2016
September 2016
UK Society for Co-operative Studies
To find out more information and to register go to:
*
Co-operative Bank finally admits bank closures are directly due to US blockade policies
In November 2015 the Co-operative Bank closed the bank account of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC) citing changing “risk appetite” and “global regulations” among the reasons.
Now Niall Booker, the bank’s Chief Executive, has finally confirmed in writing that the closure was due to ‘risk’ arising from sanctions imposed by the US government……….
Cuba Solidarity Campaign briefing
CSC briefing on the Co-operative Bank account closures
Take Action
Please raise this issue with your MP and ask them to ask the government to:
-urge the Cooperative bank to end its discriminatory policies against organisations wishing to make banking transactions with Cuba including the Cuba Solidarity Campaign
-use existing UK antidote legislation to counteract the effects of the US extraterritorial blockade laws
– make urgent and robust representations to the relevant US authorities to cease the application of such illegal trade measures.
Download a model letter fto send to your MP here
Model letter for Co-operative customers to send to their bank
CSC briefing on the Co-operative Bank account closures
CSC’s letters to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Trade and Industry
*
Co-operative News
*
Our new Regather Works Autumn/Winter Programme is now out!!!
http://www.regather.net/whats-on
Regather Works.
57-59 Club Garden Road, Sheffield, S118BU.
0114 273 1258
Here is our new programme for the coming season at the Regather Works.
Music, Cinema, Comedy, Food, Workshops, Christmas Parties and more. We’re dead pleased to be working with so many talented performers, promoters and contributors. Needless to say we’re very excited about the coming months!
Visit: www.regather.net for more information about the events and tickets links.
*
If you are a member of a co-operative in the region, please consider standing for election to the Board of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber.
Details of the AGM will be sent out soon.
*
Co-op Culture
Localising the Economy through Sustainable Co-operative Enterprise
Co-op Culture is a co-operative consortium of co-operative and community advisers, entrepreneurs and enterprises. Our members and associates have a vast and varied experience of supporting co-operative, community and social enterprise to start and grow. https://culture.coop/
*
Membership of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
is open to co-operatives in the Region
membership form;
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CYH-Membership-Form-.pdf
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered Office: Aizlewood’s Mill , Nursery Street, Sheffield , S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 282 3132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
***
August 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
Telephone: 0114 282 3132
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
welcome
Explore York Libraries & Archives
into membership
http://www.exploreyork.org.uk/
Case study
https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/library-and-archive-services-explore
*
An educational charity dedicated to the promotion of co-operative values, ideas and principles within co-operatives, communities and society.
We’re incredibly proud of our strong heritage and roots and we’re building on that to create our exciting future. We want to continue to innovate, become more sustainable and meet the growing and changing demand for our services, in the UK and across the globe.
To achieve this we’ve recently changed our structure so that we’re an independent, member led charity. The Co-operative College of the future will be shaped by members like you with an equal say on important matters, meaning it’s democratic and inclusive. We will be ultimately accountable to our members, ensuring that we always support your interests. Because we are an organisation led by co-operative values and principles, all support will be reinvested in serving the co-operative community.
All members will have a voice in shaping the priorities of the College, sharing views and electing the board of Trustees. When you join as an Individual Member, your investment will help us to continue to support our current activities, at home and abroad and establish amazing new projects.
As a member you will be supporting the great work we do — why not visit the different areas of our website to learn more.
*
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre
http://www.principle5.org.uk/about-us
for a membership form
http://www.principle5.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P5-membership-form.pdf
Telephone: 0114 282 3132
*
Revolver calls on co-ops to work together
as Brexit threatens difficult times
*
Building a phone to create a fairer economy
Fairphone is a social enterprise that is building a movement for fairer electronics. By making a phone, we’re opening up the supply chain and creating new relationships between people and their products. We’re making a positive impact across the value chain in mining, design, manufacturing and life cycle, while expanding the market for products that put ethical values first. Together with our community, we’re changing the way products are made.
Available from
https://www.thephone.coop/fairphone-2/
*
Sheffield Co-operatives
https://sheffield.coop/wiki/Main_Page
This site is run by Webarchitects (Webarch
Co-operative Limited) to provide a directory,
networking and news service for the
community of co-operatives in Sheffield.
*
Co-op Culture
Co-op Culture is a co-operative consortium of co-operative and community advisors, entrepreneurs and enterprises. Our members and associates have a vast and varied experience of supporting co-operative, community and social enterprise to start and grow.
*
Public services for
people not profit
We love public services. Trains, water, energy, care work, council services, the NHS. We believe they make life better for you, me and everyone. They are super useful and really important, for our children, parents and grandparents, our friends, our colleagues and our communities. We all use public services every day.
But they can’t run properly when they’re privatised.
Whenever your services are privatised – whether we’re talking buses or prisons or the Royal Mail – the same things tend to happen. You pay more, you get a worse service and you don’t have a say.
We believe public services should be run for people not profit. The corporations and politicians are selling us a tired old tune on privatisation. It’s time to change the record.
Do you love public services too? Join us.
https://weownit.org.uk/about-us
*
We love to hear from our readers.
News, notices and information about co-operatives welcomed. Send to;
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered Office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 282 3132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
***
Co-operatives Fortnight 18th June – 2nd July 2016
Saturday 2nd July 2016
The Sustainable Development Goals are to achieve 3
extraordinary things: end extreme poverty,
fight inequality, fix climate change – over the next 15 years.
Co-operatives have a unique role to play in realizing the Goals
as they contribute to
sustainable economic growth, social development and
environmental responsibility.
Tell co-ops in your area about the International Day,
celebrate and show how your co-op supports the
Sustainable Development Goals by acting on the
co-operative principles and values!
*
South Yorkshire Festival
14th August 2016
12 noon until 5.00pm
Wortley Hall
Wortley
Sheffield
S35 7DB
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
will be there
for more info;
http://www.wortleyhall.org.uk/events/south-yorkshire-festival/
*
Co-operative Press members vote to
change membership structure
Members of Co-operative Press, publishers
of Co-operative News, have voted to change
the co-operative’s membership structure.
Currently, individuals and organisations can
become members after the purchase of a
£10 share. But, following a recommendation
by the board of directors, members
overwhelmingly approved a change on
17th June that requires members to also
purchase a subscription
At a special general meeting in Wakefield,
Elaine Dean, chair of Co-operative Press,
said: “Previously you did not have to be a
reader to be a member, and vice-versa. This
change is part of our membership strategy
to ensure the Press is fully linked to its
members.
“We want the Press to be a fully member-led
co-operative…………”
to read more;
and
http://www.thenews.coop/change-co-operative-press-membership/
*
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre
Appeal for new members
please consider
joining
to download membership form
http://www.principle5.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P5-membership-form.pdf
*
Members of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Benenden
Leeds Credit Union
the Yorkshire Co-operative Party
Portland Works Little Sheffield Limited
UK Society for Co-operative Studies
The Handmade Bakery
Leeds Bread Co-op
St Andrew Housing Co-operative
Share Instead
LEDA
GROSMONT CO-OP SOCIETY LTD
Fairmondo
Hudswell Community Pub Ltd
Regather
The Ecology Building Society
Enabled Works Ltd,
Union Street
Webarchitects
Principle 5
Fair Traders
Sheffield Renewables
Change AGEnts
SCDG
ShipShape
*
How are co-operatives promoting decent work in global supply chains?
Over 6,000 delegates attended the105th
International Labour Conference in Geneva, where the
theme was Building a Future with Decent Work. The
conference was also an opportunity to highlight the
contribution made by co-operatives to decent
work……
Anca Voinea, writing in Co-operative News
21st June 2016
*
Nick Matthews, Chair of Co-operatives UK presenting award to members of the Phone Co-op
For more about Co-operatives of the Year awards see;
*
Newspapers and Magazines in the
Co-operative/not-for-profit sector.
Readers Co-operatives
Co-operative News http://www.thenews.coop/
Morning Star https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/
Positive News https://www.positive.news/
Workers Co-operative
The New Internationalist https://www.newint.org/
Not-for-profit limited company
Peace News (a reader-supported paper) http://peacenews.info/
Tribune is a not-for-profit fortnightly in hard copy and published every day online. http://www.tribunemagazine.org/
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered Office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 2823132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
***
June 2016 special
for back editions of newsletters see;
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/sample-page/2016-2/
Please send material for the next newsletter to;
Tel: 0114 2823132
*
Market Places Testers Wanted!
fairmondo
is the cooperatively owned ethical online marketplace for ethical goods and services.
We need your help to build the UK site!
Our first marketplace – fairmondo-sharetribe – is built for peer to peer and small enterprises: you can sell, rent, swap and share ethical goods and services. You can also signpost to your existing website.
We’re building and testing our first ethical trading community in West Yorkshire, come and join us.
https://fairmondo-uk.sharetribe.com/en
find out more at:
*
EU Referendum
The Co-operative Movement, the Trade Unions and the Labour Party all say vote to REMAIN in the European Union
Nick Matthews, chair of Co-operatives UK and a director at Heart of England Co-operative has written in Co-operative News:
Why we should stay in Europe
See article;
http://www.thenews.coop/105964/news/co-operatives/why-we-should-stay-in-europe/
Pauline Green, past Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK and past
President of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
also writes in Co-operative News.
EU referendum debate reaches ‘rock bottom’
http://www.thenews.coop/106340/news/co-operatives/eu-referendum-debate-reaches-rock-bottom/
*
The government wants to privatise the Land Registry and National Air Traffic Services, and involve the private sector in Ordnance Survey and Channel 4. These world-leading public services are all working successfully in public ownership – they are efficient and innovative. Not only that, but these public assets make millions in profit for the public purse. Privatising them will mean the government gets one off cash but future generations will lose out forever on the ongoing profits. Our new report explains when the public would start to lose out from sell offs.
*
Sheffield Co-operatives
for co-operative contacts, culture and news
https://sheffield.coop/wiki/Main_Page
*
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre
Co-operative Library, archive and resources
for membership form;
http://www.principle5.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/P5-membership-form.pdf
*
https://www.scdg.org/SCDG/Welcome.html
*
Co-operative Press AGM
1:30pm Friday 17th June
Co-operatives UK AGM
5:00pm Friday 17th June
both at
Unity Works, Westgate, Wakefield, WF1 1EP
*
Time travelling adventure book takes children to Toad Lane
article by Rebecca Harvey in the Co-operative News
8th June 2016
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered Office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 2823132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
June 2016
Co-operative Group AGM
Members vote to continue the relationship between the Society and the Party by a convincing 78%
Co-operation between co-operatives receives 98% support
Colleagues and the national living wage is passed by 98%
Key highlights from the AGM
National Member’s Council Yorkshire & The Humber
the successful candidates were;
Lynne Hibberd
Lyn Hunter
Michael Marks
For full coverage of the AGM see:
http://www.thenews.coop/collection/co-op-group-agm-2016/
Cuba blames US sanctions for Co-op Bank closures
Anca Voinea
27 May 2016
Cuba’s permanent mission to the UN has denounced the sanctions imposed by the USA after the Co-operative Bank closed the accounts of the British Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
In a press statement, Cuban officials say the Bank’s chief executive, Niall Booker, had confirmed in writing to customers that the closure was the result of the risk arising from US sanctions imposed on Cuba.
For full article see: http://www.thenews.coop/105601/news/banking-and-insurance/cuba-criticises-sanctions-imposed-usa-following-account-closures-co-operative-bank/
How to solve the UK’s housing crisis? A co-operative approach
Anca Voinea
http://www.thenews.coop/105689/news/co-operatives/solve-uks-housing-crisis-co-operative-approach/
*
See;
http://changeagents.coop/Change_AGEnts/Fair_Care.html
contact;
*
Do co-ops hold the key to beating cyber crime?
http://www.thenews.coop/105429/news/banking-and-insurance/do-coops-hold-key-cyber-security/
*
The purpose of our co-operative is:
To enable the provision of internet based services for socially responsible groups and individuals, using free open source software wherever possible, in a manner that aims to minimise fossil fuel usage and ecological impacts and which also provides sustainable employment
Co-operative News is published by Co-operative Press, a readers co-operative. It’s a fortnightly newspaper which has editorial independence and has reported on the Co-operative sector since 1871.
Principle 5 Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre has back editions of Co-operative news covering the last 20 years.
About Co-operative Press
Established in 1871, Co-operative News is published by Co-operative Press Ltd, an independent registered co-operative society. It is registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 as a bona fide co-operative, registration IP 1585R.
Membership of Co-operative Press is open to individual readers as well as to other co-operatives, corporate bodies and unincorporated organisations. The Co-operative News mission statement is to connect, champion and challenge the global co-operative movement, through fair and objective journalism and open and honest comment and debate. Coming soon: You will be able to join Co-operative Press as a member online.
For a subscription contact:
Co-operative News, Holyoake House, Hanover Street,
Manchester M60 0AS
Tel: 0161 214 0870
*
Support Co-operatives by becoming a customer and member of the
co-operative telecoms provider and quote;
AFO461 Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber
The Phone Co-op
https://www.thephone.coop/home/
*
Co-operative Congress, 17-18 June 2016, Unity Works, Wakefield
For more info.
http://www.uk.coop/congress/whats-on-congress-2016
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered Office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 2823132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
*
May Extra 2016
Sheffield co-ops meet-up
5.30pm, Thursday 19 May
Regather, 57-59 Club Garden Road, Sheffield, S11 8BU
This May, join us for a truly collaborative co-operative event.
Regather Co-operative host a social evening of informal networking as we look to build stronger relationships between co-operatives from across Sheffield.
There’ll be the opportunity to present on the work of your co-operative, share ideas and have a chance to meet like minded co-operators.
Agenda:
5:30pm – start
5:45pm – welcome and presentations. This is an opportunity for some short presentations. Attendees can share the work of their co-operative, highlight up and coming events, pitch for why others should use products/services or appeal for assistance
6:30pm – a chance to relax, have a drink and talk with others
7:30pm – After the meet up we’re looking at hosting a film and hope to have more info soon. All suggestions welcome.
Prior to the meet up, you may be interested in attending Regather for the Real Junk Food Cafe
Do let me know if you have any questions
Best wishes,
Gareth, Member Relations Officer – gareth.wright@uk.coop
to Book, go to;
http://co-operativesuk.createsend1.com/t/t-l-dhjdyul-ulkddymu-j/
Co-operatives UK networking events have been kindly sponsored by
The Co-operative Business Telecoms is the UK’s only co-operative telecoms provider. Our unique democratic structure within the market makes us the first choice for hundreds of charitable and ethically minded organisations throughout the UK. With no external shareholders we reinvest our profits into worthwhile causes and making sure our customers get the best prices.
We offer a wide range of product solutions including Line rental, Broadband and Fibre, VoIP and Hosted, Mobiles, and Conferencing. All this can be provided as a consolidated service on one simple transparent monthly bill and backed up by a dedicated UK based support team.
Call us today on 01608 434 070 or visit our website for more information.
This event is brought to you in association with
Co-operatives YH is the regional network of co-operative enterprise in the Yorkshire and Humber region of England. Over 200 co-operatives make a substantial contribution to the region’s economic and social life, with a turnover of £2,268 million and providing jobs for over 18,000 employees. Co-operatives YH is committed to strengthening the sector and providing a regional voice for co-operative and mutual organisations. Regather works to give people the choice and opportunity to live, work and play co-operatively and create a mutual local economy. |
*
A Co‐operative World‐first.
Revolver Co‐operative are pleased to announce the launch of our range of Biodegradable Nespresso style capsules. Capsules are fast becoming one of the most popular ways to consume coffee at home, but consumers and retailers have expressed concern at the amount of waste plastic created when making a coffee.
We believe we have a solution in what is thought to be the world’s first completely biodegradable Nespresso ® style coffee capsules. The packs will retail in specialist retailers this summer. The coffee is 100% Arabica, single origin, Fairtrade ® and Organic and the capsules, lids, and packaging will all compost 100% within 6‐months.
In addition to the normal packs of 10 there are larger packs in multiples of 18, so there’s less time spent shopping. The packs are designed by Gary Potter ex Apple Corps designer, and cartons sourced from Walsall Box, who’ve created a unique design out of FSC recycled card.
Paul Birch director; “Revolver is committed to its co‐operative principles of reducing waste, lower carbon and supporting the environment through its use of organic products and by saying no to GM. This is an important step for the wider environment, biodiversity, wildlife and habitats.
Britain produces an estimated 3.8M tonnes of unrecycled plastic waste, and this is a small but important start towards reducing harm.
We are delighted to work with our partners in arriving at a solution though technological change and innovation that helps protect people, animals, birds and the environment, but at the same time delivers a great fresh coffee that is fast, efficient and now truly disposable”
*
How co-ops can connect the UK with its potential
Marie-Claire Kidd
http://www.thenews.coop/104052/news/co-operatives/co-ops-can-connect-uk-potential/
*
The next edition of this newsletter will be out at the beginning of June.
Please send news, articles, notices etc.
To
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
*
May 2016
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Tel: 0114 2823132
steve@sheffield.coop
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber AGM
Pictured:
Jonathan Cook (Webarchitects).
Phil Watson (Sheffield Renewables).
Kat Rose (Yorkshire Co-operative Party).
Chris Hansen and Phil Eddyshaw (ShipShape)
Steve Wagstaff (Fairtraders Co-operative)
Alan Dootson (Sheffield Co-operatrive Development Group)
Steve Thompson (Principle 5) not pictured (taking photograph).
Welcome to our newest member, ShipShape Health and Wellbeing.
Sharrow, Sheffield.
The meeting was not quorate so the AGM must be re-scheduled.
*
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre
The Co-operative Movement
is coming back to life!
Be part of the
Co-operative revival
Join Principle 5
You will have access to our co-op lending library, archives and reference facilities.
Develop your co-operative skills
Co-operate with other co-ops
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre provides a service for the Co-operative Movement in the Region and beyond.
Self Help Co-op education, research facilities, organised study groups and other co-op education activities.
Principle 5 YCRC is a co-operative with the purpose of helping to revive co-operative culture.
Be part of it.
Membership is open to individuals and organisations.
Individual User members, minimum subscription £10 per year
Organisation user members minimum subscription £25 per year
Supporter members minimum subscription £30 per year
see our website
Principle 5
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 2823132
*
Support Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber and the wider co-operative movement by switching to a sustainable telecoms provider.
Become a customer and member of
The Phone Co-op
and support CY&H by quoting our affinity number:
AFO461 Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber
*
*
*
What does Regather do?
The main activities of Regather are currently:
-
support for social enterprise start up and development
-
volunteering, self-employment and employment opportunities for local people
-
services for community events and festivals in local parks
-
buying fresh produce from local growers and selling to local customers
-
hire of catering kitchen facilities to local food initiatives
-
hire of dining and social facilities to community groups
-
promoting low carbon and home energy efficiency measures
-
cook and eat clubs offering affordable, healthy cooked food
We want to bring local people together to re-discover and celebrate the historic neighbourhood of Little Sheffield, be part of transforming and using of a listed building as The Regather Works social action centre, use a dead end street and under-used greenspace to grow The Club Garden public space and develop new ideas for social enterprise, community events and local food activities.
*
Union Street
Located in the heart of Sheffield, Union St is a 4-storey building offering co-working, hot desking, meeting rooms, event space, roof garden, professional kitchen and pop-up cafe, designed with collaboration in mind for people developing self employment, start-ups, contractors, social enterprises and freelancers.
*
Let us know about your co-operative organisations.
We are always happy to include them in this newsletter.
Send info. Articles. Matters of interest. Ideas.
To
Registered address:
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
***
April Special 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
Great things happen when people co-operate
The Co-operative College has made a new start as a membership organisation with its first AGM in Manchester
See the College’s new website;
***
Vote for a strong Co-op voice in politics
Keep the partnership between the
Co-operative Party and the Co-operative Group
http://www.keepit.coop/atstake
*
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has pledged to double the size of the co-operative sector in the UK, currently valued at £37bn. Speaking at an event in Preston on 20 April, Mr McDonnell announced that an incoming Labour government would launch a consultation for new legislation to unlock capital funding for small business by enabling mutual guarantee societies to be formed.
*
see;
*
PRME- United Nations Global Compact
Since September 2015, The United Nations Global Compact- Principles for Responsible Management Education were to be implemented and all 193 Nation States signed up to their implementation, including Great Britain.
Since attending a conference at Sheffield Hallam University on 20 April 2016 and reading their first Social Impact Report Sheffield Co-operative Development Group are keen to become involved in this movement, which very much reflects our own co-operative way of doing business and we are therefore seeking to support this type of management education in any way that we can.
Further information can be found at their website:
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Telephone: 0114 2823132
e.mail: steve@sheffield.coop
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
***
April 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber AGM
Thursday 28th April 2016
7:00pm
The Harlequin (next door to Aizlewood’s Mill)
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
*
Co-operative Group Dispute
http://www.thenews.coop/103771/news/co-operatives/co-op-group-drivers-48-hour-strike-suspended/
*
This letter was published in the Rotherham Advertiser
March 2016
Dear Editor,
The ink is hardly dry on Rotherham’s Local Plan Core Strategy document, but already house builders and landowners are looking to rip it up.
The Pitches playing fields at Stag/Broom (Rotherham) has been categorised in the Local Plan by the Council as an ‘urban amenity space’. However, it seems that this means nothing to house builders and landowners looking to make a fast buck. Despite the categorisation as an urban amenity, surveyors have already been on the playing fields working out how many houses or flats they can squeeze in to maximise their profits.
There was an attempt to get planning permission to build houses on the playing fields in the 1990s. Councillors wisely rejected the planning application.
Since the 1990s, the case against building houses on the playing fields has strengthened. Traffic volumes and congestion have increased. Demand for local services has grown massively. In fact, local schools are full to capacity.
The building of houses on other local green spaces has left The Pitches as one of the few valuable green spaces in the area. The Pitches provides a haven for wildlife, with a wide variety of garden birds, foxes, hedgehogs, amphibians and bats all seen in the area. Concreting over the playing fields would harm wildlife. It would also increase the potential for surface water flooding, as another natural soak-away would be lost forever to concrete and tarmac.
The Pitches is owned by the Co-operative Group. The Co-operative Group says that its values are based on democracy, honesty, and social responsibility. Instead of trying to make a profit out of this long-standing, local amenity, the Co-operative Group should stand by its values and look at how it can work with the local community to increase the use of the playing fields. Local people have commented that instead of seeking new business for the playing field, there has instead been a deliberate policy of underusing the playing fields over a number of years, to help support the argument for house building.
If the Co-operative Group continues with its plans, then local Councillors will have their say on what happens. The Council has already categorised the playing fields as an urban amenity space. Let’s hope they reach the same sensible decision they made in the 1990s if the Co-operative Group carries on with its plan.
Editors Note: This matter has been progressed to the Co-operative Group via the National Membership Council but there has been no response.
*
CWS/Co-operative Group
An article by Steve Thompson
https://sheffield.coop/wiki/Co-op_Group
*
Co-operative Group
AGM on 21st May
http://www.keepit.coop/atstake
*
ILO reports on co-operative approach to care.
Co-operative News article by
*
Co-ops and the future of sustainability
Article in Co-operative News
by Dr Steven Glynn and Fiona Nicholls
23 March 2016
http://www.thenews.coop/103950/news/co-operatives/co-ops-and-the-future-of-sustainability/
*
https://sheffieldbookfair.org.uk/
Principle 5 will have a book stall at the Anarchist Book Fair
*
the International Social Innovation Research Conference
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d9cce28392d819d3d832db219&id=fd53335a2f&e=31f7b88d6a
*
News items, information and notices welcomed for the May edition
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber
Registered office:
Aizlewood’s Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
Telephone: 0114 2823132
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
March 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
steve@sheffield.coop
Tel: 0114 2823132
*
Fairtrade Fortnight
29th February – 13th March 2016
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/
*
is now the preferred provider for the
The Hive Business Support Programme
Alan Dootson, SCDG Ltd, Aizlewood’s Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield, S3 8GG.
Reg. No. 25386R
Sheffield Co-operative Development Group
Tel. 01142823100
Mob. 07717357137
*
Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre
is looking for supporter members
Help us to revive co-operative culture
contact;
steve@sheffield.coop
Tel: 0114 2823132
http://www.principle5.org.uk/
*
for constructive journalism
Online and in print
https://www.positive.news/
*
https://www.webarchitects.coop/
Tel: 0114 276 9709
Webarchitects Co-operative
Webarchitects is a Sheffield based, small and friendly, multi-stakeholder co-operative which provides ethical and green, web hosting, virtual servers and GNU/Linux sysadmin support services.
The purpose of our co-operative is:
To enable the provision of internet based services for socially responsible groups and individuals, using free open source software wherever possible, in a manner that aims to minimise fossil fuel usage and ecological impacts and which also provides sustainable employment.
*
Sheffield Co-operatives
for Co-operatives, Culture and history
https://sheffield.coop/wiki/Main_Page
*
What’s on at Regather
http://www.regather.net/whats-on
Regather Co-Operative Limited
57-59 Club Garden Road, Sheffield, S118BU.
Tel: 0114 273 1258
*
Subscribe to Co-operative News
and keep up with the Movement
http://www.thenews.coop/
Tel: 0161 214 0870
*
News items and notices for the April edition welcomed
steve@sheffield.coop
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
***
Fairtrade Special February 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
steve@sheffield.coop
Tel: 0114 2823132
Fairtrade Fortnight
What Fairtrade does
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/what-is-fairtrade/what-fairtrade-does
Supports fairtrade
Come and hear Paul Birch from Revolver Co-operative at our pre – Fairtrade Fortnight event
Tuesday 23rd February. 10:30am – 12:30pm
Aizlewood’s Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG
Tel: 0114 2823132
*
Some suppliers of Fairtrade Goods
SUMA (wholesale) Elland, Huddersfield http://www.suma.coop/products/fairtrade-products/
Lembas (wholesale & retail) Sheffield
Fair Trader (retail) Holmfirth
Good Taste (retail) Sheffield
Revolver (wholesale and retail)
*
Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber is an Affinity partner with The Phone Co-op
https://www.thephone.coop/home/
You can become a customer of the Phone Co-op and support Co-operatives Yorkshire & The Humber:
just quote: AFO461 Co-operatives Yorkshire & Humber
Tel: 01608 434000
*
Co-op Bank: Should I stay or should I go?
Kate Duggan
“At the end of last year, news emerged that the Co-operative Bank was closing the accounts of many campaigning and solidarity groups that have links to Palestine, Cuba or Nicaragua.”
For many Co-operative Bank customers, this severed any sense of loyalty to the Bank which they might have had. As a result, many are looking for other banking arrangements. And some are staying, to work for reform from within. But the Bank is not answerable to the Co-operative Movement any more, it is answerable to private profiteers.
http://www.thenews.coop/101129/news/business/co-op-bank-stay-go/
*
Aizlewood’s Mill is the registered office of Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber. The building is owned by
Sheffield Co-operative Development Group
https://sheffield.coop/wiki/SCDG_History
The pub next door is The Harlequin and it will be the venue for the Co-operatives Yorkshire and the Humber AGM 2016
Nursery Street, Sheffield, S3 8GG
Thursday 28th April 2016
7:00pm for prompt start at 7:30pm
*
The Co-operative College
for information about the co-operative education conference
and membership:
Holyoake House, Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AS. Tel: 0161 819 3000
*
Outsourcing is out of control. Everything from our rubbish collection to child protection services is ‘up for grabs’. Local government outsourcing doubled under the last government. We can’t let it double under this one.
*
Co-op truck drivers are in strike discussions.
Co-operative News
29 January 2016
Article by Anthony Murray
The Co-op Group has written to all of its drivers, clarifying plans to outsource certain operations at its Coventry distribution centre.
A thousand Co-operative Group distribution drivers are in talks to take strike action following an announcement that some drivers will be transferred to Eddie Stobart.
http://www.thenews.coop/101847/news/consumer/co-op-truck-drivers-strike-discussions/
*
News items for the March edition welcomed.
*
February 2016
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
tel: 0114 2823132
steve@sheffield.coop
*
http://www.principle5.org.uk/
Tel: 0114 2823132
Special Fairtrade study session
Paul Birch of Revolver Co-operative
will address this meeting
Tuesday 23rd February 10:30am for 11:00am
Aizlewood’s Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield, S3 8GG
*
Co-op College starts search for members
http://www.thenews.coop/101610/news/co-operatives/co-op-college-starts-search-members/
*
When
Big
Co-ops
Fail
Extract from article by Peter Couchman and Murray Fulton
15th January 2016
Co-operative news
“Big co-ops do not always end in the same way when they fail. Some collapse completely, some are demutualised, while others survive in a reduced form. Yet, in most cases, their collapse results in a massive loss of member assets and the loss of employment of large numbers of people.”
Couchman and Fulton in this article argue that there are five factors which result in the demise of a co-operative, but the root factor is;
“ a failure to believe in and understand the nature of a co-op. The earliest sign is a co-operative which sees being a co-op as a problem, not a solution. The feeling that their co-op identity is a burden, not a source of pride appears to precede the other factors.
A cynicism about co-operative democracy and member engagement can develop long before the actions which cause the eventual collapse. In many ways, looking for this is the canary in the coal mine.
If not rooted out by active co-operative promotion and education, it will fester and grow into the other factors.”
The early warning signs
To read the full article go to;
http://www.thenews.coop/101263/news/agriculture/big-co-ops-fail/
*
How to protect Co-operative democracy from executive control.
Article by Bob Cannell
Co-operative News
15 January 2016
http://www.thenews.coop/100855/news/agriculture/protect-co-operative-democracy-executive-control/
*
http://www.cbc.coop/ways-forward-4/
The Co-operative Ways forward 4 Conference took place on the
21st January 16
See Co-operative News for reports.
http://www.thenews.coop/collection/ways-forward-4-conference-january-2016/
The full text of John McDonnell’s excellent Co-op speech at Cooperative Ways Forward 4
http://labourlist.org/2016/01/its-the-new-economics-full-text-of-john-mcdonnells-co-op-speech/
*
We always welcome news items and notices for this newsletter, please write to the editor;
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
*
https://www.cooperatives-yh.coop/
January 2016
Happy New Year to all
*
FCA updates guidance on what makes a co-op
Article by Marie-Claire Kidd
http://www.thenews.coop/100168/news/co-operatives/fca-updates-guidance-makes-co-op/
*
The Co-operative College
From 1 May 2015, the Co-operative College became a membership organisation as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). The structure gives it total independence from Co-operatives UK, which was the corporate trustee of the previous charity.
The College is now open to membership.
*
The Unity Trust Bank is now free of the Co-operative Bank
Independence from The Co-operative Bank, Successful Capital Raising, New Constitution
Read more at:
https://www.unity.co.uk/bank-with-us/co-operatives/
*
Reviving Co-operative Culture
See the Principle 5 Website
*
Incredible Edible Todmorden
has become a community benefit society
This local food network, is famed for its guerrilla gardening tactics and community vegetable beds.
http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/home/
*
Sustainability and Principle 7 – Is it enough?
Article by Dr Steven Glynn and Fiona Nicholls
http://www.thenews.coop/100249/news/co-operatives/sustainability-principle-7-enough/
for information about the Co-operative Sustainability Network
contact Dr. Steven Glynn
s.glynn@sustainable-change.co.uk
*
News, articles and notices are always welcome:
sent to the editor;
The next newsletter will be 1st February 2016