A local co-operative, which joined forces with the Isle of Wight Society in 1969, is celebrating its 150th anniversary today (Friday).
Southern Co-op, originally named Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society, was first formed on 24th March 1873 and is one of the remaining independent societies in the country.
Currently known for its local branches of The Co-operative Food and The Co-operative Funeralcare, including 14 on the Isle of Wight, it started off with just 1 store in Portsmouth before gradually growing to 62 grocery branches in 1939 and to more than 300 outlets in total today.
According to the book, ‘It’s Your Business: A History of the Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society Limited’, the Isle of Wight Society transferred in 1969 with its 11,000 members.
The history of the Isle of Wight Society itself is unusual. In 1874 at a meeting of the Agricultural Labourers’ Union, it was agreed “that a Co-operative Society be formed consisting of members of the Agricultural Labourers’ Union”.
A rented shop was opened in 1875, but because of the restricted membership, there were continuing problems. In 1878 membership was opened to all and the Society became known as the Shanklin, Lake and Branston Union.
On the other side of the Island, the Cowes Co-operative Society had been formed in 1893 on the initiative of men engaged in boat building and traded successfully in Cowes, Ryde and Newport until the amalgamation of the 2 Societies to form the Isle of Wight Society in 1947.
Mark Smith, Southern Co-op’s Chief Executive, has said:
“Our communities are still at the forefront of our purpose, alongside long term sustainability plans which include ambitious climate action goals and programmes that tackle food waste and support nature recovery.
“Sadly poverty remains a very real threat to our society, so together with the support of our colleagues, members, customers and partners, we are doing all that we can to build stronger, more resilient communities, helping the most vulnerable within our communities.
With a purpose beyond profits, Southern Co-op provides employment for around 4,500 people across branches of its retail and funeral services, its Welcome retail franchises, free Bereavement Care service, Starbucks franchises, crematoria and natural burial grounds.
Silena Dominy, Director of Corporate Affairs, who has worked at Southern Co-op for 32 years, said:
“From the very start, the co-operative had the people’s best interests at heart as they created a system where profits were put back into the communities they served – whether that was through jobs, or community activities, or education.
“Across the 30 years I’ve worked here, I’ve seen a huge positive change in the organisation but all of those things are still important today as well as ensuring that sustainability is embedded into all areas of our operation.”
congratulations on your 150 years of great service, to island residents and holidaymakers. My Father worked for 42 happy years around the island shops. I also did 35 years working with lots of great managers and staff.
Some people say Co-op is expensive but I must say their
Quality is excellent.
I regularly shop in Co-op