Fair Trade and Zaytoun items available again!

Pages from the Traidcraft Summer '20 Catalogue - click to open

Thanks to parishioners Grace Bradley and Michael Combes it is now possible to order Fair Trade goods once again...

Michael Combes writes:

It seems unlikely that it will be possible to resume selling Fair Trade products from within our church buildings for some time so we have set up a limited facility to encourage the purchase of Fair Trade goods for those who wish to continue to support the producers in the developing world. Of course it is still possible to buy Fair Trade goods in shops and through online retail but we feel it is within the spirit of our being a Fair Trade parish to continue to offer a limited purchasing opportunity through our community. It works like this.

Each month Grace Bradley and Michael Combes will issue emails to a range of people within the parish suggesting that they might wish to purchase Traidcraft and Zaytoun goods at cost. On the basis of responses Grace will order the requested items from Traidcraft if they cannot be fulfilled from the stocks already held. Michael normally holds a quantity of the Palestinian items in order to benefit from free delivery from Zaytoun.

Payment for goods is normally best achieved by online bank transfer but other arrangements can be made if necessary. Arrangements can be made for delivery or collection of items purchased. All reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that purchasing is conducted safely in the current difficult circumstances.

From time to time we might wish to draw to our community’s attention welcome or unwelcome developments in Fair Trade matters so that people can, if they wish, join in relevant campaigning or other action. As an example, many of you may have seen the most unwelcome news that from October Nestlé has decided to discontinue using Fair Trade chocolate in its KitKat range – is that really the way to behave in these most difficult times for producers?

We aim not to be intrusive in sending emails and addressees can opt out at any time. Equally we would like to expand the number of people whom we contact so if you think your friends might be interested do let them know we are open for business. If you do not currently receive Fair Trade emails from Grace or Michael and would like to do so in future please let us know.

Grace 01483 571889 and 07889 670701 gracebradley94@yahoo.co.uk
Michael 07768 144439 mpfcombes@gmail.com