20:GMT - 21.12.1844 - THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TIME/DATE IN MODERN CO-OPERATIVE HISTORY

It's the time and date the Rochdale Pioneers opened the Grocery and General Store of 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire, England.

The shop is still there today as the Rochdale Pioneers Museum - its custodians, the Heritage Trust, a charitable organisation are staging a commemorative day of events on 21st December, culminating with a candle lighting at 16:00 GMT. 

Any co-operator/credit unionist can view the ceremony via the Museum’s Facebook page 

At 8:00 p.m. your time on 21st December, why not join in creating a co-operative ring of light around the globe by lighting a candle and placing it in a window to be seen by passers-by.  Last year, at the height of the Covid pandemic, over 1,500 co-operators worldwide participated in this celebration.

Of course, not everyone can visit Toad Lane in person but with the Co-operative Heritage Trust's new virtual tour you can visit without impacting the climate. Watch the trailer and download the full film here