Author Archives: David Smith

About David Smith

A lifelong co-operative activist. Former roles: Co-op Foundation Trustee; Co-op Group Main Board, Specialist Board & National Values & Principles Committee; Co-op Group Senate; Co-op Group Wales Regional Board, South Wales Area Committee. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator. David directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme; and pioneered co-operative & community initiatives: free legal services, community-based housing associations, care and repair, pre-school & adventure play, local Co-op Development Agencies, multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives. Founded: Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Board Member, Newport Credit Union; Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College, Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications.

Why do we know so little about a man whose work is revered across the world?

August 31, 2021 by David Smith

Francis Jones explores the life and work of Welsh businessman and social reformer Robert Owen: why do we know so little about a man whose work is revered across the world? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000z4vj The radio programme is on this evening, 31st … Continue reading →

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Co-operative Education – the crucial role of embedding the spirit of co-operation in all that we do

August 7, 2021 by David Smith
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Anu Puusa ~ The Case for Co-ops, the Invisible Giant of the Economy

July 26, 2021 by David Smith
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‘Ways to Mark Robert Owen’s Anniversary’ Q&A | Chair: Jeremy Miles, MS Labour – Co-op, Neath

July 24, 2021 by David Smith
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Co-op Learning & Methods in Schools| Dr Sara Vicari |Chair: Jeremy Miles, MS Labour – Co-op, Neath

July 24, 2021 by David Smith
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Robert Owen & History of Co-op Movement in Wales| Siân Williams|Chair: Jeremy Miles, MS Labour-Co-op

July 24, 2021 by David Smith

 

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Robert Owen & History of Co-op Movement in Wales|Dr Liz McIvor|Chris Hall, C&MW introduces the Chair Jeremy Miles MS

July 24, 2021 by David Smith

 

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Does Robert Owen’s legacy resonate in the 21st Century?|Prof Chris Williams|Chair: Ian Rees, Llafur + Q&A with Mick Antoniw MS

July 24, 2021 by David Smith
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Presentation by Central England Co-operative Society Ltd celebrating Robert Owen 250th Anniversary with a specially commissioned painting of Robert Owen which will tour various venues

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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Group feedback by: Pat Juby, Pat Conaty, Debbie Wozencraft & Selwyn Williams. Cilla Ross, summarised by saying; “Education is so central to what we have considered today.” and thanked all for building knowledge

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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‘How do we keep Owen’s ideals burning brightly?’ Short presentations, followed by breakout groups and summation: 1. ‘Telling co-operative video stories of collective action’, 2. ‘Owen & Social Development Goals’, 3. ‘Co-operative energy/radical edge innovation’, 4. ‘Why socialised enterprises rooted in mutual principles and co-operative governance?’ 5. ‘Networking Community Enterprises’

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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‘What Owenite ideals descended to the modern Co-operative Movement?’ Cilla Ross, Researcher/Activist Sara Vicari, Aroundtheworld.coop (Rome) Gillian Lonergan, former National Co-operative Archive Librarian Facilitator: Rebecca Harvey, Executive Editor, Co-op Press

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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What would Robert Owen be doing today? School children interview the First Minister of Wales

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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Launch with contributions from Co-ops & Mutuals Wales, Newtown Town Council and the Robert Owen Association (Japan)

July 19, 2021 by David Smith
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The Welsh First Minister interviewed by Co-op News Editor

July 14, 2021 by David Smith
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Owen’s 250th Anniversary 2021 celebrations to date

July 10, 2021 by David Smith

Huw Irranca-Davies gave an excellent “90 second statement” in the last Senedd https://www.huwirranca-davies.wales/?wix-vod-comp-id=comp-jtff6odi&wix-vod-video id=7711ea0cb58747988b2b613b9a079bf9 The Executive Editor, Co-operative Press Wales interviewed the First Minister on March 20  (See the June edition of Co-op News) In March 2021 Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd … Continue reading →

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International Co-operators Day – Owen event 3rd July 2021

June 18, 2021 by David Smith

Join our joint event with Llafur: 3rd July 2021 at 9.30am with a 30 minute lecture by Prof Chris Williams on ‘Does Robert Owen’s Legacy still resonate in the 21st century?’ Followed by Q&A. Chair: Mick Antoniw MS  10.35 am: … Continue reading →

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Annual National Robert Owen Day event/s starting 2022 consultation

May 20, 2021 by David Smith

What are your ideas? Arising from Robert Owen’s birthday celebration, ideas are being developed as to how the Movement contributes to his Legacy in 2022? We aim to continue this conversation on: Saturday, 3rd July 2021, 09.30-11.35 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-co-operators-day-owens-legacy-and-co-operative-learning-registration-151288222145    Meanwhile: … Continue reading →

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Robert Owen’s 14 May 2021 250th Anniversary event

May 20, 2021 by David Smith

Seventy participants celebrated Owen’s birthday with a programme from Newtown to Japan and back again, making this a memorable celebration. Activity included: Welcome by Cllr. David Selby, Mayor of Newtown, joining us, with floral tribute from the Co-operative Group Greetings: … Continue reading →

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Newtown school children from Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd who recently interviewed Mark Drakeford about Robert Owen

April 29, 2021 by David Smith
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