Dear Friends,

Lent seems like a very good time to be thinking about Fair Trade again, and asking ourselves whether we are still looking out for the FairTrade logo on goods in our supermarket of choice; then asking the supermarket why they don't have any (or not enough choice) in the lines that we buy most of - unless, of course, they have, in which case please encourage them to keep doing it and to expand their ranges of FairTrade goods.  Remember, FairTrade is not a `brand`, it's a `quality mark`; any manufacturer or retailer can sell FairTrade goods, but only provided that they meet certain criteria.

FairTrading standards stipulate that traders must:
pay a price to producers that covers the costs of sustainable production and living;
pay a 'premium' that producers can invest in development;
make partial advance payments when requested by producers; 
sign contracts that allow for long-term planning and sustainable production practices. 

OK, so FairTrade goods might cost just a little more, but we can afford that so much more than Third World producers.  Of course, it is not just producers in other countries who get squeezed so much by the supermarkets that they barely cover their production costs; we really need to find a way of paying fair prices - like supporting our local farm shop and Farmers' Market.  [And at the same time, of course, we would be cutting down on the road miles and air miles that so much food incurs, by buying local produce]

In Woking there is going to be what promises to be a most stimulating and informative debate, entitled "Is Fair Trade for those with a Heart and is Free Trade for those with a Head ?".  The speakers will be: Professor Philip Booth, Institute of Economic Affairs; Paul Chandler, Chief Executive of Tradecraft; Evan Davies, BBC Economic Editor; David McCullough, Deputy Director of Oxfam; David Woodward, New Economics Foundation.  They say that admission is free, but advance booking is advisable [send SAE to: Mrs R Rowland, White Barn, Sheets Heath, Brookwood, Woking.  GU24 0EW].

Nearer to home, in Godalming, please try to visit the Fair Trade stall at Crown Court, Godalming on Saturday 3^rd March.  St. Peter & St. Paul's church, Godalming, are also hosting a concert with Gareth Davies-Jones on Friday, 9^th March at 7.45 pm.  Tickets available from their Parish Office on 01483 414135 (or email church.office@godalming.org.uk ).

There is so much that we can do.  The only question is: `Will we do it ?`  Why not make a little pact with yourself this Lent - to try more FairTrade goods; to make a point of encouraging your regular retailer to stock more; to go to one FairTrade event (to support them, yes, but also to learn more), and take a friend with you.

You will have noticed that one section or the wall is covered up again.  There has been a problem with the mortar crumbling, so that it is covered again for its own protection until late spring, when the matter will be rectified.