgbqsAB_nFt2jMySNIekOK1nd-yLucU39pbXtl3uU5amHgQwpT0Gl-Rm5c/s1600/PeoplesRepublicEnergy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm1B6r4CATAYLkchxOay8elxlvpQkJJgFGK6NARdlL963LZ926m7YtexfvMvMNyYyPr4TXGnAQ2HeOk7mT6WgbqsAB_nFt2jMySNIekOK1nd-yLucU39pbXtl3uU5amHgQwpT0Gl-Rm5c/s320/PeoplesRepublicEnergy.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>South Manchester Co-op Members Group meeting open to all members of The Co-operative, not just the Co-op Party in South Manchester.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday 9th November 2011 at 1930h Hardy Lane Co-op Rooms</b><br />
The Guest speaker will be Nigel Rose on “The Carbon Co-op and Chorlton refurbishment group”. The Carbon Co-op aims to <i>"make it simple, cheap and easy for households, streets and neighbourhoods to come together to retrofit their houses through the purchase of low-carbon and energy-saving equipment.</i>"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://carbon.coop/">Carbon Co-op</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-72400123425920331632011-10-12T21:41:00.000+00:002011-10-12T21:41:35.992+00:00Subs price hike 2011<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTW62nYCydlTinCS0y866yJiGMJw5VGKN_StdKAUsZ-aDMdA35ohKmxzEGHu7lh6o5eBIbbWjtl690EJk28C7bHFt4314wwrK1dt5LWCw4ReIjHkpBlWq8XQQxMF41CLU1kbB-UT_-CDQ/s1600/photo-794742.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662677276437074722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTW62nYCydlTinCS0y866yJiGMJw5VGKN_StdKAUsZ-aDMdA35ohKmxzEGHu7lh6o5eBIbbWjtl690EJk28C7bHFt4314wwrK1dt5LWCw4ReIjHkpBlWq8XQQxMF41CLU1kbB-UT_-CDQ/s400/photo-794742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Bit of price increase for Co-operative Party subscriptions next year, and the year after, and maybe even the year after that. As agreed at the recent Co-op Party Conference the rates will be :<br />
2012 : £20 (currently 2011 : £15)<br />
2013 : £25<br />
<br />
The first year concessionary youth membership will £5. No figures for other concessionary rates but it is very possibly £5, up from £3.<br />
<br />
Our own finances are robust thanks to recruitment and retaining members from earlier years. There will be some who will choose not to renew. The new Parliamentary boundary changes will mean some members will transfer to neighbouring Co-op Parties. But we are far from heading to a low ebb. There is one thin silver lining from having a ConDem government is that it invigorates the opposition to campaigns and activities. Hey, that's us. We're not going to sit back and hope things will not be too bad. If you can remember the last time it was the Tory years it was that bad..lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-67127011206056307152011-10-11T22:20:00.000+00:002011-10-11T22:20:36.759+00:00Co-op Party for WiganThe trend for the last 20, 30, 40 years has been for Co-operative Party branches to slowly fade away to oblivion. Good to read one has re-formed in Wigan...<br />
<br />
<i>"An official branch of the Co-operative Party - whose members in Lancashire helped to found and shape the modern day Labour Party - has been reformed in Wigan and Leigh after an absence of more than 15 years."</i> Back on the ballot sheet.<br />
Story at <a href="http://www.wigantoday.net/news/voters_can_opt_for_the_co_op_party_1_3827951">Wigan Today</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Not Manchester but the famous pie-eating town is just down the road or a few stops on the train. The link has a nice photo.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-12473496324363063542011-10-11T19:58:00.000+00:002011-10-11T19:58:08.477+00:00Manchester International Co-op Year 2012<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FX9OTjY7tsI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Next year, 2012, has been declared the International Year of Co-operatives. It actually starts at the end of October 2011. The Co-operative Group are off and running with this video, 2 mins and 9 seconds of colour. Manchester looks good in the pictures in there with London and New York.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-36416001652974268612011-10-09T11:25:00.001+00:002011-10-09T11:25:00.409+00:00Credit Union Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT3cartA7buA-BTZAG7665OZ_wjPpvV5K2xIM6fq_4udLxEoEetzF-TF-gdkA8CArRFoewfvzdaa_DOtfeSorHmXacrsBCEYcGmc-DBKursBgB3GmFttB0wkJROftP1kNx0iAAHSXtdq1/s1600/ICU_Day_Logo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT3cartA7buA-BTZAG7665OZ_wjPpvV5K2xIM6fq_4udLxEoEetzF-TF-gdkA8CArRFoewfvzdaa_DOtfeSorHmXacrsBCEYcGmc-DBKursBgB3GmFttB0wkJROftP1kNx0iAAHSXtdq1/s320/ICU_Day_Logo.jpeg" width="251" /></a></div>Another day another international whatever day. This time it's Thursday 20th October for International Credit Union Day. Yes, we have a credit union in south Manchester and it is called the South Manchester Credit Union which has been collecting and loaning since 2001. See the web site <a href="http://www.smcreditunion.co.uk/">www.smcreditunion.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
For a global picture see <a href="http://www.woccu.org/events/icuday">ICCU Day</a>.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-83668778391488868052011-10-08T22:01:00.000+00:002011-10-08T22:01:26.487+00:00Next Meeting is TransportThe next meeting will be on<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday 27th October 2000h in Hardy Lane Co-op Rooms</b><br />
<br />
(that's above the co-op shop at the Junction of Hardy Lane/Mauldeth Road West - but note Hardy Lane and the car park is blocked off with roadworks for the building of the new tram line)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzo23/6224391178/" title="Barriers on tram lines by lorenzo23, on Flickr"><img alt="Barriers on tram lines" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6224391178_893232b649.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
featuring :<br />
Cllr Andrew Fender (Labour Co-op / Old Moat ward)<br />
Chair, Transport for Greater Manchester Committee<br />
entitled :<br />
'Transport for Greater Manchester's Current Policy Priorities" <br />
There is a lot going on in relation to transport in the City so this will be an excellent chance to hear and ask questions to someone who knows the full story.<br />
<br />
We will have our usual fair trade refreshments.<br />
All welcome - you don’t have to be a Co-op Party member to attend. The picture is the the barriers to protect the recent Tory Party Conference in Manchester. Hand operated to let trams through.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-57226505283637842682010-09-12T21:29:00.001+00:002011-10-12T18:29:09.592+00:00Mutual or Big Society?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzo23/4983685687/" title="Co-Op Party by lorenzo23, on Flickr"><img alt="Co-Op Party" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4983685687_b8c08dcf76.jpg" width="346" /></a><br />
"I just want to start by saying what a privilege it is to be here in Cardiff at the first Co-operative Party Conference in what I believe is a new era of Labour Party politics"...it goes on to touch on the mutual tradition and something called Big Society (whatever that is?)<br />
<br />
Full speech by Tessa Jowell at the Co-operative Party Conference, Saturday last 11th September 2010.<br />
<a href="http://www.party.coop/2010/09/12/tessa-jowell-at-co-operative-conference-full-speech/">Link.</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-83399130172204597482010-08-30T20:16:00.000+00:002010-08-30T20:16:14.279+00:00Co-op Party Daily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9SjijT9XfeUIqG_ZkheuMb-VplCIzZUl5DUzshL0VSlXPwzG-0hVVbKtstz5bsssMqaOESY1u5fwJOpHWRqOrngUGDdGt5CYQ9BO5UwhcyYSP9FVHbYWjnmvceHxsH5OZ9ui7k-81iIt/s1600/coop-pty-daily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9SjijT9XfeUIqG_ZkheuMb-VplCIzZUl5DUzshL0VSlXPwzG-0hVVbKtstz5bsssMqaOESY1u5fwJOpHWRqOrngUGDdGt5CYQ9BO5UwhcyYSP9FVHbYWjnmvceHxsH5OZ9ui7k-81iIt/s400/coop-pty-daily.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A new feature from the Co-operative Party is a news filled webpage. It is generated by an online application from Twitter using recent Tweets and those who you are following. These then link to the articles that have been alerts on Twitter. Anyone can sign in and create their own online publication. It is a good way to catch up in the evening on what has been going on....<br />
<br />
You can see it here at <a href="http://paper.li/CoopParty">paper.li/CoopParty</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-57584460360594243722010-08-15T20:22:00.000+00:002010-08-15T20:22:31.336+00:00Peterloo commemorated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGOQi51IKoU-_DxKlexvQz1HPJtK_fIx6W7ySpOk_FPeUeDelYyNprL5pbMAk8PB1GwYXi8zOgnTwXWm7_pn6ywR4TtBQWjMPTL9sHaslBP0xhsP2lmaYbDWxp_tqaJx1tyZYgL8xrxy/s1600/geoff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGOQi51IKoU-_DxKlexvQz1HPJtK_fIx6W7ySpOk_FPeUeDelYyNprL5pbMAk8PB1GwYXi8zOgnTwXWm7_pn6ywR4TtBQWjMPTL9sHaslBP0xhsP2lmaYbDWxp_tqaJx1tyZYgL8xrxy/s320/geoff1.jpg" /></a></div>Sunday 15th August saw the commemoration of the Peterloo massacre of 1819. This is part of the long running campaign to obtain a proper and fitting memorial to the event. The St.Peter's Fields have been built over but you can get near the actual site by standing outside G-Mex ( since renamed Manchester Central Convention Centre - a regular venue of the Labour Party Conferences).<br />
<br />
Picture is of Geoff Bridson, long standing co-operator, dressed up in a <a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/PRbirley.htm">Hugh Birley</a> outfit. Full marks for the costume and going as one of the reactionary opposition to the people.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-1745155181580805182010-07-02T09:20:00.000+00:002010-07-02T09:20:31.726+00:00Ed at the HustingsHere we have Ed Balls MP (Morley & Outwood), well known for his co-operative credentials being interviewed at an event in Lambeth. It's hustings time for the Labour Party, and there will be one of those events in Manchester. Co-operative Party & Labour Party memebers can apply for tickets. Saturday 31st July, at the HQ of The Co-operative, New Century House started at 1100. <br />
<br />
Anyway back to Ed Balls MP - you might need to read<a href="http://onionbagblog.com/2010/07/01/ed-balls-lambethcoop-and-cutting-corners"> Ed Balls, Lambeth Co-op & Cutting Corners</a> on The OnionBagBlog (fear & lothing in SW8) from where this audio snippet is taken. <br />
<object data="http://boos.audioboo.fm/swf/fullsize_player.swf" height="129" id="iefix1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://boos.audioboo.fm/swf/fullsize_player.swf" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="lt" /><param name="bgColor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="FlashVars" value="mp3=http%3A%2F%2Faudioboo.fm%2Fboos%2F147001-ed-balls-lambethcoop-won-t-save-money-labourleader.mp3&mp3Author=Jason_Cobb&mp3LinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Faudioboo.fm%2Fboos%2F147001-ed-balls-lambethcoop-won-t-save-money-labourleader&mp3Title=Ed+Balls%3A+%23lambethcoop+won%27t+save+money+%23labourleader&mp3Time=08.48pm+30+Jun+2010" /><a href="http://audioboo.fm/boos/147001-ed-balls-lambethcoop-won-t-save-money-labourleader.mp3">Listen!</a></object>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-66603097949136137742010-06-23T21:52:00.000+00:002010-06-23T21:52:23.410+00:00Live Webcast Monday 28th June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbsb9jvDlYUS6nHw6uY_2kjlP6iWVChVV11uwGJF5OQJ1kgHNvOoZBOKDbtsTTdfgSdGmN5bPZtzes_vreAUaNHtY8uSyhBz4f5y7tPSauzC0yM0ub-B48u3aMJ3fXFuv3LNnMmYoOmtO/s1600/co-ops-live.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbsb9jvDlYUS6nHw6uY_2kjlP6iWVChVV11uwGJF5OQJ1kgHNvOoZBOKDbtsTTdfgSdGmN5bPZtzes_vreAUaNHtY8uSyhBz4f5y7tPSauzC0yM0ub-B48u3aMJ3fXFuv3LNnMmYoOmtO/s320/co-ops-live.jpg" /></a></div>As part of Co-operatives Fortnight, the Co-operative we will be webcasting a live programme here at 1815 BST on Monday 28 June from Toad Lane, Rochdale.<br />
<br />
Presented by Paul Hendy and featuring CEO Peter Marks, CEO of Co-operative Financial Services Neville Richardson. Christine Tacon, Managing Director of Farms and Moira Lees, Society Secretary. You can join in with questions but have your membership number to hand to login. It might be all available later if you miss it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/local-communities/whats-happening-near-me/co-operative-fortnight/The-Co-operative-LIVE/">Link</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-15353988084119851612010-06-23T21:20:00.002+00:002010-06-23T21:22:53.207+00:00New Grounds Co-operatives Video<object height="272" width="448"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1_OoRconha0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1_OoRconha0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="448" height="272"></embed></object><br />
"<i>People who don't share our values politically using what we believe in as a cheap way to cut back public services"</i> warns Michael Stephenson, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party. He is sat on the platform along with Cllr. Steve Reid from Lambeth Council who mentions iniatives in that borough.<br />
<br />
An interesting short video from The Co-operative Membership dept for Co-operatives Fortnight.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-35476421564098409342010-06-17T22:17:00.002+00:002010-06-17T22:20:25.381+00:00Unicorn Workers Co-op Video<object height="272" width="448"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yswusM3_mkw&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yswusM3_mkw&hl=en_GB&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="448" height="272"></embed></object><br />
A <b>two minute</b> video made for the first Co-operatives Fortnight by Unicorn workers' co-operative in Chorlton. It's in that British tradition of cheezy, over-acted style but having fun. Nice copyright free track by Moby who makes this music available for non-commercial use. Great effort...and enjoyable.lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-73626950044211633942010-06-07T20:14:00.000+00:002010-06-07T20:14:47.487+00:00Co-ops Fortnight Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQODyxtpSGTseUhGIQWyUBagUL5rDDS0jvbnrU8q_a4Vf7NkrObL03FeJ8K3eWL8S_COwh2BAzDOHPcRY0WVIG2VKmt5stleU8GP9Yl55CfTl-GrgMNUnL032Q4hF3Z9lAkK9Q7Nhn7K-I/s1600/newsletter_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQODyxtpSGTseUhGIQWyUBagUL5rDDS0jvbnrU8q_a4Vf7NkrObL03FeJ8K3eWL8S_COwh2BAzDOHPcRY0WVIG2VKmt5stleU8GP9Yl55CfTl-GrgMNUnL032Q4hF3Z9lAkK9Q7Nhn7K-I/s320/newsletter_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Two weeks promoting Co-ops is nearly upon us. There are some activities from Co-ops in Manchester as you would expect - On the 8th Day, Manchester Film Co-operative, Unicorn Grocery..etc & etc<br />
12 page guide (it's got pictures) - <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/32640071/Co-operatives-Fortnight-2010">here</a> <br />
Events in the NW England region - <a href="http://www.thereisanalternative.coop/events/fortnight/region/1">here</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647824930031649734.post-78689380188778061222010-06-01T17:08:00.000+00:002010-06-01T17:08:48.364+00:00People's Supermarket to open in Londonshire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzpcBlqGZ7ByppRzni8-muJ48E0d96LiEGkKqA8jXcHq1PFStbIY59nMBobrbJGDjpopbk2dZWT7dEnKDKfm6ooIplLAKcQNyFE3ht7JZqfm-PEo5FpcRJCuBG9jSVDAzsmuqTmUL_R_A/s1600/peoplesspmkt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzpcBlqGZ7ByppRzni8-muJ48E0d96LiEGkKqA8jXcHq1PFStbIY59nMBobrbJGDjpopbk2dZWT7dEnKDKfm6ooIplLAKcQNyFE3ht7JZqfm-PEo5FpcRJCuBG9jSVDAzsmuqTmUL_R_A/s320/peoplesspmkt.gif" /></a></div>Chef Arthur Potts-Dawson is on a mission to create The People's Supermarket: a not for profit, co-operative grocery store that will feature in a series of TV shows on Channel 4 in the U.K. in 2010. It's due to open somewhere in central London. You join, you volunteer for 4 hours a week and you get discount groceries. It's a tried and tested operation in New York. There is a downside in that supermarket skills look easy but lots of people can't cut it. Bit like badly run charity shops were socialising is preferred to business. Working tills, facing up, picking and stock rotation needs to be achieved. Motivated volunteers and training are the issues. But good luck to the venture.<br />
<a href="http://www.peoplessupermarket.org/">Link.</a>lorenzo23http://www.blogger.com/profile/03703276296616620943noreply@blogger.com