FOR as long as I can remember, the Co-op has been there in so many guises. Not just the convenience store, but as a way of life for many people. The place where the “divi” was an incentive to save.

I recall the divi being a plastic token and not the card we have today.

The store, as it was known, could cater for most of our needs. In its heyday it served the communities that formed its membership.

I suppose it had a monopoly, there was certainly loyalty and something quite unique in the consumer relationship with the Co-op. In essence, the customers owned the business, hence the name The Co-operative. It was synonymous with working class values.

The Co-op sold everything from food, shoes and clothing to insurance and funeral services.

As the years progressed it diversified into travel and banking.

In this respect, I supposed it has mirrored all, or most of the large supermarkets, but in doing so, it has lost some of its values and principles.

As an organisation, the Co-op still has the traditions that are built into its constitution.

Technically, its membership has a voice, but in trying to keep up with its competitors in a number of fields, it has struggled.

Banking has been the root cause of many of the country’s ills and for the Co-op must shoulder some of that responsibility. It got caught up in the recklessness. And, of course, it is banking that has been the part of its business that has caused catastrophe.

In recent years we have seen many of the big names on the High Street perish, or come close to extinction.

If the Co-op wishes to avoid the same fate it must concentrate on what it does best – a return to those core values. It has little time to deliberate.

There are many who question its relevance, the marketeers and competitors who want a slice of the Co-op, but it has a distinctive brand, a loyal band of customers and staff who still see it as a viable entity.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe