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        People with a Purpose

        Documentary on the history of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society’s and its education programme inspired by the Rochdale Pioneers.

        Documentary 1939 16 mins

        From the collection of:

        Logo for London's Screen Archives

        Overview

        The Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society was a consumer co-operative based in Woolwich, the name originating from the royal munitions works in the area. Inspired by the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, forerunners of a countrywide co-op movement in the 19th century, the group ran for a century before the rise of supermarkets. Fascinating scenes show the educational activities they organised, which includes tutelage in bacon slicing and theatrical technique.