Sue Langdale, Deacon, E.L Methodist Church

Sue led us today in a special thanksgiving service at Dunbar Methodist Church. Information about the Fairtrade Foundation and personal stories about farmers from developing countries benefiting from the Fairtrade certification were shared by several speakers. This service was part of the many events held throughout Fairtrade fortnight, to raise awareness of the issues and foundations work to inprove the working and trading conditions of poorer farmers.

Raffle prize winner

Folks helped themselves to fairtrade coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits and a big box of fairtrade bananas were free to sample!

The fairtrade stall displayed a lovely variety of gifts, cards, edible treats and drinks.

The Co-op had an information area, giving out free samples and information on the Co-op’s fairtrade commitment and work.

The Dunbar community bakery brought delicious sweet and savoury goods for all to try and helped man the kitchen throughout.

All in all a busy, enjoyable and informative time.

These events will greatly help in our aim to raise awareness of fairtrade issues and our group’s goal of achieving Fairtrade status for Dunbar.

Alongside our Fairtrade group members, many other individuals, groups and businesses joined in, in supporting Fairtrade fortnight, again many thanks.

The biggest thanks however to the public who came along to see what it was all about and support the coffee morning.

Primary school poster competition winners

Come and meet Divine Chocolate Farmers from Ghana

Wed 7^th March 2012

 11am – 12noon at The Crunchy Carrot, Dunbar

for

‘Chat and Chocolate’

 Elias Mohammed will be visiting the UK during Fairtrade Fortnight

Divine Chocolate, the fair trade chocolate company owned by cocoa farmers, is once again putting together an exciting programme for Fairtrade Fortnight, which this year runs from Monday 27^th February to Sunday 11^th March 2012. Two cocoa farmers from Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative in Ghana will be joining Divine Chocolate on tour. Divine’s theme for this year’s tour is NNOBOA – the word Kuapa Kokoo farmers use meaning ‘working together’.

Elias Mohammed and Agnes Armah will be travelling to the UK to meet with consumers and coming to Dunbar’s Crunchy Carrot on 7^th March. They will be sharing their views on Fairtrade and what it’s like to belong to a co-operative, as well as talking on life as a cocoa farmer and what owning a chocolate company actually means to them and their community. 43 year old Agnes is a cocoa farmer and owns a 10 acre farm in the Western region of Ghana. 55 year old Elias is also a cocoa farmer as well as a recorder and has been voted on to the National Executive Committee.

More details from: Jo Gibson: Crunchy Carrot: 01368 860 000

Rachel Farey (One World Shop) 0131 229 4541

The events are being supported and sponsored by many local individuals, groups and businesses and the East Lothian Council’s Fairtrade Grant scheme, all who are committed to the aims of the Fairtrade Foundation,

‘Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.’

Coffee Morning- 10-12am Saturday 3^rd March at the Townhouse Dunbar

In the Exhibition Room, £1.50/50p for Refreshments, Fairtrade stall available, information on Fairtrade Foundation. Raffle. View Dunbar Primary School Fairtrade Poster Competition.

Children’s Fairtrade Fun Workshop 2.30-4pm Friday 9^th March at John Muir Birthplace, (please ring re-booking places on 865 899).

 Thanksgiving Service 3pm Sunday 11^th March at Dunbar Methodist Church

Please come and join us at one or all of our events. Learn more about the Fairtrade movement and chat to those involved in working towards Fairtrade status for Dunbar.

Lovely selection of Fairtrade treats

The group meet regularly and are at present planning an event to be held during Fairtrade fortnight, 27th Feb – 11th March 2012.

If you would like to join the steering group and be involved in getting Dunbar Fairtrade status do join us at our next meeting on 7th Dec 7.30pm at Be Green office West Port or pop in and speak to Jo at the Crunchy Carrot shop on Dunbar high street.

Fairtrade goodies by Youth Cafe members

There will be a public meeting on Wednesday 18th May at Hallhill Healthy Living Centre to launch an initiative to work towards achieving official Fairtrade Town status for Dunbar.

There will be various films and talks about Fairtrade, and what is already going on in this area, as well as displays of Fairtrade goods and an opportunity to sample some Fairtrade goodies.

All welcome!