Coalville CAN has been hosting a Co-operative Living History Exhibition and a series of events in collaboration with CASE, Leicestershire's co-operative development agency, to mark the International Year of Co-operatives.

The celebration highlighted the power of co-operation and its role in fostering stronger communities.

One of the standout discussions centred on how councils can collaborate more effectively with their communities, facilitated through the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network. 

The event also welcomed notable visitors, including Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, who travelled from Manchester to visit Coalville CAN and other local Co-operatives.

While at CAN, Rose took the opportunity to support local businesses by purchasing honey and books from MAKERS, a hub for locally produced goods. 

Rose said: "This year has been designated as the International Year of Co-operatives and this inspiring presentation of how Co-operative solutions are being applied today to deliver real benefits to local people is particularly relevant when the Government has stated that they will support the doubling of the Co-operative economy.

"The Co-operative Councils Innovation Network is clearly on the front foot with this."

A highlight of the week was a performance by the Glenfield Ladies Co-operative Choir.

Their visit brought joy and music with choir member Kate sharing: "There is nothing like CAN in Glenfield or Leicester. It is really nice to have something that brings people together."

Reflecting on the power of music she added: "Singing is so good for you because you forget all about your cares and worries and just focus on the music."

Karen Bevan from Central Co-operative (the green Co-op shops) remarked: "It's wonderful to be here celebrating the International year of Co-ops and the Co-op living history exhibition."

Debbie, a representative of Co-op Group (the blue Co-op shops!) overseeing the Leicestershire and Rutland area, expressed her enthusiasm for the performance and said: "I thought the performance was brilliant. The ladies sang beautifully, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Co-op member owners".

She also shared her excitement about supporting the local community in her new role. 

The exhibition continues at Coalville CAN until January 27, inviting everyone to visit, learn and share their memories and ideas for a Co-operative future. 

Ian Wilson, Director at Coalville CAN and a co-owner of CASE which organised the Exhibition added: "The Exhibition is a celebration of Co-operatives proud history of meeting the needs of ordinary people who come together to provide goods or services where neither the private or public sector can.

"The presentation, the exhibition and the celebration illustrate that co-ops are the vehicles for doing that. "