Margaret wrote that the original members formed the Co-operative so they would share in the profits through 'divi'.

They also formed it to obtain quality and value. In those days it was not unknown for other shopkeepers to put sulphuric acid in their vinegar and chalk in their flour. Laws on pure food were yet to be made.

Today the Co-operative continues to trade fairly and is a leading promoter of Fair Trade goods.

Members still receive a 'divi' and a membership swipe card now records their entitlement.

Whilst it has been withdrawn from Dewsbury town centre, the Co-operative is still represented locally by the pharmacy in Ravensthorpe, and by the stores in Leeds Road and Mirfield.

The headline on Margaret's article was about the benefits of sharing. Sharing might be called mutuality and it still brings benefits, as our mutual building societies show.

We will be the losers if we forget or ignore this straightforward truth.

MICHAEL HUTCHINSON
Gregory Springs Lane
MIRFIELD