City's symbolic 'Co-op cow' sign to light up again

Derby's landmark sign of the "Co-op cow" will be relit for the first time in over two decades.

First erected back in 1955, the metal structure occupied a prominent position on top of Derby's Central Hall building until 2001, when it was repaired and moved to the side of the building, where it can be found today.

In consultation with Derby Council, Central Co-op has announced its plans for the "beloved" cow to glow once again, but this time with a white light instead of its orginal red and green look.

The "Co-op cow" will be relit from 19:00 GMT on Saturday using sustainable LED lighting for "future generations to enjoy".

The original sign was designed and built by the Derby Co-op Society as a "beacon" representing health and wellbeing, whilst advertising the Co-op dairy.

It also displayed the slogan "The Gateway to health" above a large crimson-coloured cow sculpture which was then aglow with red and green neon lights.

The cow soon became a symbol that provided a warm visual welcome home to Derbeians, many of who remembered it as the official end to their adventures away from the city.

Elaine Dean, society president of Central Co-op, said she was aware of how fondly Derby remembered the "Co-op cow" and how "it evokes so many happy memories".

"For decades there has been a local desire to bring it back to its full glow but needed a clear and sustainable plan to achieve it", said Ms Dean.

"What better way to celebrate the UN's International Year of Co-operatives and its theme, 'Co-ops Build a Better World' than to restore a welcoming beacon of such joy and heritage to our Derby community."

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, said: "I've lived in Derby my whole life, so I know just how much the 'Co-op Cow' means to local people - with memories spanning generations.

"I'm delighted that Central Co-op has brought the light back to this special and unique piece of Derby's heritage for generations to come."

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