“Come and see”…..that was the invitation to children and parents – in fact, people of all ages throughout the county – to take a look inside the newly refurbished East of England Co-op Education Centre in Ipswich and to be entertained by its Activity Groups and musicians.

The attractive Grade II listed building in Fore Street has undergone extensive refurbishment and extension to provide bright and modern facilities, both for the Co-op’s numerous Activity Groups and for public hire. The building now provides a variety of newly furnished, spacious, internet-enabled meeting rooms, along with a welcoming new lounge area where visitors can relax with a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee.

The centre is currently used by thousands of people every month, including school-children, the Society’s staff members, like minded organisations and the Society’s own Co-op Activity Groups. Education Development Officer, Pam Walker, said: “We’re very proud and pleased with our new facilities and new users will be extremely welcome. 100’s of people enjoyed our splendid re-dedication event and it was a lively, sunny day with the true spirit of co-operation running through it”.

Dame Pauline Green was the guest of honour and unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. She praised the Society for re-confirming its commitment to education and communities and highlighted that we are all part of an extensive and global co-operative movement. She said that the East of England Society’s Education Centre was now probably the only one of its kind remaining in the UK and said that the Society should be very proud of its impressive commitment and involvement.

The Co-op Education Centre threw open its doors and provided an opportunity for members of the public to have a look around and to find out more about the vast range of activities undertaken by the Department – from choirs to brass bands, education conferences and seminars, training programmes and rock concerts. There were performances from the Ipswich & Norwich Co-op Brass Band, the renowned Co-op Juniors, the Co-op Music School and three different choirs, along with refreshments, games, arts & crafts displays and information about other Co-op groups such as the Woodcraft Folk, 1st Question Co-operative of trainers and the Co-op Gardening Club.

“There was so much going on and so many happy faces. It was fantastic that so many people came to see what co-operation is all about” said Pam.

Note to Editors

The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest community retailer in East Anglia.  Its 200 trading outlets are located in 65 towns and villages, plus the three regional centres of Ipswich, Norwich and Colchester, covering more than 2000 square miles of East Anglian countryside, from Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex to Sheringham in Norfolk.

For further information, please contact:
 
Pam Walker, Education Development Officer, East of England Co-operative Society
p.walker@ipswich-norwich.coop