Senior members treated to an afternoon tea and entertainment

The Northern Membership & Community Council held their traditional Senior Members' Gathering with members who have been members of the former Derby Co-operative Society for over 50 years. They bring joy and enthusiasm to us all.

The Event started with the cutting of the cake with special guests: the Rt. Hon. Dame Margaret Beckett, Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Baggy Shanker, along with Elaine Dean, Central Co-op's President and long serving member Avis. We then sang the Co-op Hymn, 'These things shall be', which Avis, now in her late 90's, used to play the piano to the hymn.

Greetings were given by Margaret and Baggy to the members. Margaret received an Honorary Life Patron award from RamsTrust which Elaine presented and Margaret also spoke her time as MP and the first female as Foreign Secretary. She was congratulated for bringing in the minimum wage and for her commitment to Derby as she retires at the next election after 40 years as MP for Derby South.

Baggy gave greetings from the Council and his time involved in the Co-operative Movement. He also shared his vision for the City of Derby.

Flowers from the Co-op Florist were presented to Margaret and Suki Shanker from the Society by the President and CEO, Debbie Robinson.

Members enjoyed their afternoon tea which was prepared by the Rolls Royce Social Club, Moor Lane, Derby, which was a fitting venue for this special occasion. Members were also able to look at some of the archive material and reminisce with their fellow members and guests from the business, who also attended.

Entertainment was then provided by Rocks'n'Frocks where members were more than willing to join in with dancing and a sing-a-long. The event was attributed to the late Emmanuel Merchant J.P ,where we celebrated 100 years since his death in January. We are proud to continue this Derby tradition and long may it last.