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Midwinter news update
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Looking back over our 50th year
What an incredible fiftieth year it's been!
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As we close the year, Business Development Manager Tim Coomer looks back over the stories we've shared, the archives we've uncovered and the celebrations we've had.
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Thank you everyone who has been part of this fantastic celebration with us - here's to another 50 years!
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Leamington Spa community sports and social club secures investment
Members of the Oak House Sports & Social Club Beer Garden have received a huge boost by securing a financial package that enables ambitious and enterprising plans to renovate, develop and grow their sports and social club for the benefit of the local community.
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Loans from both Co-operative & Community Finance and Co-op Loan Fund mean the club’s committee can refinance existing loans as well as put in place their ambitious plans for development and growth in the club, with a view to broadening its membership and providing more services and facilities for the local community.
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Fifty years of Friendship and Finance
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It's been fascinating to talk about the past while both exploring the challenges of today, and looking to the future. Thanks to everyone who made and gave their time to these conversations.
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Update on our EDI Action Plan
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As we continue on our EDI journey, we share our Action Plan for 2023-2024.
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Produced by our Board and Staff team, this Plan includes specific commitments and objectives to help us move with purpose towards real, measurable, change.
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Meet the trustees
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We're thrilled to welcome two new Trustees to our Board.
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Looking back at our loans
The range of organisations we've lent to over the years is broad and ever growing.
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Our first loan was to a shop called Little Women and through this year, have met printers and pubs, recyclers and retrofitters, welders and nurseries, shops selling eggs, auto spares, libraries and so much more.
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Friends celebrate our 50th at a Gala Dinner
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Regular readers of our blog and newsletter will know that we’ve been celebrating our fiftieth year, this year, with interviews with friends and a look back through our archive. But what is a birthday without a party?
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On a sunny day in October, (almost) fifty people whose connections with us span fifty years, travelled from across the four nations, to Bristol, to celebrate with us.
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Business Development Manager Tim opened proceedings, swiftly handing the floor to David Ralley, who was with us at the very start. David talked about the early days, and the need for ICOF being as strong today as it ever was.
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Four awards were given, chosen by the Directors, from nominations made by the Staff team.
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The Innovation Award was accepted by Simon Ryan on behalf of Point Europa.
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The Diversity Award was won by Four Corners. Margaret Trotter accepted the award, accompanied by Rebecca Brace.
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The final award, for Outstanding Media Services to the anniversary was won by 92 Minutes
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A fantastic night was had by all - thanks to everyone who made the journey to join us
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Hot off the press
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Here are a few news stories that have caught our eye recently
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New Community Food Hub opens in Belgrave, Leicester
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Patio: A global network of software cooperators, is democratising the tech sector
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The Young Gamechangers Fund is a partnership between Co-op Foundation, Co-op and the #iwill Fund, shifting power to young people. It will provide grants of up to £20k a year for young people to transform communities
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The winners of the Community Energy Awards have been revealed
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Events round up
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The Co-op Retail Conference 2024 will take place from Friday 15 March to Sunday 17 March at De Vere Cranage Estate in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
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We will be closed from midday 22nd Dec to Tuesday 2nd January.
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We wish you a peaceful and happy festive season - see you again in 2024.
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