Chairman of the Bexhill Fair Trade Committee, Jack Doherty, invited local MP Huw Merriman to help kick start Fairtrade Fortnight last Friday with a cup of early morning Fairtradecoffee at two local cafes in Bexhill.
The morning began with a Fairtrade discussion at Pebbles Tea Rooms in Sea Road where Huw and the Committee enjoyed Fairtrade coffee, sugar and biscuits. During their chat, Jack informed Huw that a former Cabinet Minister for Overseas Aid had described Fairtrade as a robust and viable economic model. Huw agreed that Fairtrade gives a fair deal primarily to the producer and their environment in sustainable conditions.
Huw then visited Woosters Café, who are also taking part in Fairtrade Fortnight, where he helped launch the promotion of the eighth Bexhill Fairtrade Fashion Show which is taking place on Thursday 10th March at Bexhill College. The range of fairly-traded cotton and silk items this year and designs by Bexhill College students is expected to be the best ever.
The cotton and fashion industry has been heavily criticised for its factory conditions and child labour in developing countries. Fairly traded cotton and silk changes the lives of people in this industry. Fairtrade pioneer Barbara Wilson takes the Bexhill Fairtrade Fashion Show on a tour "Around the World in Eight Countries ". She deals directly with the producers through her company “Love That Stuff”. Other brands at the show include the creative qualities of Bazaar, Nomads, Native by Nature and Traidcraft. These will be shown alongside fabulous creations of Bexhill College arts and textiles students.
Huw said “I would urge local residents to support the 16 Bexhill cafes offering the Fairtrade special each day of the Fortnight. Each café will be displaying a Fairtrade poster. Every cuppa bought will give a poorer producer a better life. There is a chance to be entered into a draw to win a bottle of wine every time you buy! The Fairtrade Committee has once again created a great series of local events to raise awareness of Fairtrade and how it can help producers at home and abroad."
Other events during the fortnight include a fun Fairtrade round during the regular Quiz Night at local venue, No 48, in Devonshire Road on Tuesday 8th March. Call in to reserve space for your team.
Jack said “We have had a great response to Fairtrade Fortnight from local businesses. Some will be using Fairtrade products for their morning breaks - the Fairtrade Committee would love to have their names and a photo for their website.
“Ambleside and Holmesdale Care Homes always use Fairtrade products. We’d like to hear from any other care homes who do so. Bexhill Fairtrade Fortnight is a great example of Bexhill community thinking globally and acting locally.”