Hibernation has always rather appealed to me as an excellent way of avoiding winter weather, and rarely so much as on the occasion of our last meeting when faithful members jibbed at the idea of turning out in torrential rain and gusting winds.  But actually there was a great turnout  -  and it was worth it.

A rubicund gentleman of beneficent aspect and genial anecdote showed us his excellent slides of 2 great Dutch events.  The annual display of spring bulbs at the Keukenhof gardens and the once in a decade 'Floriade'.  Mr Miller had been slightly disappointed by the latter, which he had expected to be more of a flower show, but proved to have acres of tulips set in lawns amid rather strange sculptures and exhibits from all around the world, supposedly depicting the architecture and mores of individual countries.

But Keukenhof was a triumph of heart warming colour and sheer exuberance of plantings among woodland glades, and beside streams and lakes.  Vast swathes of multicoloured daffodils and tulips meandered through the beautiful parkland, between which were pavilions of orchids and other lovely flowers, and we all enjoyed it with him.

Next meeting Monday 9^th March when Mr  P Spriggs will talk on Practical Pruning.

The new Spring/Summer 2009 catalogue is now available.  If, when you read this, you have not seen one, there should be some in St James's Church or at the United Reformed Church. You will be able to see and buy some of the new products at the Lent lunches, at the URC coffee morning on the first Saturday in March and at the service at the school on the second Sunday in March.

The ups and downs of global trading:

Buying ingredients for products provides vital sales for producer groups around the world, and so, in all the business that we do, Traidcraft needs to ensure that our producers are not put at risk. This is particularly important in the current global economy, with the credit crunch, food price inflation averaging 10% during 2008 - plus some dramatic changes in the currency exchange rate which affect importing goods to the UK.

All of this means that, for some products, we have had to increase the price. Of course we recognise that these are hard times for many people in the UK too, so we have been very careful to offer the best value that we possibly can and we are only increasing prices where this is absolutely necessary.

Fairtrade Fortnight  23^rd February - 8^th March 2009
Unfair trade rules continue to block millions of people in the developing world into poverty.  Two billion people - a third of humanity - work hard to support themselves yet still struggle to survive on £1 per day or less.  Through Fairtrade we are trying to help tip the balance in favour of poor farmers and workers.  You can help by taking action in Fairtrade Fortnight and throughout the year.  Look for products with the Fairtrade Mark and tell your friends and family about Fairtrade.