Discover our recent beneficiaries here and look out for new charities to be added soon!

Our Community Fund - Chelmsford Star - The Co-operative

You can access the colleague feedback forum in the footer section of each page.

Hawkwell Off-Licence recorded the highest level of “year on year” growth!

Great work team Hawkwell! 🏆

One winner per store should be drawn and contacted on Thursday 28^th/Friday 29^th March. It would be great if winners can come in for a photo of them with their prize, that you can send to me with their name for social media/starlight magazine.

Colleagues cannot purchase tickets in the store that they work in, however are welcome to purchase from another store.

Please ensure the hamper adds up to as close to £30 as possible.

Suggested items/ideas to include are:

·         Easter Eggs

·         Easter cakes

·         Hot Cross Buns

·         Easter treats e.g. crème eggs

·         Wine/Prosecco

·         Where possible please use Co-op branded products and please ensure that if you make the hampers up in advance that all products are still in date by the time the winner collects.

There will be prizes available for the top selling store, so please sell as many as you can. If you require more tickets please let me know or ask another store if you can take theirs as we would like to sell all available tickets. We have a limited number available to try and avoid waste.

Please ensure you sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the hamper. If you cannot participate for any reason, please ensure your tickets are sent back to me ASAP explaining the reason why.

To transfer the stock please use the stock adjustment function on your guns (17) and transfer to marketing (47).

To put the £1 for the ticket through the till please use the till code 5281 (there is also a button saying charity raffle ticket that can be used.)

Good luck and happy fundraising.  

Emily ~ Marketing ~

Check out the latest news article to see where you are!

Gill started with Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society in 1978 working in our Beehive Lane food store.

We thank Gill for her dedication and commitment to the Society and the bedding department of the Chelmsford store won’t ever be the same!

Wishing you a long and happy retirement Gill!

They have so far raised £640, to top this total up and help this very worthwhile Charity, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/coopfuneraldirectors

At The Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE

Any member wishing to attend in person must advance register. Spaces will be limited and subject to change. To advance register call 0800 254 0404 or email:
membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Please provide the following details; name, membership number
(starting 633174985) and email address.

Admission to the Members’ Meetings:  Members will be required to produce their membership card for entry to the meeting. Once the meeting has commenced, no further members will be admitted.

Download our AGM Poster here

It is an opportunity to hear how your Society is performing, and learn about our plans for the year ahead.

We’ll also discover the results of our Member Representative elections.

Those of you who have registered for Postal Voting will receive your Member Representative voting packs this week.

In them, you’ll find ballot forms and a statement from each candidate, plus a return envelope. Thank you for voting for the member who’ll best represent you in future decision-making!

If you are not registered to vote and you’d like to vote in person, we have arranged several opportunities:

Braintree Quadrant:

Brambles Restaurant  |  Thurs 18th April  |  10am – 3pm

Chelmsford Quadrant:

Brambles Restaurant  |  Fri 19th April  |  10am – 3pm

Brambles Restaurant  |  Sat 27th April  |  10am – 3pm

If you’d like to take part in postal voting next year, register your membership card on our Member Portal and choose the ‘register for postal voting’ option.

If you’d be interested in putting your name forward to becoming an elected member yourself next year, you can read more about the process here.

Thank you for being an active part of your local Co-op.

Internally, the store received a remarkable make-over considering it was only closed to the public briefly, this included brick-effect walls, wooden panelling, extended chillers, a new focus on food to go and a new layout designed to make shopping easier.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/writtle-food-store-re-opens-with-a-brand-new-look/

At The Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE

Any member wishing to attend in person must advance register. Spaces will be limited and subject to change. To advance register call 0800 254 0404 or email:
membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Please provide the following details; name, membership number
(starting 633174985) and email address.

Admission to the Members’ Meetings:  Members will be required to produce their membership card for entry to the meeting. Once the meeting has commenced, no further members will be admitted.

Download our AGM Poster here

Wrap-arounds will be sent to stores with your next POS envelopes and will include glue dots to stick over the community fund pots.

These are to be removed after 2 weeks and revert to the community fund.

Thank you for your cooperation.

At Planet Doughnut, they don't just craft doughnuts; they create a universe of extraordinary flavours and unforgettable experiences.

Now available in The Sorrells, Moulsham Lodge & Writtle.

Coming soon to Danbury, Hullbridge, Challis Lane and Ingatestone.

It would be great to see you there. It is an opportunity to hear how your Society is performing and learn about our plans for the year ahead. 

We'll also discover the results of our Member Representative elections.

A popular team member, she will be deeply missed by many and we thank her for her long and loyal service.

Our deepest condolences to her loved ones.

We’ve created a sustainable solution that is eco-friendly, quicker for stores, and supports our sustainability plan.​ The environmental saving in year 2 is 176 tonnes of single-use plastic and 19 tonnes of paper.​

Our new shrouds are simple to use and are attached to a cage by the six Velcro straps and are to be used on all waste backhaul cages (cardboard, plastic, and food waste).

Read more HERE.

Our mission is to work together, giving life and meaning to the co-operative difference by trading ethically to share our success and service, support, and sustain local communities.

Since the end of the financial year under review, your Board of Directors has spent time reviewing and updating the Society’s vision and mission statement. The revised statement will be announced to members at the Annual General Meeting in May 2024.

You can read our full annual report here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/members/

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:

Judy Saunders

Pauline Dodd

Ben Stops

Richard Hyland

Tony Price

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲:

Susan Sullivan

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 (𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱):

Gill Parker

Val Sullivan

At our AGM on Monday night, Chief Executive Officer Barry Wood presented a picture of strength under fire as the Society battled the challenges facing the retail sector. This strength came from Chelmsford Star’s members, with a significant increase in their spending following changes to the Society’s benefits package.

Mr Wood commented:

“The range of instant discounts we introduced to our members last January has seen the level of trade increase significantly throughout the year with the Society’s food business recording a 4.9% increase in turnover.

In turn, we’ve passed this back to them, and I’m pleased to report that they saved over £219,000 on their shopping in 2023 through instant member discounts. This has a huge impact during these tough times, and we will continue to offer these very real benefits in the year ahead. Add to that, a further £40,000 in dividend has also been distributed this week.”

It means that, despite listing large increases to the Society’s operating costs, energy bills and distribution fees, Chelmsford Star has ridden the storm well.

But why change their members’ benefits?

Following member feedback, it became apparent that there was a greater need for relief with day-to-day shopping bills than there was for an annual dividend payout. In response, the Society introduced a series of instant member rewards, partly funded by a drop in dividend rate, and Members have responded extremely positively.

In addition to the huge upswing in operating profit, profits before taxation were up 77% and the number of new members joining the Society were more than double the year before.

The positive results were mostly driven by our Co-op Food business, which increased its gross takings by 4.9% ‘year on ‘year’, with the funeral business also reporting growth of 2.2%. Ongoing challenges, caused by the lingering effects of the pandemic, have seen both Co-op Travel and Quadrant Department stores making a loss, with the latter seeing a decline of 4.2% in gross takings.

Nevertheless, 99% of their customers said their shopping experience was ‘good or excellent’.

The Society also announced over £30k in grants and donations had been made to local charities through its Community Fund and other fundraising initiatives.

Whilst Chelmsford Star Co-op remains impacted by increases in inflation and interest rates, it continues to demonstrate its resilience in facing any challenges and – with the help of its members – will keep striving to excel under difficult economic conditions.

A full Annual Report for Chelmsford Star’s 2023/24 financial year can be found here.

Chelmsford For You, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), are thrilled to be introducing these awards to highlight the fantastic variety of businesses from, large and small, independents to national chains, further raising the profile of Essex’s very first city.

Our very own Quadrant Department Stores has been shortlisted for Independent Retailer recognition!

Please consider voting for us, along with other local businesses in the Chelmsford Business Awards.

VOTE HERE: www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/business-awards-voting

Stores should now be back to collecting for the Chelmsford Star Co-op Community Fund. If you need additional stickers please contact the Membership & Marketing department ASAP.

marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop

https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/agm-presentations/

Well done to everyone for helping to make this happen :-)

Jodie was signed off as a Shift Leader on 29th May, having only started with Chelmsford Star four months ago.

Jodie started with Chelmsford Star in late January and trained towards becoming a shift leader, having first passed her supervisor course.

Jodie is a personal licence holder having passed her BIIAB level 2 for personal licence holders back in February.

We are proud of Jodie for achieving a lot in 4 months as a colleague joining a new business and wish her every success with her career at Chelmsford Star.

She started 18/04/24, passed her BIIAB Licensing exam on the 17^th May. Abi has also worked in The Sorrells and South Ockendon helping to cover shifts. Well done Abi 🌟

For the third year running ‘Chelmsford For You’ have commissioned local artists to create pride windows on a number of shops along the march route, adding to the celebrations and promoting an inclusive Chelmsford!

Local artist Beth, has done a wonderful design on our Quadrant window.

Over the next few days local artists will be creating more artworks on a number shop windows, keep your eye on socials for those locations!

Ribbon-cutting honours went to Kevin O’Brien, Vice Chairman of Hullbridge Parish Council (centre), accompanied by our Society President, Tony Price.

Store Manager, James Turner, was on hand to guide our guests around his new-look store, which includes a revamped interior and expanded ranges, including the popular food-to-go section.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/hullbridge-store-gets-parish-approval/

It's also available ONLINE here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/members/

FRIDAY 5TH JULY - 12PM - 2PM

Please register your interest in volunteering by emailing or calling us:
0800 254 0404

membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Limited equipment (gloves/hi-viz vests/litter pickers) will be available but are in limited supply, so please bring your own if you have some.

Please wear sturdy footwear.

Location: Bell Meadow CM2 0PA

The successful candidate will provide administrative support to the Membership & Marketing Team.

Primary duties will include data entry, new member pack assembly and answering enquiries received through a variety of channels.

They will be expected to deliver an efficient and effective service through the accurate administration of member data and feedback, which includes receiving customer concerns and ensuring they are responded to promptly.

They will also assist with the upkeep of online channels and promotional material.

To find out more and to apply - https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/careers/

Closing date: 22/06/2024

This was due to his vast retail experience and great support from his store manager Mihir, and the Havengore team.

Stewart is now keen to progress to Shift Leader training, not bad for someone who started with Chelmsford Star 4 weeks ago. Due to him having a personal licence, there was no need for him to sit the BIIAB level 2 exam.

We wish Stewart well and look forward to seeing his career blossom with CSCS!

We are are the Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens handing out FREE FRUIT 🍎🍌 for all the little ones and exclusive Co-op Coupons for the grown-ups! It's our way of saying thank you for being such a wonderful community. 💚

📍 Where: Little Legs Festival, Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens

🗓️ When: Today, tomorrow & Friday - 9:30am-3pm

Take a look at the huge range of sofas, beds and furniture we have on offer from BIG BRANDS, including Harrison Spinks, Alstons, GPLan, Parker Knoll, Himolla, Hypnos and Sleepeeze to name just a few!

You are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget!

Remember you'll get your colleague discount too, so here's an example of what you can save...

SAVE £859.80

Harrison Bliss 135cm Divan Set

Was: £2,099 | Sale: £1,549 |

With colleague discount = £1,239.20

+2,478 MEMBERSHIP POINTS

SAVE 20% on Welcome Furniture KENT Range

e.g. Two Door/Two Drawer Wardrobe

Was: £585 | Sale: £465 | With colleague discount = £372

+744 MEMBERSHIP POINTS

The annual event is a very popular place for parents and carers to take pre-school age activities, with many activities going on to provide entertainment.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/thousands-of-children-given-free-fruit-in-braintree/

This year’s Co-op Fortnight runs from 24^th June to 7^th July and is particularly special as we commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, the world’s first successful consumer retail co-operative.

The principles established by the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844 have laid the foundation for modern co-operatives worldwide, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.

Many of us are familiar with co-operative high street convenience shops, but the co-operative model extends far beyond that.

A co-operative is a business or organisation owned and led by its members to meet their shared needs.

These Members can be customers, employees, residents or suppliers, all of whom have a say in how the co-operative is run.

This democratic structure is at the heart of what makes co-operatives a distinct and powerful way to do business.

The theme for this year’s Co-op Fortnight is “An Altogether Different Way to Do Business.” This theme highlights the unique benefits and values that co-operatives bring to their members and communities.

At Chelmsford Star, we embody this theme through various innovative and impactful initiatives.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/chelmsford-star-supports-co-op-fortnight/

This Co-op Fortnight we are celebrating an altogether different way of doing business and we are thrilled to share our involvement in the recent Baddow 10 Mile Race, an iconic annual event in Chelmsford organised by the local Rotary Club.

This year, the event saw an incredible turnout with 269 runners participating in the race. The race started and finished at the Recreation Ground in Great Baddow, where lots of family entertainment also took place, from bouncy castles and face painting to charity stalls, courtesy of the Great Baddow Horticultural Society.

The Baddow 10 is not just about running; it’s a celebration of our community coming together. We were proud to join in with fellow local sponsors such as D & B Scaffolding, Pontlands Park, and the Great Baddow Parish Council, who, like us, are committed to supporting and uplifting our local area.

Emily and Karen from our Membership & Marketing team, enthusiastically volunteered as marshals for the event. Positioned near our Beehive Lane Co-op store, they played a crucial role in guiding and cheering on the runners, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable race day.

Read more here:

https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/celebrating-community-spirit-in-baddow-this-co-op-fortnight/

We recently donated a delicious batch of Fairfield’s Farm Crisps to help make their event on Saturday, June 29th a success.

This annual event attracts 350 families and is a cornerstone of our local community spirit.

As part of Co-op Fortnight, we're celebrating a different way to do business by actively engaging with and giving back to our community.

We wish the School well at the event and hope it’s an enjoyable and memorable day for all!

· Andrex Classic Toilet Roll 9 Roll £4.95

· Regina Blitz Kitchen Towel 1 Roll £2.75

· Stella Artois Cans 10X440ml £12.00

· Fosters Cans 10X440ml £10.99

· Corona Bottle 10X330ml £11.00

· Fox's Half Coated Cookies 175g £1.25

· Lotus Biscoff Sandwich Cream 150g £1.25

· Coca Cola Diet/Zero 12X330ml £6.15

· Robinson's Fruit Shoots 8X200ml £2.50

· Magner's Original Can 18X440ml £16.00

· Birra Moretti Bottle 12X330ml £14.75

· Kopparberg Cider 2024 Variety Pack 10X330ml £10.50

· All Fairfields Crisps - £1.50 each

The Bell Inn

UPDATE: Adrian from our Broomfield Road funerals branch, as well as managing a stall at the fete, he also ran a competition.

Congratulations to Nikki Green the winner of the £50 "Euro Golden Goal" Competition.

The first goal of the Euro's was scored by Germany's Florian Wirtz in the 10th minute.

As you can see, she is a very happy lady. Thanks to everyone who participated. Aside from the prize pot, we also donated £50.00 to Great Bardfield FC Ladies Team, and £52.00 was raised for our Charity: Chelmsford Star Co-op Community Fund.

It's looking like a sunny weekend too! ☀😎

A huge thanks to our friends at Tilbury Pioneer Academy and our President, Tony Price, for cutting the ribbon and celebrating this special occasion with us.

A donation was made to the Academy to thank them for their head and deputy boys and girls attending.

Come and explore the refreshed look of our store with its vibrant new colour scheme!

Plus, we’ve added some fantastic features:

☕️ New Coffee Station for your morning pick-me-up.

🍦 Rossi Ice Drinks to keep you cool all summer.

🛍️ Extended Ranges to offer you even more variety.

📦 InPost Locker for easy and secure parcel pick-up.

And that’s not all! We’ve extended our opening hours: 🕡 Monday to Saturday: 6:30am - 10:00pm 🌅 Sunday: 7:00am - 10:00pm

Initially feedback from both customers and staff has been very positive with the consensus being that the store looks much bigger.

We can’t wait to see you in store. Come by and check out what’s new! See you soon at 2-6 Portsea Road, Tilbury, RM18 8AX 📍

Good luck to Store Manager, Metahan and his team 💙

More information here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/community/events/big-co-op-clean-up-event-chelmsford/

England is set to face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals this Saturday afternoon; is your store ready? 

The Bell Inn

UPDATE: Adrian from our Broomfield Road branch, was able to deliver the Raffle Prize of a hamper recently.

Congratulations to Hadley Smith, who was very pleased.

The annual event brings together individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on their local environment.

The litter pick, which took place today (5^th July) saw participation from Co-op members, and colleagues who braved the rain showers to clean up one of Chelmsford's green spaces.

The collective effort resulted in the removal of several bags of waste from the park, highlighting the community's commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/volunteers-unite-for-successful-litter-pick-in-central-park-chelmsford-during-co-op-fortnight/

Adrian from our Broomfield Road branch organised the trip and said 'You really can't beat being out in the fresh air, fish & chips, ice-cream and jolly good company!'

They were chauffeur driven by Adrian.

We visited with Director Richard Hyland, witnessing a programme of one-to-one counselling sessions in private outdoor ‘pods’, a primary school lesson about pond-diving (scooping out and examining trays of pond water for life) and group therapy for troubled teens.

Education is at the heart of what The Wilderness Foundation do in Essex, whatever the age.

Those that work at the Chatham Green site have an in depth understanding of both the outdoors and its connection with education and mental health, and they share a caring and sharing ethos much like we do.

What a wonderful charity they are, and worthy of being the first charity to have benefited from a second grant from the Community Fund.

You can find out more about their work here.

Get in touch via membership@chelmsfordstar.coop or on 0800 2540404 in office hours.

Date: Thursday 26th September

Time: 6pm – 8pm (Doors open at 5:45pm)

Location: Chelmsford Quadrant

Department Store, CM2 0LS

Tickets: £7.50 for Members/£10 for non-members

We’re delighted to bring you an unforgettable experience featuring a carefully curated selection of our finest Fairtrade wines and chocolates. This is more than just a tasting—it’s a celebration of the incredible impact Fairtrade has made over the last three decades.

Find out more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/join-us-at-our-wine-chocolate-tasting-evening/

💳👗🌟✨

(Items shown available in Chelmsford).

Why not come and have a look around? You'll also get your colleague discount - 20% OFF on Furniture/Beds and 15% OFF on Flooring!

So the sofa listed above would be £879.20.

This is on top of sale prices!

Beach stretch: Shoeburyness East Beach

Date and time: 13 Sep 2024, 10 a.m. to noon

Meeting point: Assembly point at the 'Hello' Sculpture

Time: 9.45am for a 10am start

Find out more and sign up to volunteer here:

https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/chelmsford-star-big-beach-clean-up-13-09-2024/

Evolving from a grassroots movement to a truly global phenomenon, Fairtrade has provided three decades of practical commitment and solidarity to the men and women across the world who grow the products we rely on every day. It has revolutionised the way we think about trade, our shopping and the goods we consume.

The Fairtrade Foundation work with more than two million farmers and workers around the world from South Africa to Cuba, Ecuador to Ghana to Fiji. When you factor in their families and dependents, that adds up to 10 million people across Africa, Latin America and Asia, all benefiting from the sale of products on Fairtrade terms.

Find out more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/the-future-is-fair-if-we-work-together-fairtrade-at-30/

🌕 · 🥯 · 🧇 · 🥞 · 🍪 · 🧽 · 🥮

On Friday, 13th September, we had the privilege of hosting a beach clean at East Beach in Shoeburyness, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. With blue skies and sunshine overhead, over 40 enthusiastic volunteers gathered to make a difference.

Lead by Karen and Emily from our Membership and Marketing Team, our volunteers included members of our Board of Directors, a dedicated team from Oakwood Care Home, and special support from Toby Larkin at Juniper Networks, who generously provided some equipment that helped us in our efforts.

Together, we collected an impressive 13kg of litter, clearing the beach of harmful waste.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/co-op-beach-clean-at-east-beach-a-beautiful-day-of-community-and-conservation/

Taking place in our Chelmsford Quadrant department store, a packed restaurant came to experience an evening of delicious drinks and well matched chocolate flavours, all under the expert tutelage of Neil Bull, owner and Chief Tutor at the Essex Wine School.

Amongst those in attendance were the Deputy Mayoress Susan Sullivan, her consort John Piolo, and key members of the Fairtrade Committee who were instrumental in Chelmsford becoming one of the first cities granted “Fairtrade City” status.

Read more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/fairtrade-still-tastes-great-30-years-on/

The milestone was marked with an Open Day, with local residents and key industry personnel popping in for tea and cake. The branch’s ‘Living Memorial Tree’, planted at Ingatestone Church to commemorate their 10 year anniversary, also received a tidy up and a fresh blessing.

Read more here: https://funerals.chelmsfordstar.coop/20th-milestone-for-ingatestone-branch

You’ll find yours in your next food POS kits.

Quadrant staff will receive them directly.

From Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th October, Chelmsford Star Co-op members can enjoy 20% off full-priced fashion and housewares in our Quadrant Department Stores. (Chelmsford & Braintree)

Refresh your wardrobe or add a stylish touch to your home, all whilst saving money!

But hurry, these discounts are only here for three days!

Simply use your membership card at the till to save instantly.

Mark your calendar and let the savings begin! Don’t miss out, it’s all happening this Thursday to Saturday, exclusively for our members.

*Discounts apply to full priced fashion, accessories & housewares items. Excludes footwear, linens, Joe Davis Giftware and selected concessions. Discount is for Chelmsford Star Co-op Members. Small electrical items also discounted, by 10%.

Adrian from our Broomfield Road branch was at George Yard Shopping Centre last week, along with volunteers from The Royal British Legion.

Raffle tickets will be available for customers to purchase for £1 each between Monday 11th November – Thursday 19th December.

Tickets, full instructions and posters will be in your next POS kits leaving Head Office on 7th November. Please ensure you read this and start selling tickets from 11th Nov.

Good luck and happy fundraising!

Congratulations to:

• Church Street, Bocking

• Ingatestone

  
  

Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and dedication!

Please ensure you display these in your stores and discard of any old copies.

The magazine is also available to read online. Visit the members area of our website: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/members/

It’s the last week of our Autumn Furniture, Beds and Flooring Sale, and this is your last chance to save BIG!

PLUS, in our Housewares, Small Electricals and Fashion departments, you'll find discounts on big brands, available until Monday 2nd December!

____________________________________________

Here’s what you’ll find in stores:

Furniture, Beds, and Flooring*

Our Autumn Sale must end Saturday 30th November!

Get a £10 Gift Voucher for Every £100 Spent!*

Explore top brands like Alstons, Harrison Spinks, G Plan, Himolla, Parker Knoll, and Hypnos – all designed to bring comfort and style to your home.

20% Off Full-Priced Housewares**

Equip your kitchen with must-have brands like Judge, Pyrex, Viners, Tala, Stellar Kitchenware, and Tower. This discount applies only to full-priced merchandise only.

10% Off Full-Priced Small Electricals**

Get deals on quality appliances from Tower, Russell Hobbs, Daewoo, and Kenwood – perfect for those small kitchen upgrades or a thoughtful Christmas gift.

Up to 50% OFF Fashion***

50% OFF Trespass Coats / Taurus Leather Bags

30% OFF Radley London / Jack & Jones / JJXX / First Avenue / Masai / Sahara / Saloos / Gerry Weber / Farah

25% OFF Lighthouse

20% OFF Wrangler / David Barry / Barbour / Klass

Visit the Quadrant stores in Chelmsford or Braintree to make the most of these incredible offers and bring home the essentials you love.

*Terms apply. New orders only. Excludes clearance and balances. Vouchers cannot be spent on selected concessions, travel or restaurant. no cash alternative. Offer valid until Saturday, 30th November. Vouchers must be redeemed within 7 days of purchase.

Housewares and fashion offers end Monday 2nd December 2024. * Brands vary per store.

This Christmas, we are working with the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund and we are on a mission to spread joy to children with cancer and their siblings.

We need your help to make the festive season extra special! 💛✨

Here's how you can get involved:

• Visit one of our Giving Trees: Pick a gift tag from one of our Christmas Giving Trees - located in our Quadrant Department Stores - Chelmsford & Braintree.

• Drop Off a Gift: Bring your new, unwrapped gift back to the store with the tag you chose.

We’re looking for gifts for all ages, from new borns, to 18-year-olds. Items like toys, arts & crafts, LEGO, games, and fluffy blankets are always welcome.

Let’s make this holiday season brighter for these brave families!

🎅 Gifts must be received by 8th December.

Each winning store has been awarded £50 in Love to Shop vouchers as a token of our appreciation.

Thank you to all the teams for your dedication and hard work in making this incentive a success.

#TeamSuccess #Savoursmiths

This is an important achievement and a well-deserved recognition of Becks' hard work, dedication, and commitment to our team.

In the photo, Becks is congratulated by her store manager, Pietro Randazzo, who, along with the rest of us, is incredibly proud of her accomplishment.

Thank you, Becks, for your continued commitment and excellence—keep up the great work as you step into this new role! ⭐

Raffle tickets should now be available for customers to purchase for £1 each up until Thursday 19th December. Tickets and posters were sent to stores last week. 

Please only use and fill in the official raffle tickets and ensure that customer data is not displayed for everyone to see on the shop floor.

One winner per store should be drawn and contacted on Friday 20th December. It would be great if winners can come in for a photo of them with their prize, that you can send to me with their name for social media/starlight magazine. (email to: marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop)

Please ensure the hamper adds up to as close to £50 as possible and does not go over this.

There will be prizes available for the top 3 stores, so please sell as many as you can. If you require more tickets please let marketing know or ask another store if you can take theirs as we would like to sell all available tickets.

To transfer the stock please use the stock adjustment function on your guns (17) and transfer to marketing (47).

To put the £1 for the ticket through the till please use the till code 5281 (there is also a button saying charity raffle ticket that can be used.)

Good luck and happy fundraising

Tuesday 19th November: A jaw-dropping £140 million jackpot is up for grabs!

Friday 22nd November: The special draw guarantees 100 lucky millionaires across Europe!

Please ensure all POS is displayed and that colleagues are pushing the draw.

Tuesday 19th November: A jaw-dropping £140 million jackpot is up for grabs!

Friday 22nd November: The special draw guarantees 100 lucky millionaires across Europe!

Can the stores that have not sold tickets yet please get these started. 

The figures shown are for week 1 - 11th - 17th November 2024.

If you require more tickets please email me (Emily) - marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop

As a Co-op we know how important it is to give back to our communities, and we appreciate every request for help that comes our way.

At this time, however, we have been overwhelmed with charity donation requests, and we do not have the budget to support these additional requests beyond our existing commitments.

We encourage everyone to remember that we proudly support our communities through the Co-op Community Fund, which helps local causes that align with our values.

For more details on how we’re actively contributing to local initiatives and how community organisations can apply for support through this fund, please visit our Community Fund page.

Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to make a difference through the work we do together!

Well done also to Melbourne, Havengore, Tilbury and Wickford for selling over 100 tickets.

There are still 11 stores yet to start selling tickets; can you all please ensure that these are up and running today as we are currently promoting this on social media.

If you require more tickets please email me (Emily) (marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop).

I am sending POS envelopes out this week on Thursday, so I can include them for your store.

New Key Holder at Great Notley:
Shift Leader Amanda Gravett congratulates Sam Monk on his promotion to Key Holder. Sam joined CSCS on 20/10/2024 and has successfully passed the BIIAB Level 2 Licensing Exam. Congratulations, Sam, on this exciting next step in your journey with us!

We have spare tickets at head office, so please do ask me (Emily) if you need more marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop

There are still over 7 stores yet to sell a ticket! Please start this today as you only have 17 days left to sell! You need to ensure you sell over 50 tickets to break even with the cost of the hampers.

ASK EVERY CUSTOMER please 🙏🏼

This year the service will be held at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground, Coppice Lane, North End, Dunmow. CM6 3PL.

Please start to arrive from 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

We expect the service to finish around 7pm.

More information here: https://funerals.chelmsfordstar.coop/christmas-remembrance-service-friday-13th-december-2024-from-6pm/

We now have 9 more days to sell tickets. If you need any more tickets please email: marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop.

Stores that have sold less than 50 tickets - please can you ensure you sell some more tickets to at least cover the cost of your hampers, as you're currently making a loss on this. Really we need a minimum of 100 tickets sold per store.

Thank you,

Emily (Marketing)

This cherished annual Christmas initiative, which we’ve proudly supported since 2021, provides eligible residents with a thoughtfully curated bag of Co-op treats. Each bag includes fruit, vegetables, Christmas pudding, mince pies with custard, shortbread, cheese crackers, and a box of chocolates—perfect for spreading seasonal joy.

This year, the number of recipients has grown to over 250, highlighting the initiative’s growing impact. For many, it has become a source of happiness and connection. Members of the Parish Council personally deliver the bags, taking time to chat with recipients—a gesture that often becomes the highlight of their week.

Both stores hosted Christmas trees decorated with tags, each featuring the name and age of a child supported by the charity. Customers and staff were invited to pick a tag, purchase a gift, and bring a smile to a child’s face this Christmas.

The response from our community was overwhelming. Thanks to your generosity, we collected over 100 gifts! These thoughtful donations will bring joy not only to the children undergoing treatment but also to their siblings, who often share in the emotional burden.

When Lynsey Bidwell from the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund came to collect the gifts, she shared this heartfelt message:

“Thank you so much for your support, it means so much to the children and their families. It also helps their siblings.”

For 30 years, Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund has been a lifeline for families navigating the trauma of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Their work ensures that children and their families receive the practical and emotional support they need during such a difficult time.

We are incredibly proud to support such a meaningful cause and deeply moved by the kindness of everyone who participated. Your generosity has made a profound difference in the lives of these children and their families, helping to spread hope and happiness during the festive season.

Thank you to all our customers and staff who contributed to this initiative—you truly embody the spirit of giving. Together, we’ve made this Christmas brighter for so many.

To find out more about the work that The Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund do, please visit their website: https://www.lennoxccf.org.uk/

His attention to detail and calm demeanour will be invaluable not only to his store but also to Chelmsford Star Co-op as a whole.

We would also like to give special recognition to Julie Lee, who identified Can's potential and provided essential support throughout his training. He has successfully completed the BIIAB Level 2 Licensing exam.

We wish you all the best Can!

Your London Theatre Break for 2 Includes:
🌙 Overnight stay at the 4-star Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
🎟️ Upper Circle Tickets to The RSC’s Matilda The Musical
🚤 FREE Thames River Cruise – ask for more details!
💷 From just £119 per person
(Based on Saturday 18th January 2025, subject to availability.)

Your London Theatre Break for a Family of 4 Includes:
🌙 Overnight stay in a family room at the 4-star Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC
🎟️ Upper Circle Tickets to The RSC’s Matilda The Musical
🚤 FREE Thames River Cruise – ask for more details!
💷 From £110 per person | £440 for a family of 4
(Based on 2 adults + 2 children sharing, Saturday 25th January 2025.)

🚆 Don’t forget—you can add rail travel from your local station (additional charges apply).

📅 Alternative dates, durations, seats, and hotels are also available.

Book now and make memories that last a lifetime!
Pop in and see us in the Co-op Travel to book or call us on 01376 551444 or 01245 490290

This year the service will be held at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground, Coppice Lane, North End, Dunmow. CM6 3PL.

Please start to arrive from 6pm for a 6.30pm start. We expect the service to finish around 7pm.

Read more here:

https://funerals.chelmsfordstar.coop/christmas-remembrance-service-friday-13th-december-2024-from-6pm/

Hosted by Peter Moule and organised by Chelmsford Star Funeral Directors, the evening provided a touching opportunity for families and friends to come together and honour the memories of loved ones during the festive season.

The evening began with a warm welcome and introduction from our President, Tony Price, setting the tone for the poignant moments that followed.

Reverend Andrew Merchant led a Bible reading, offering words of comfort and hope, while beautiful music from harpist Caroline Hall added an ethereal touch to the atmosphere.

Read more and view the photos HERE.

We now have 4 more days to sell tickets. If you need any more tickets please email: marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop.

Stores that have sold less than 50 tickets - please can you ensure you sell some more tickets to at least cover the cost of your hampers, as you're currently making a loss on this. Really we need a minimum of 100 tickets sold per store.

Thank you,

Emily (Marketing)

Please take a photo and send it to me along with their name - marketing@chelmsfordstar.coop

Please also be reminded that you need to sell over 50 tickets in order, ideally 100 minimum to at least break even. Some stores are currently making a loss.

Regards, Emily (Marketing)

The survey will be live from 5th January - 18th January.

Home Makeover Deals You’ll Love

Transform your home with unbeatable savings on furniture, beds, and flooring from top brands like Alstons, Collins & Hayes, Relyon, Parker Knoll, Himolla, Harrison Spinks, Celebrity, and Sleepeezee*.

Plus, discover new arrivals from G-Plan Vintage and Ercol Upholstery, Dining, and Bedroom Furniture - perfect for chic, modern living.

Fashion & Accessories* at Unbeatable Prices

Elevate your wardrobe with these stylish offers:

30% OFF: First Avenue, Joules, Sahara, French Connection, Gerry Weber, Jack & Jones, JJXX and Douglas & Grahame.

20% OFF: Seasalt, Barbour, Robell, Champion, Meyer, Radley and David Jones.

These incredible deals are available exclusively at our Quadrant Department Stores in Braintree and Chelmsford.

The photo shows Mrs Davis, our winner at the Writtle Store ✨🎅🏼🎄❄💫🌟

Aaron joined us on 14/11/2024, while Lauren started on 14/10/2024.

They’re eager to continue their journey with us and begin their Shift Leader training. Both successfully passed the BIIAB Licensing exam last Friday the 13th—proof that it wasn’t an unlucky day for them!

Special well done to our top 3 stores - Challis Lane, Danbury & Tilbury. ⭐✨🌟

Emily (Marketing) presented the store with a hamper for all of the colleagues to share.

Emily (Marketing) presented the store with a hamper for all of the colleagues to share.

Emily (Marketing) presented the store with a hamper for all of the colleagues to share.

This will be up for the next three months to promote the branch. 🗺🌴🌎

One BIG decision.

Which one gets your vote?

Visit our Facebook Page to cast your vote:

https://www.facebook.com/CStarCoopFood

#CremeEggBattle #TeamTub #TeamCone #TeamEgg #TeamBar #CadburyMagic

Bringing a heritage brand with over 65 years of expertise in luxury leather and sheepskin is a huge milestone for us.

Lakeland Leather is the UK’s largest leather retailer, renowned for timeless craftsmanship and premium quality. Their stunning collection of leather jackets, handbags, and accessories is now available in-store!

This marks another step in our commitment to offering high-quality, sought-after brands to our customers.

We look forward to seeing you in-store to explore this fantastic addition!

#LakelandLeather #NewBrand #RetailSuccess #ChelmsfordQuadrant #LuxuryFashion #LeatherStyle #ExcitingNews

Transform your home with unbeatable savings on furniture, beds, and flooring from top brands like Alstons, Collins & Hayes, Relyon, Parker Knoll, Himolla, Harrison Spinks, Celebrity, and Sleepeezee*.

Discover new arrivals from G-Plan Vintage and Ercol Upholstery, Dining, and Bedroom Furniture - perfect for chic, modern living.

PLUS, for every £100 you spend on furniture, beds and flooring, you'll receive a £5 voucher to spend in stores.**

Winter Sale deals are exclusively at our Quadrant Department Stores in Braintree and Chelmsford.

Don’t forget to bring your Co-op membership card to get your colleague discount on already unbeatable prices!

A special shout out to Leigh-on-Sea and Ingatestone for going above and beyond to create a real event feel – your efforts deserve to be celebrated!

Check out the fantastic work in the photo. 💕👏

#Teamwork #ValentinesDay #GreatDisplays

From 4th March, all 35 of our food stores will be available on Just Eat, offering either full delivery service or collection-only at select locations (Danbury, East Tilbury, Ingatestone & Blackmore).

This partnership is all about making shopping easier and more accessible, ensuring our communities can get their essentials whenever they need them.

Here’s to a seamless shopping experience with Co-op Food & Just Eat! 🛒📲

#Partnership #RetailInnovation #CoopFood #JustEat #ConvenienceRedefined

Whether you need financial, emotional, or practical support, help is available 24/7, free, and completely confidential.

If you're facing challenges, no matter how big or small, GroceryAid is here for you.

📞 Call the 24/7 Helpline: 08088 021122

🌐 Find out more: www.groceryaid.org.uk

You're never alone—support is just a call or click away. 💙

Whether you need financial, emotional, or practical support, help is available 24/7, free, and completely confidential.

If you're facing challenges, no matter how big or small, GroceryAid is here for you.

📞 Call the 24/7 Helpline: 08088 021122

🌐 Find out more: www.groceryaid.org.uk

You're never alone—support is just a call or click away. 💙

Now is your chance!

We’re looking for members to step forward as Member Representatives in our 2025 elections.

This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how our Co-op is run, ensuring it stays member-led and community-focused.

✅ No business or finance experience needed – just a willingness to get involved!

✅ Multiple roles available – including the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Members’ Council.

✅ Exclusive benefits – including our colleague discount and financial rewards for higher-commitment roles.

📅 Deadline for applications: 31st March 2025

📩 Find out more & apply today
👉 https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/were-looking-for-our-next-member-representatives/

Got questions?
Contact Dan McMeekin at daniel.mcmeekin@chelmsfordstar.coop or call 01245 916216.

Now is your chance!

We’re looking for members to step forward as Member Representatives in our 2025 elections.

This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how our Co-op is run, ensuring it stays member-led and community-focused.

✅ No business or finance experience needed – just a willingness to get involved!

✅ Multiple roles available – including the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Members’ Council.

✅ Exclusive benefits – including our colleague discount and financial rewards for higher-commitment roles.

📅 Deadline for applications: 31st March 2025

📩 Find out more & apply today
👉 https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/were-looking-for-our-next-member-representatives/

Got questions?
Contact Dan McMeekin at daniel.mcmeekin@chelmsfordstar.coop or call 01245 916216.

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts:

✨ 20% off all full-price fashion and accessories (own bought) 👕👜
✨ 20% off all full-price housewares 🏡
✨ 10% off all full-price electrical items 🔌
✨ 20% off all full-price luggage 🧳
✨ 10% off clearance furniture 🛋️

Don’t miss out—come along, grab a bargain, and treat yourself for less! 🎊

Take a look in stores at the huge range of sofas, beds and furniture we have on offer, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget. Remember you'll also get your colleague discount, even on sale prices! (up to 20%)

The Chelmsford BID Business Awards 2025 are here, and we’d love to for Quadrant to be nominated!

Last year, the awards saw thousands of nominations and votes, celebrating the amazing businesses that make Chelmsford special. It was incredible to see our city come together—and now, it’s time to do it all again!

If you love shopping with us at Quadrant Department Stores, we’d be so grateful for your nomination. Your support means the world to us, and it would be an honour to be recognised in this year’s awards.

🔗 Nominate us today and help us celebrate all the fantastic businesses in our city centre! 👉🏼 https://www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsford-bid-business-awards

Great opportunity to drive some additional Turnover.

Good luck. 🍀

Please ensure all of your colleagues are aware and take the opportunity to ask all customers if they wish to purchase a ticket.

Great opportunity to drive some additional Turnover.

Good luck. 🍀

Please ensure all of your colleagues are aware and take the opportunity to ask all customers if they wish to purchase a ticket.

Great opportunity to drive some additional Turnover.

Good luck. 🍀

We will be having another Easter Hamper Raffle this year in the food stores to raise money for the Chelmsford Star Community Fund.

Raffle tickets will be available for customers to purchase for £1 each between Thursday 3^rd – Friday 18^th April 2025.

Tickets and posters are being sent to stores next week in POS Kits. Please only use and fill in the official raffle tickets and ensure that customer data is not displayed for everyone to see on the shop floor.

One winner per store should be drawn and contacted on Friday 18^th/Saturday 19^th April 2025. It would be great if winners can come in for a photo of them with their prize, that you can send to me with their name for social media/starlight magazine.

Colleagues cannot purchase tickets in the store that they work in, however are welcome to purchase from another store.

Please ensure the hamper adds up to as close to £50 as possible.

Suggested items/ideas to include are:

·         Easter Eggs

·         Easter cakes

·         Hot Cross Buns

·         Easter treats e.g. crème eggs

·         Wine/Prosecco

·         Where possible please use Co-op branded products and please ensure that if you make the hampers up in advance that all products are still in date by the time the winner collects.

There will be prizes available for the top selling TWO STORES, so please sell as many as you can. If you require more tickets, please let me know or ask another store if you can take theirs as we would like to sell all available tickets. We have a limited number available to try and avoid waste.

Please ensure you sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the hamper. If you cannot participate for any reason, please ensure your tickets are sent back to me ASAP explaining the reason why.

To transfer the stock please use the stock adjustment function on your guns (17) and transfer to marketing (47).

To put the £1 for the ticket through the till please use the till code 5281 (there is also a button saying charity raffle ticket that can be used.)

Good luck and happy fundraising.  

Emily
Marketing

The jackpot is now over £200m for this Fridays draw. This is only the 2^nd time the jackpot has been this high in the last 2 years.

Last Friday's super Jackpot boosted sales by 84% vs base week, and we have forecast of +125% uplifts for this Fridays draw. In our previous roll series to a similar Jackpot, (July 2022), sales uplifts were over 200%. 

Make the most of every sales opportunity!

For a limited time, you can book a luxury escape to the Moon, Mars, or even Saturn’s rings!

Destinations include:

🌑 Moon Base Retreat – Enjoy low-gravity spa treatments & lunar hiking tours

🪐 Saturn’s Ring Resort – The ultimate floating infinity pool experience

♨ Mars Adventure Camp – Stay in a glass-domed resort, experience zero-gravity yoga, and rover safaris across the red planet!

🛰 Venus - The Ultimate Girls' getaway - enjoy a glowing complexion with the year round 475°C sauna experience and all inclusive cocktails infused with cosmic stardust!

From just £999,999pp* (fuel surcharge applies)

SpaceX economy seats included (upgrade to first-class hypersleep available)

Email The Co-op Travel to book now… if you dare!

*price correct on 01.04.2025. Subject to availability.

Raffle tickets will be available for customers to purchase for £1 each between Thursday 3^rd – Friday 18^th April 2025.

Tickets and posters are being sent to stores this week in POS Kits. Please only use and fill in the official raffle tickets and ensure that customer data is not displayed for everyone to see on the shop floor.

One winner per store should be drawn and contacted on Friday 18^th/Saturday 19^th April 2025. It would be great if winners can come in for a photo of them with their prize, that you can send to me with their name for social media/starlight magazine.

Colleagues cannot purchase tickets in the store that they work in, however are welcome to purchase from another store.

Please ensure the hamper adds up to as close to £50 as possible.

Suggested items/ideas to include are:

·         Easter Eggs

·         Easter cakes

·         Hot Cross Buns

·         Easter treats e.g. crème eggs

·         Wine/Prosecco

·         Where possible please use Co-op branded products and please ensure that if you make the hampers up in advance that all products are still in date by the time the winner collects.

There will be prizes available for the top selling TWO STORES, so please sell as many as you can. If you require more tickets, please let me know or ask another store if you can take theirs as we would like to sell all available tickets. We have a limited number available to try and avoid waste.

Please ensure you sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the hamper. If you cannot participate for any reason, please ensure your tickets are sent back to me ASAP explaining the reason why.

To transfer the stock please use the stock adjustment function on your guns (17) and transfer to marketing (47).

To put the £1 for the ticket through the till please use the till code 5281 (there is also a button saying charity raffle ticket that can be used.)

Good luck and happy fundraising.  

Emily
Marketing

Raffle tickets can now be sold for £1 each until Friday 18^th April 2025.

Tickets and posters should now be in stores (in POS kits). Please only use and fill in the official raffle tickets and ensure that customer data is not displayed for everyone to see on the shop floor.

One winner per store should be drawn and contacted on Friday 18^th/Saturday 19^th April 2025. It would be great if winners can come in for a photo of them with their prize, that you can send to me with their name for social media/starlight magazine.

Colleagues cannot purchase tickets in the store that they work in, however are welcome to purchase from another store.

Please ensure the hamper adds up to as close to £50 as possible.

Suggested items/ideas to include are:

·         Easter Eggs

·         Easter cakes

·         Hot Cross Buns

·         Easter treats e.g. crème eggs

·         Wine/Prosecco

·         Where possible please use Co-op branded products and please ensure that if you make the hampers up in advance that all products are still in date by the time the winner collects.

There will be prizes available for the top selling TWO STORES, so please sell as many as you can. If you require more tickets, please let me know or ask another store if you can take theirs as we would like to sell all available tickets. We have a limited number available to try and avoid waste.

Please ensure you sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the hamper. If you cannot participate for any reason, please ensure your tickets are sent back to me ASAP explaining the reason why.

To transfer the stock please use the stock adjustment function on your guns (17) and transfer to marketing (47).

To put the £1 for the ticket through the till please use the till code 5281 (there is also a button saying charity raffle ticket that can be used.)

Good luck and happy fundraising.  

Emily
Marketing

What a lovely photo of Jackie's Group earlier today.

The Media Screens will be updated and displayed for the same two-week period.

Please ensure you print the pdf attached to the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal post in the news section to use on your Charity Pots.

🔺Thank you for your support 🔺

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 1st May | 10am – 3pm

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Weds 23rd April | 10am – 3pm

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 24th April | 10am – 3pm

If you’d like to vote but can’t be available on these dates and are not on the postal voting register, please get in touch with our Society Secretary. Dan McMeekin: daniel.mcmeekin@chelmsfordstar.coop

For more information and to read the candidate statements of those up for election find out more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/membership/agm/

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 1st May | 10am – 3pm

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Weds 23rd April | 10am – 3pm

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 24th April | 10am – 3pm

If you’d like to vote but can’t be available on these dates and are not on the postal voting register, please get in touch with our Society Secretary. Dan McMeekin: daniel.mcmeekin@chelmsfordstar.coop

For more information and to read the candidate statements of those up for election find out more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/membership/agm/

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 1st May | 10am – 3pm

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁:

Brambles Restaurant | Weds 23rd April | 10am – 3pm

Brambles Restaurant | Thurs 24th April | 10am – 3pm

If you’d like to vote but can’t be available on these dates and are not on the postal voting register, please get in touch with our Society Secretary. Dan McMeekin: daniel.mcmeekin@chelmsfordstar.coop

For more information and to read the candidate statements of those up for election find out more here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/membership/agm/

Please look out for the posters and charity pot wraps in your POS kits next week. All stores will need to action this from 1st - 14th May 2025 please.

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts:

✨ 20% off all full-price fashion and accessories (own bought) 👕👜
✨ 20% off all full-price housewares 🏡
✨ 10% off all full-price electrical items 🔌
✨ 20% off all full-price luggage 🧳
✨ 10% off clearance furniture 🛋️

Don’t miss out—come along, grab a bargain, and treat yourself for less! 🎊

You'll also get your COLLEAGUE DISCOUNT when you use your membership card! 💳

Thanks to all of those who took part.

Well done to Challis Lane, Galleywood, Havengore and Writtle for selling the highest number of tickets.

I'll be in touch with Challis Lane & Galleywood to present a thank you prize to each store.

Emily

Marketing

POS will be arriving in stores soon!

The best team performance came from Galleywood. 👏🏼

Our Head of Membership Kevin Bennett popped out to thank them both for their efforts.

Save 30% OFF: First Avenue, Trespass, Sahara, JJXX, and Jack & Jones.**

Save 20% OFF: Masai, Robell, Barbour, Seasalt, Joules, D&G, Farah, Lambretta, Champion and Brook Taverner.**

Save: 20% OFF Housewares and 10% OFF Small electricals**.

And don’t forget – use your Chelmsford Star Co-op membership card for even more rewards! Including your colleague discount AS WELL!

Visit us in Chelmsford or Braintree today!

Brands vary by store. * Savings apply to full priced merchandise only. Offers ends 17th May 2025.

He was also presented with a Certificate for us all for helping to raise £22,407.36 through In Memory Donations.

A Big Thank you to all our families who have a Donation Box at their loved ones service for Farleigh.

They meet on the First Tuesday of every month at the Parish rooms in Stock Lane, however, they get together at other locations too - looks like a great time was had by all.

Their next bereavement group is on Tuesday 3rd June, 10-12 - do come along.

This community-driven event aims to bring together residents, families, and local groups to help keep our cherished green spaces clean and vibrant.

• Date & Time: Friday 27th June 2025: 2pm – 3.30pm

• Location: Central Park, Chelmsford 

• Meeting Point: Meet at the gazebo at Bell Meadow CM2 0PD

Please wear sturdy footwear.

Volunteers will be provided with all necessary equipment, including litter pickers, gloves, high-visibility vests, and bin bags. Please bring your own if you can.

Why volunteer?

• Make a Visible Impact: Your efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more inviting park for everyone to enjoy.

• Community Engagement: Meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Chelmsford.

Call 0800 254 0404 or email: Membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or trying it for the first time, your contribution is valuable and appreciated. 

This community-driven event aims to bring together residents, families, and local groups to help keep our cherished green spaces clean and vibrant.

• Date & Time: Friday 27th June 2025: 2pm – 3.30pm

• Location: Central Park, Chelmsford 

• Meeting Point: Meet at the gazebo at Bell Meadow CM2 0PD

Please wear sturdy footwear.

Volunteers will be provided with all necessary equipment, including litter pickers, gloves, high-visibility vests, and bin bags. Please bring your own if you can.

Why volunteer?

• Make a Visible Impact: Your efforts will contribute to a cleaner, more inviting park for everyone to enjoy.

• Community Engagement: Meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Chelmsford.

Call 0800 254 0404 or email: Membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or trying it for the first time, your contribution is valuable and appreciated. 

You’ll taste a selection of Co-op branded wines and cheeses and Neil will talk you through each one.

Tickets are £10 for Members* and £15 for Non-Members.

Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.

Tickets on sale NOW at Eventbrite

*Members – please use promo code COOPMEMBER to save £5 on your ticket price.

All proceeds go to our Community Fund 

You’ll taste a selection of Co-op branded wines and cheeses and Neil will talk you through each one.

Tickets are £10 for Members* and £15 for Non-Members.

Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.

Tickets on sale NOW at Eventbrite

*Members – please use promo code COOPMEMBER to save £5 on your ticket price.

All proceeds go to our Community Fund 

📧 Membership@chelmsfordstar.coop

#NationalVolunteerWeek #CoopCleanUp #Chelmsford #CommunitySpirit #Volunteering #KeepChelmsfordClean

Step into our Braintree or Chelmsford store and discover seasonal savings on premium furniture, beds, and flooring.

Whether you're brightening up your space or upgrading your comfort, you'll find great deals on brands like Alstons, G Plan, Parker Knoll, Harrison Spinks, Hypnos, Silentnight, and more!*

* Brands vary per store

Friday's Jackpot will be over £200m alongside the planned event of the 13 Millionaire Makers. A golden opportunity to really drive sales and support instore footfall, so make sure your store completes a Site Stock Sell check making sure everything is in place for when customers visit to buy a ticket and even a scratch card.

Stores may receive a jackpot poster to put up.

We are looking for a highly motivated, people orientated, standards and process driven store manager who can take Ingatestone to the next level and directly complete with the local competition.

Salary for this role is £45,404

Pease send applications directly to Dominic at dominic.lockerbie@chelmsfordstar.coop, please include up to date CV and a covering letter.

Closing date for applications is Monday 23/6/25

"The team is always super friendly, helpful, and collaborative with the customers. They engage with all their customers and know most by name. It's endearing to watch, especially their interactions with the more senior demographic, often having a little laugh and a joke over buying the newspaper and a packet of crumpets. A very lovely team." Louise Burton

This second vote followed strong support at the first Special Members’ Meeting on 16 July, where 95% of members voted in favour of the proposal. Under our Society’s Rules, a second meeting and vote were required to confirm that decision.

On behalf of the Board and Executive team, we’d like to thank all members and colleagues who attended, asked questions and contributed to the discussion. Your engagement in the democratic life of our Society has been vital throughout this process.

At the second meeting, members were asked to vote again on the proposed transfer. In total, 202 members voted, with more than 99% in favour. As this vote required a simple majority to pass, we can now confirm that the resolution has been approved.

This means that Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society will formally transfer all of its engagements to Central Co-op on 15 September 2025.

The resolution that Members were asked to consider at the meetings represents the toughest decisions that the Board, Management and Members have had to make for more than forty years, and it’s a testament to democracy that Members have voted to protect the Chelmsford Star legacy, through a transfer of engagements to Central Co-op.

We are sure that you will agree, that while the decision to transfer is right for the Society, it is a still a very sad day, that the 158 years of Chelmsford Star as an independent Co-operative Society will come to an end.

While the votes are now behind us and we are closer to achieving our objectives of protecting investing members funds and colleagues’ jobs, we are also only too aware of that many of your still have questions that have not been answered.

Now that the Members have voted in favour of the Transfer, the integration planning can begin in earnest, and it is during this stage of the process that we will be in a better position to answer your more detailed questions.

We’ll be working to work closely with Central Co-op on the integration process and will keep you informed as plans progress. The initial plans are to keep colleagues updated on the planning in conjunction with Central Co-op through:

• Workshops and listening groups

• Planning and briefing sessions

• Regular updates published on Starlink

• Visits from Central Co-op colleagues to meet & greet CS colleagues and host surgery style drop ins

• W/c 15 Sept (week of transfer) to include Debbie/Barry online comms briefing and handover and then welcome briefings by business function inc Dept Stores/ Support Centre)

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and co-operation.

Tony Price, President, Chelmsford Star Co-operative

Barry Wood  CEO, Chelmsford Star Co-operative

Order by Saturday 27th September and get up to 20% off with our Spend & Save offer.

PLUS COLLEAGUE DISCOUNT!

⭐Pick your colour, size & style — but be quick…

⭐The bigger your order, the bigger your savings.

⭐ Limited time. In-store only.

Clearance sale (of display stock) starts Thursday 2nd October.

Visit us today — your home upgrade starts here!

Before we say goodbye, come and join us to be a part of this very special final chapter.

• Our Closing Down Sale begins Thursday 2nd October at 10am

• Both Chelmsford & Braintree Stores

• Stores will be closed to prepare from 28th September to 1st October

This will be your last chance to shop in the only remaining co-op department stores in the UK, so expect big discounts on your favourite brands across the store - from fashion and beds to furniture, housewares, linens and cookshop.

You won't be able to use your colleague discount during our closing down sale, but do look out for an exclusive colleague emailer, so you can get a preview of the sale before everyone else, with one last chance of using your discount on Wed 1st October!

Earlier today, Debbie, our President Elaine Dean, and our colleagues from The Midcounties Co-operative - CEO Phil Ponsonby and President Irene Kirkman - shared some big news. We’re in advanced talks about a possible merger between our two Societies.

Over the next few weeks, both Boards will be asking Members to look at and vote on the plans. You can hear more from Debbie, Phil, Elaine and Irene in this short video.

Right now, it’s still business as usual. We know you’ll keep doing the brilliant work you do every day, but we also understand you might have questions about what this means.

To help, we’ve included some FAQs for you, and we’ll keep these updated. Debbie and Phil will also be holding regular briefings in the weeks ahead, so you’ll have the chance to hear from them directly and get your questions answered.

If you’ve got something you’d like to ask, please email us at: ChelmsfordStarQandA@centralcoop.co.uk - we’ll make sure your question reaches Debbie and Phil.

Your line manager will also check in with you over the next few days if you’d prefer to chat with them. We know the news about the merger has come very soon after the Chelmsford Star transfer, and you might be wondering what it means for you.

Please be assured that nothing changes with the priorities and plans we’ve already shared.

Everything we committed to at the Warm Welcome event will still go ahead, just as promised, and this includes revealing our integration plan during week commencing 6th October.

We’ll keep sharing updates as these exciting plans move forward. In the meantime, thank you for everything you do - and remember, if anything’s on your mind, just get in touch

To clear remaining stock, our Closing Down Sale is NOW ON across all departments — with huge savings storewide.

🛋️ Furniture & Sofas – 55% OFF

🛏️ Beds & Mattresses – 55% OFF

👗 Fashion* – 30% – 70% OFF  – including First Avenue, Jack & Jones, Brook Taverner, French Connection, Olsen, Lighthouse, Seasalt, Masai, Solo and Apricot

🏠 Mirrors & Rugs – Less Than Half Price

🏠 Housewares & Small Electricals – 40% OFF

Fixtures, fittings and ex-display stock also ON SALE!

This is your last chance to save on premium brands including Hypnos, Harrison Spinks, G Plan, Ercol, Relyon and many more.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone — everything must be sold before we close our doors for good.

📍 Visit Quadrant Braintree & Chelmsford today to take advantage of these incredible offers while stocks last.

To view some products available visit: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/final-reductions-in-quadrants-closing-down-sale/

^{NB: Colleague discount cannot be used as well as these incredible discounts}

^{*Brands vary per store}

Dreaming of escaping the chilly weather with a little winter sun, a magical Christmas market, or maybe planning ahead for next summer?

Wherever you’re headed next, The Co-operative Travel is here to make it easy — and we’ve got a couple of important local updates to share!

✨ Chelmsford – Still open as usual!

Although The Quadrant Department Store has now closed, our Chelmsford Travel branch remains open in the same location within the Chelmsford Quadrant building. (220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LS)

You’ll find the same friendly faces, ready to help plan your perfect trip.

📍 Braintree – We’ve moved nearby!

Our Braintree branch has now relocated from the Braintree Quadrant store to our new home at:
Unit 9, 4 George Yard, Braintree, CM7 1RB
Same friendly team, same contact details — just a fresh new location!

Why book with us?

We’re an independent travel agent, working with hundreds of trusted holiday providers — giving you unbeatable choice and value. All of our holidays are 100% financially protected, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

Visit us in branch or browse selected Jet2holidays packages on our website: www.travel.chelmsfordstar.coop – now with £100 off per person in their BLACK FRIDAY SALE*

Don’t forget your travel money!

We offer very competitive exchange rates at our bureau de change — available to order online or collect in branch. 👉 Order travel money online

Get in touch:

Chelmsford
📧 chelmsfordtravel@chelmsfordstar.coop
📞 01245 490290

Braintree
📧 braintreetravel@chelmsfordstar.coop
📞 01376 551444

🧡

We hope to see you soon – you deserve the break!

*Limited time offer. Offer available on all Jet2Holidays departing by 31.10.2027. T&C’s apply.

This year the service will be held at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground, Coppice Lane, North End, Dunmow. CM6 3PL.

Please start to arrive from 6pm for a 6.30pm start. We expect the service to finish around 7pm.

There will also be a live webcast of the service for those unable to attend in person. Please go onto the website: https://watch.obitus.com

Username: bivo4725 Password: 429040 a little before the service is due to start.

Included in the service will be:

• Christmas carols

• Minister Reading

• Memorial Photo Tribute

• Lord’s Prayer

• Christmas Tree Blessing – including decorating the tree with your messages

• The Last Post

Remembrance Cards will be available for you to write personal messages onto, and a member of our team can help you attach this to our Blessed Tree if needed. Tea, coffee and mince pie refreshments will follow the service.

The Remembrance Cards will also be available in all our branches in advance, so if you can’t attend the service, visit your local branch first and we can place
them on the Blessed Tree on your behalf.

If you’d like to include a photograph of your loved one for our Memorial Photo Tribute, please send your photo’s via email to Carolyn at
wfd@chelmsfordstar.coop by Friday 5th December, we will endeavour to include as many as possible.

We look forward to seeing you there.

This initiative highlights the important role colleagues play in delivering great service, supporting one another and making a positive difference in our communities.

To all our Chelmsford Star Co-op colleagues — thank you for the fantastic work you do, every day.

We’re proud to recognise and celebrate you.

#DifferenceMakers #ChelmsfordStar #Welcome #CentralCoop

We will remember them.

Join us to:

• Meet Central Co-op Board Directors and members of the Executive team

• Hear more about Central Co-op and our future plans

• Share your thoughts and ask questions

• Enjoy light refreshments from our Christmas range

  
  

Date: Thursday 4th December 2025

Timings: Tea & coffee from 6pm, meeting starts at 6.30pm

Location: Essex County Cricket Ground, New Writtle Street
Chelmsford
CM2 0PG

CLICK HERE to book you place.

For further details, please email: member.community@centralcoop.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there.

We believe that every child deserves to feel the excitement of unwrapping a present on Christmas morning – and with your help, we can make that happen.

How You Can Help

We welcome donations of new, unopened toys suitable for children of all ages. Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

Gift Ideas

If you’re unsure what to donate, here are some helpful suggestions:

• Teddy bears & soft toys

• Books and puzzles

• Colouring sets, craft kits, and stationery

• Educational games and board games

• Bath toys

• Backpacks, tote bags, and sports items

• Toiletry gift sets

Find out more including pick up dates and times here: https://www.chelmsfordstar.coop/central-co-op-toy-appeal-2025-help-bring-christmas-magic-to-local-children/

Karen has been a much-loved member of the team, having spent her entire Co-op journey at Mungo Park. She shared how emotional her last day feels and how much she has genuinely enjoyed being part of Chelmsford Star.

Karen has always appreciated the flexibility of her working hours and described her time here as “a great journey” — one she’ll always treasure.

Karen’s kindness, dedication, and warm personality have made a real difference to colleagues and customers alike.

She leaves with all our gratitude and very best wishes for a happy, relaxing, and well-deserved retirement.

Thank you, Karen, for everything you’ve brought to the team. You will be truly missed. 💙

Join us to:

• Meet Central Co-op Board Directors and members of the Executive team

• Hear more about Central Co-op and our future plans

• Share your thoughts and ask questions

• Enjoy light refreshments from our Christmas range

  
  

Date: Thursday 4th December 2025

Timings: Tea & coffee from 6pm, meeting starts at 6.30pm

Location: Essex County Cricket Ground, New Writtle Street
Chelmsford
CM2 0PG

CLICK HERE to book you place.

For further details, please email: member.community@centralcoop.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there.