The Rise & Fall of Chelmsford Star Co-op

8 September 2026

For more than 150 years, Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society was part of the fabric of Essex — from its first shop in 1867 to the Quadrant department stores, food shops, funeral homes and thousands of local members.

Then, as 2026 began, it was gone.

Former Head of Membership Kevin Pittuck-Bennett, who spent nearly 20 years working for the Society, has created a new illustrated talk telling the remarkable story of The Rise and Fall of Chelmsford Star.

Combining archive photographs, local history and a few stories from behind the scenes, Kevin charts the Society’s journey from Victorian pioneers to one of Essex’s best-known retailers — and explores what happened in its final years.

The Rise and Fall of Chelmsford Star is now being presented to community groups and societies across Essex.

Expect history, nostalgia, familiar places — and probably a little gossip.

Contact Kevin for more details.