The Co-op Cow shines again! A celebration of Derby’s heritage

March 25, 2025

With the iconic “Co-Op Cow” once again illuminating the Derby skyline, our Heritage Consultant Ruth Matthews shines the spotlight on the history of this beloved piece of city nostalgia.

After over two decades in the dark, the Co-op cow is back, lighting up Derby’s skyline once again and reconnecting the city to an important piece of its history. Originally installed in 1955 atop Derby’s Central Hall, the neon sign quickly became an iconic symbol, beloved by locals for its red and green glow. For many, it marked home – a symbol of Derby’s spirit and community.

However, more than 20 years ago, the sign was moved to the side of the building, and soon after, its lights went out. For years, the Co-op cow remained in darkness, leaving locals to believe it would never return. However, on March 1st 2025, current and former Derby City Council leaders, including Nadine Peatfield and Baggy Shanker, were among those who gathered with locals to witness the historic return of the Co-op cow the iconic sign was re-lit at 19:00 much to the delight of many Derby residents.

While younger generations may not be as familiar with the Co-op cow, for those who grew up with it, the sign holds sentimental value. With the words “The Gateway to Health” and “Co-op Milk” framed by a cow figure, it became an integral part of Derby’s identity.

The re-lighting of the Co-op cow is not just a local celebration—it is also part of the global recognition of the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025. Elaine Dean, society president of Central Co-op, shared her thoughts about the sign’s return, saying: “After over 20 years of darkness, we will have light, and people will see the cow again. It was always there – as everyone says, it’s the sign that you’re coming home to Derby when you see it in the distance.”_¹

The Co-op cow was first installed on East Street in 1955 by the Derby Co-op Society as a beacon of health and well-being, with its slogan, “The Gateway to Health,” and the red cow symbolic of the community’s values. For decades, it was a cherished fixture of Derby’s skyline, a constant presence in the city’s life.

In 2001, the sign was temporarily removed during roofing repairs and relocated to the east side of Central Hall, efforts to restore it were unsuccessful until recently. The community’s long-standing desire to see the sign shine again has finally been realised, thanks to the efforts of Central Co-op and a sustainable plan to bring the iconic cow back to life.

Why from a heritage perspective does the Co-op Cow matter to Derby? The Co-op cow is more than just a sign—it’s a symbol of Derby’s shared history. For many, the sign represents a connection to the past, evoking memories of childhood, of family, and of a time when the Co-op was at the heart of everyday life. Its return is a reminder of Derby’s resilience and its commitment to preserving its unique heritage, even as the city continues to grow and evolve.

Elaine Dean reflected on the importance of the sign, saying: “We’ve been aware of how fondly the local community in Derby remembers the Co-op Cow and how it evokes so many happy memories. For decades, there has been a local desire to bring it back to its full glow, but it needed a clear and sustainable plan to achieve it.”²

Though the Co-op cow is still the same iconic sign from the 1950s, some changes were noted after the re-lighting event. The sign’s familiar red and green neon lights have been replaced with LEDs in a more neutral colour, and the words “The Gateway to Health” are no longer illuminated in the same way. But even with these updates, the Co-op cow continues to evoke nostalgia and pride, and it remains an important symbol of Derby’s rich heritage.The Co-op cow is now a beacon for the city and a celebration of the United Nations’ theme for 2025, ‘Co-ops Build a Better World.’

The Co-op cow’s return is a tangible link to Derby’s history

Ruth Matthews, Heritage Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd