Coop Cow Lights Up Derby Skyline After Years Hidden on Rooftop

People in Derby saw a cool light show. It happened over the weekend in the city center. The “Co-op Cow” sign lit up again. For twenty years, it was hidden on a roof. Many locals watched, even the city council leader.

The sign went up on East Street in 1955 and stood tall above shoppers. Derby Co-op Society built it, wanting a “beacon of health.” It showed a red cow with the slogan “The Gateway to Health”.

The cow sign became loved. It moved and got forgotten; in 2001, repairs moved the sign to a safer spot on the building’s east side. It stayed there until recently.

On Saturday, leaders Nadine Peatfield and Baggy Shanker saw the sign relight. Councillor Shanker was happy, saying it restored local history. He thinks it will bring back good memories.

Shanker thanked Central Co-op, especially Elaine Dean and Debbie Robinson. Now, people can see the Co-op Cow again. Central Hall also played a big role in Derby, hosting meetings and concerts.

The Central Hall hosted a big union event in 1918. Louis Armstrong, a jazz star, performed there in 1933.

Elaine Dean from Central Co-op spoke, knowing that locals loved the Cow and wanted to see it shine again. Central Co-op listened to the community’s wishes and used green LED lights to restore the cow.

The sign has a few updates, having previously been red and green, but now only one color. The words “The Gateway to Health” are no longer lit up. The sign is above Derby’s center.