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ROCHDALE PIONEERS
MUSEUM Rochdale
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Located at the rear of Rochdale Exchange Shopping Precinct on Hunters Lane, No 31 Toad Lane was the world's first viable co-operative shop. Now the Pioneers Museum - with its restored historic shop and education and exhibition areas - the building attracts visitors from all over the world. The 28 men who called themselves The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers held their first meeting on 15 August 1844, an event generally regarded as the birth of the modern Co-operative Movement. They aimed to provide the workers of Rochdale with fair trading in basic food and groceries, their customers sharing in the profits. They converted the downstairs front room of No 31 into a rudimentary shop, selling butter, sugar, flour, oatmeal and candles. Within a year they had 74 members and capital of £184. Today the worldwide Co-operative Movement has 700 million members in 100 countries. This is a fascinating insight into how our ancestors did their shopping 150 years ago. Housing the original store of the Rochdale Pioneers, it contains documents, pictures and other material of British and international co-operative interest. The birthplace of the CO-OP offers interesting facts and a unique experience. Opening times: Tue-Sat 10.00-16.00. Sun 14.00-16.00. Last Admission: 15.30. Closed Monday, including Bank Holidays
Admission charge: Adults £1.00, Child 50p, OAPs 50p - Family Tickets £2.00
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