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WetlyRocks Are Big On Brewing Fairtrade

A Traidcraft Big Brew Coffee Morning was held at Wetly Rocks Methodist Chapel during Fairtrade Fortnight. Organised by Traidcraft Fairtrader Kaye Brammer, visitors enjoyed delicious home made refreshments, with local produce and Fairtrade ingredients.

As well as being a successful social event, the Big Brew supported local and third world producers, as part of Kaye’s vision to empower people through fair trade: “Coming from a local farming background I know how much hard work farming entails. Often local farmers don’t get a fair price, in the Third World it’s even worse.”

Traidcraft, established in 1979 as a Christian response to poverty, aim to fight poverty through trade; practising and promoting approaches that help people in developing countries transform their lives. They build lasting relationships with producers, support people to trade out of poverty and work to bring about trade justice.

Kaye was a Traidcraft customer, but two years ago she decided to become a Traidcraft Fairtrader, selling their goods locally:

” My little idea snowballed, I didn’t expect this many people would get so on board. I get so much support and my mum’s been a great help for the Big Brew!” shared Kaye. Kaye holds regular Fairtrade events with local church groups and organisations.

During the Big Brew Kaye sold Traidcraft goods, had a Fairtrade honey stand and quiz. There was a quiet area where people could pray for Traidcraft, local and third world farmers. As part of this years focus on bee keeping, a Traidcraft film was played during the Big Brew, showing how their:

“Bee keepers now earn twice as much thanks to Fairtrade. They get better wages, enabling them to support their families and provide for their children’s education; they learn better, safer and environmentally friendlier farming methods. Their communities benefit too, Fairtrade community premiums paid for a stone toilet block in one workers village; previously there was one wooden hut toilet. Fairtrade really makes a difference” said visitor, Marie Harris.

Children from Light Seeker’s Youth Club, Cheddleton, helped promote this event during their Fairtrade evening: “In four groups, we used Fairtrade tea and coffee beans, with recycled news paper to make a poster. As we put the pages together it reminded us of how we can all get together and help. The four pages made a cross shape, which reminds us that God is at the centre of all that’s going on to help others.” shared Alice and Mathew Etheridge.

“We turn on taps and expect water, go to shops and expect food; we can take things for granted, forgetting those who work hard producing products. It is lovely to meet together whilst supporting local and poorer farmers.” said regular coffee morning visitor, Monica Rees.

The event rose £176 for Tradecraft Exchange who fund new fairtrade projects and support farmers/bee keepers in their new ventures. Wetly Rock’s Methodist Chapel Coffee mornings take place 10am to 12pm Saturdays, with a men’s breakfast on the first Saturday, and Tradidcraft Fairtrade coffee mornings on the last Saturday of every month. All are welcome.

For information about Traidcraft contact www.traidcraft.org or 0191 491 0591.