Read time: approximately 2.5 minutes
As we look forward to opening the doors of our newest Food store in Kesgrave this Thursday (15 October), we’re shining a light on Kesgrave Women’s Guild, which began life as one of hundreds of Co-operative Women’s Guilds.
The story of Co-operative Women’s Guilds
The Co-operative Women’s Guild was formed in 1883 by working-class women. Its aim was to spread knowledge of the benefits of co-operation and to improve women’s lives.
Hadleigh Co-operative Women's Guild
It was different from groups run by middle-class women doing things ‘for’ or ‘to’ the working classes. That ethos stayed central to the Guild throughout its history, as it spread through neighbourhoods and provided the support women needed.
Supporting women’s rights runs deep in the co-operative ethos. Co-operative societies enabled women to receive their own dividend and have an equal vote in their co-operative, decades before women won the parliamentary vote.
The Guilds were heavily involved in the campaign for women’s suffrage until equal voting rights were finally granted in 1928. They also campaigned for maternity rights and financial support for working-class women.
The Co-operative Women’s Guild dissolved in 2016 after 133 years of operation.
What is Kesgrave Women’s Guild?
When the national Guild dissolved, the Kesgrave group chose to continue independently. They amended their constitution to three simple aims:
1. Bring women together socially while raising money for local charities
2. Invite interesting, entertaining speakers to their meetings
3. Organise outings to local attractions and events
As one of East of England Co-op's supported groups, Kesgrave Women's Guild receives an annual grant to support them with their running costs.
Kesgrave Women's Guild 2026
Angela’s reflections
Our Community Support Lead, Angela Carpenter, joins the group for their birthday tea every year. She reflects here on last year’s 60th celebration and what the Guild means today.
“In a world where so many long-standing community groups have slowly disappeared, the Kesgrave Co-op Women’s Guild is a shining exception: a group that has not only survived but continues to thrive thanks to the strength of its members and their sense of purpose.
The group is friendly, welcoming and full of life. Members meet every other Tuesday afternoon and there’s always something to look forward to, whether it’s a thought-provoking talk, a lively catch-up over tea, or plans for their next outing.
Their 60th Birthday Tea was a lovely example of what the group stands for. The food was all made by Café 66, a local café that supports adults with learning disabilities.
If you’re local, or know someone who might be, the Guild is always open to guests and potential new members.”
Kesgrave Women's Guild 60th birthday tea (summer 2025)
Growing our involvement in the Kesgrave community
With our Funeral branch down the road, our new Kesgrave Food store is our chance to play a bigger part in the local community, and Local Giving is an important part of that. Local Giving sees colleagues across our Food stores, Travel and Funeral branches and Central Support office fundraising for local charities they’ve chosen themselves, reflecting the communities we serve every day.
Our winter Local Giving campaign kicks off on 1 November and runs until 31 January and we're looking forward to sharing which charities our branches, including our newest store in Kesgrave, will be supporting.
Growing our involvement in Kesgrave means making a difference in this fantastic community, one of the many in the East of England we're proud to serve.
Other news
Blog
Developing local talent – the importance of early careers
Blog by Samantha Coldron, East of England Co-op Talent Partner
Blog
Community Spotlight: helping to create communities for older people
Isolation doesn’t just affect wellbeing, it can have a big impact on physical and mental health.
Blog
Community Spotlight: how advice and advocacy services improve lives
Through our Community Cares Fund, we’re proud to support organisations finding innovative ways to reach people who might otherwise struggle to find help.