Co-operative Graphic Novel

As it is International Year of Co-operatives a graphic novel has been, or is about to be released with the title being "The Co-operative Revolution". I've just acquired it, so am still reading it. The thing with graphic novels is you want to dwell over the pages and take in the artwork. Try to spot any quirky little doodles in the frames. "This graphic novel from master artist Polyp illustrates the history and enduring appeal of the co-operative movement" says the press release. It does.

It has four chapters - Yesterday, Today, Always and Tomorrow. Plus you get a potted timeline of events at the end. What you need to know - it starts with the Rochdale Pioneers, it goes into spaceships to Mars. It has 80 pages in colour. Full price £5.99. Published by New Internationalist on behalf of The Co-operative Group. It's the work of Polyp, a charming and amusing chap with a distinctive drawing style. He lives in Manchester. I'm going to enjoy finishing it, just need to make some quiet reading time.

ISBN is 978178026082. More Info here.

Pioneers Film 2012

Eagerly awaiting the release of "The Rochdale Pioneers" film. The trailer is online now, and the full release date is expected to be November 2012. But being shown in selected towns in September for Co-operative Members. A

"As part of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy will retell the story of The Rochdale Pioneers. Supported by The Co-operative Group and inspired by the 1944 film 'Men of Rochdale'."

Notice no top hats and massive sideburns in a still photograph taken from the trailer. That's a relief. As I pointed out in previous post - Co-Op Pageant 1944 "doesn't costume drama reflect more of our own times, its values, myths and cliches?" It has a great picture of chaps dressing up as The Pioneers looking like they are from the cast of "Gone With The Wind" - it was a massive film released in 1939.

Links:
The Trailer - on YouTube
The Film - info, news, events.
Facebook page about the film

Smile Tour

Just a picture taken in the drizzle today. The Smile Tour in that magnificant camper van has come back up north. The scene is set in the car park of Unicorn Co-Operative Grocery, Chorlton, Manchester.

Previous entries for the International Year of Co-Operatives 2012 here

Smile Tour 2012

Managed to get to the Museum of Science and Industry, or MOSI as it re-branded itself, to see the visit of the Co-operative Camper Van to Manchester. It's all this International Year of Co-Operation promotion. It is a genuine old fully restored VW Camper fitted out with seats and a table at the back. I was expecting it to be in red livery but there you go.

One for the scrapbook then.
Smiletour

IYC 2012...more

I don't suppose this smart new camper van, drop in the words iconic and retro at this point, will be visiting Chorlton but it is touring the nation. All for the promotion of the International Year of Co-operatives 2012. It'll be in Manchester on Saturday 5th May. At the People's History Museum at 1000, and MOSI at 1400. You can find out more and if it is visiting your bit of the country at http://www.co-operative.coop/smiletour

International Year of Co-operatives 2012

To give it the full title it's the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012. The chance to promote and celebrate the co-operative model.

Month 1, and another 11 to follow. Lots of events happening in Manchester and worldwide...
Links:
The Co-operative 2012
Co-ops UK 2012