Rochdale has been named World Capital of Co-operatives. The town was awarded the honorary title at a global meeting of more than 2,000 co-operatives in Mexico.
It recognises Rochdale's role as the birthplace of the movement and comes as the borough prepares to welcome visitors from around the world in 2012 for the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.
Council leader Colin Lambert welcomed the honour and believes the town will benefit economically from the decision.
He said: "This is fantastic news and a real boost to the borough and our plans for 2012.
"Rochdale has always been acknowledged as the place where the co-operative movement started, but to be formally recognised as the world capital is outstanding and something everyone can be proud of."
The title was bestowed on Rochdale by the general assembly of the International Co-operative Alliance.
And Coun Lambert says the recognition will raise Rochdale's international profile.
He added: "Next year we were expecting a number of visitors from around the world, but with this I think these numbers will now only increase.
"We now need to use this to help kick start the regeneration of Rochdale.
"2012 could prove to be a fantastic year for us."
At a meeting of the ICA a resolution called for Rochdale to have the unique status as it was here that the Rochdale Pioneers opened the Toad Lane co-operative shop, setting out for the first time the values and principles that were the catalyst for the global co-operative movement.
ICA president Dame Pauline Green said: "I am delighted that Rochdale has been given this international recognition.
"Anyone who has benefited from a co-operative has those Rochdale men to thank.
"The 28 Rochdale Pioneers spawned a worldwide movement which is owned by nearly one billion people and, according to the United Nations, now serves over half the world’s population.
"Over 100 million people are employed in co-ops and every co-op is focused not on maximising profits but on meeting the needs of their member-owners, whether that’s through providing food, health care, banking services or housing and many other things that we all need."
Council chief executive Roger Ellis, said: "The fact that for ever more Rochdale can call itself the World Capital of Co-operatives is fantastic.
"We are looking forward to working with the ICA to make the most of 2012 for the benefit of the borough."
Some countries have adopted national capitals of co-operatives but this is the first time a World Capital has been proposed.
The United Nations launched the International Year of Co-operatives in New York last month and events planned in the borough include a co-operative heritage trail, a summer of sport, activities celebrating fair trade and the re-opening of the Toad Lane Pioneers Museum after a major refurbishment.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Some lovely words from international dignitarties munching through a buffet in Mexico followed by the usual hype about regeneration. But please can we have some simple actions back here in the new International capital of co-operation rather than tired old cliches?
Here's a revolutionary suggestion - How about sweeping the wet, slippy leaves off the paths down to the market (close to what was once Toad Lane)? Have council cutbacks sacked staff that keep the pavements safe? False economy that makes shopping in the town centre that little bit more difficult, especially for older folk who aren't so good on their feet.
Simple, everyday tasks that can make a difference but doesn't raise a Mexican wave when the vol au vonts are being scoffed at some far away conference.
How about we all club to and buy a sweeping brush? It could be sprayed gold and Councillors Lambert, Mulgrew and Metcalfe can all turn up for the photo donning day glo jackets and hard hats giving a "thumb up" salute. Messers Ellis, Zuntz and Hudson could gush about how the new golden broom will sweep away Rochdfale's negative image with "exciting regeneration".
I'd just settle for cleaner pavements safer to walk on with less dog poo and fewer blue plastic cider bottles.
That was back in the old days, when Rochdale was still a town, and not the burned out shell it now is.
Nothing like it will be born again round here, not even babies, still less ideas...
Excellent news for Rochdale. Hope the town can build on this during 2012.
How about the Co-Operative Group put their money where there mouth is and properly move back to Rochdale seeing as it has now been named the movement's global capital?
The Sandbrook Park HQ didn't last long and the chance to move back from Manchester city centre was missed a couple of years ago. The was a lame consolation prize of moving the pharmacy HQ from Middleton to Rochdale amidst a fanfare of spin.
Given that Dear Leader Lambert and Agent Brett are Labour and Co-op members how come they failed to bring the Co-op home? A glass carbunkle on Toad Lane and a fancy new title to screw on the welcome signs for Rochdale hardly cuts the mustard. Even the bloke on the TV adverts for the Co-op has a scottish accent.
Once again Rochdale remains the bridesmaid not the bride. Millions wasted by the RDA and senior council executives and all we get is a pat on the head and a biscuit.
first Coop shop in Rochdale undeniable,but the same farmers set up the movement 6 years before in Middleton ,but the retail shop came later,so who has the real claim? Just mention it as a point to debate, as other than than the Coop shop and Gracie Fields ,Rochdale has no history .... Gracie could not wait to quit the town either, Over to you Rochdale... Middleton has lots of history ,I by the way do not include Littleborough or Milnrow in this debate as they also have lots of history...
Rochdale did not appear in the Norman Doomsday book but the certainly 2 or all 3 of the afore mentioned areas did
Can Mr Lambert share his plans for 2012.
What about an A&E department
Shops in the shopping centre
Voting for a person/party and sticking to it
Fixing the potholes
Just a few to be getting on with...
I went shopping in Rochdale last week, and came back with nothing..The town is rapidly being deserted by traders left, right and centre..Which is a shame, since Rochdale was such a thriving town a few short years ago..Meanwhile , the council at Rochdale is making savage cuts which will affect the rest of us under Rochdale's power, sinking under the lack of services..I bet Cameron's constituency isn't going short..We're all in this together eh?..
This is fantastic news.
Rochdale IS the birthplace of the Co-operative movement world-wide, and now it is recognised as such.
Well done!
So what! The birthplace of the Co-op! Big Deal! That was in the dim and distant past. Once Rochdale was the Birthplace of many thinks but no more - it is in fact slowly dying.