MP stirs up support for thelocal Fairtrade Fortnight

Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman helped kick start Fairtrade Fortnight last Friday (February 26) with a cup of early morning Fairtrade coffee at two local cafes in Bexhill.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Mar 2016, 14:18 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:48 BST
Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman joins members of Bexhill Fairtrade committee at Pebble cafe, Bexhill SUS-160203-140909001Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman joins members of Bexhill Fairtrade committee at Pebble cafe, Bexhill SUS-160203-140909001
Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman joins members of Bexhill Fairtrade committee at Pebble cafe, Bexhill SUS-160203-140909001

Chairman of Bexhill Fair Trade Committee, Jack Doherty extended the invitation to Mr Merriman to join him and other committee members and says the morning began with a Fairtrade discussion at Pebbles Tea Rooms, Sea Road. “Huw and the Committee enjoyed Fairtrade coffee, sugar and biscuits,” he said. “During the chat I informed Huw that a former Cabinet Minister for Overseas Aid 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.”

The local MP then visited Woosters Café and helped launch the promotion of the eighth Bexhill Fairtrade Fashion Show which takes place on Thursday March 10 at Bexhill College. Jack said: “The range of fairly-traded cotton and silk items this year and designs by Bexhill College students is expected to be the best ever,” adding: “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.”

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Fairtrade pioneer Barbara Wilson takes the Bexhill Fairtrade Fashion Show on a tour ‘Around the World in Eight Countries’. She deals directly with producers through her company ‘Love That Stuff’. Other brands at the show include Bazaar, Nomads, Native by Nature and Traidcraft which will be shown alongside fabulous creations from Bexhill College arts and textiles students.

Mr Merriman urges local residents to support the 16 Bexhill cafes offering the Fairtrade special each day of the Fortnight. “Every cuppa bought will give a poorer producer a better life,” he said. “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 a No 48, Devonshire Road on Tuesday March 8. Call in to reserve space for your team.

Jack added: “We had a great response to Fairtrade Fortnight from local businesses. Some will use Fairtrade products for their morning breaks.

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“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.” www.bexhillfairtrade.org.uk

Related topics:FairtradeBexhill