WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting: 28^th March 2017

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                      Jhon Munoz

Sheena King                  Bob Smith

Sarah Moroz                 Tony Thornby

JM – showed Bala balls, leaflets and posters

MK – has sent £50 to Wycombe Sound for the air-time that we had + felt that it was good value for money. We now have about £113 left in our account.

SM – need to look on the WS website and download the interview that took place with the lady from Ruby Moon

BS – thinks it took place on the Thursday of the 1^st week of FT Fortnight

JM – asked whether we have any status as a group (charity status etc) so we can ask for funding.

SM – FT Foundation is a charity but our individual group hasn’t got a specific status.

SK – we could have got money off the cost of the banner if we had charity status

MK – felt that WS was really useful for informing people about FT, particularly as we have had problems in the past with the Bucks Free.

MK – has tried to get the ‘We stock Fairtrade Here’ stickers into shop windows and has also left some of our leaflets at WS.

TT – the coverage of WS seems to be fairly large area

JM – has been listening to WS and feels they are engaging with local groups

MK – WS cannot monitor how many listeners they have. The potential is 130,000.

MK – over the last 18 months there have been 5 new caterers and 2 new retailers added to our list of FT suppliers in the town. The cafe at the Sports Centre is council-run and must have been put out to tender and it serves FT. Someone may have had an influence. The Co-op at Downley and the cafe at M&S had a good, prominent push on FT during FT fortnight.

MK – has put more copies of our directory leaflet in the tourist information centre and in the library. Lush have some cosmetics etc which are Fair Trade but not Fairtrade.

JM – there is an organisation in the Netherlands which organises Fair Trade products. They don’t do the Fairtrade premium but do have environmental standards etc.

SM – showed the ‘Fairtrade Cocoa Program’ logo on a Panettone box – this means that it doesn’t have to fulfil the criterion that ‘all ingredients which can be FT must be FT’.

MK – will send out the ‘Aims and Objectives 2015 – 2017’ document to the group so we can see what has been achieved. We haven’t got very far with the road signs but there are still plans for Bucks New Uni to paint the underpass + include ‘Wycombe is a Fairtrade Town’ on the painting. We need to think about our Aims & Objectives for the next 2 year period.

JM – a man from Wycombe, who now lives in Sweden, has been in touch via Facebook + has asked whether Wycombe Wanderers (who he supports) has any FT connection eg. in their cafe. This man may be visiting Wycombe soon and perhaps we can meet up. He runs a Fairtrade shop in Sweden.

MK – Sweden is a Fairtrade country

SM – it would be interesting to know how obvious the FT profile is in Sweden

SM – gave an update re: the schools competition. Need to fix a date for judging the entries and arranging the presentation ceremony.

MK – when we get the renewal certificate it would be good to hold the presentation ceremony in council offices or the town hall.

SM – suggested 18/04/17 for us to get together to judge the art competition – this would be at Bob’s church (Avenue Methodist church)

TT – talked about three different options for a website design as per his e-mail.

MK – we need to work out a good navigation structure. We can look at the websites of other FT groups.

SK – there is another event at Pann Mill on May 14^th.

TT – has prompted his contact at MRIB insurance again and someone did phone TT and ask for information. He is waiting to hear if they would be willing to help us with the insurance.

SK – the lady at Pann Mill has said that we could help with the Friends of the Earth stall but would need insurance to have our own stall.

JM – re: the FT art competition presentation, we could invite the headteachers.

SM – will enquire at various possible venues in the town eg. Library, Arts4Everyone, Adams Park, Bucks New Uni, Sports Centre. Perhaps we could invite the mayor to present the prizes?

MK – we could invite WS to cover it

MK – next year, we could perhaps get coverage on WS for individual producer stories during FT Fortnight.

Next meeting:   Tuesday 18^th April to judge FT art competition at Avenue Methodist Church

WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting: 14^th February 2017

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                        Jhon Munoz

Sheena King                    Bob Smith

Sarah Moroz

MK – has written a £50 cheque as a donation to Wycombe Sound. Has also printed out the final version of the leaflet listing retailers etc and it now has the Wycombe Sound, Bucks New Uni and Peros/Bewleys logos on the front. He will take it to Peros to get some decent copies done and they can then be put in the library, tourist information office, Oxfam, Avenue Methodist church, community noticeboards in supermarkets etc.

Each person then read out their ‘Fairtrade Facts’ for the Wycombe Sound slots and they were timed. The ten articles will be on: the Fairtrade Mark, tea, cocoa, coffee, nuts, wine, bananas, flowers, footballs and gold.

MK – re: prizes for the FT art competition. The company (Bala) cannot give free footballs but we can get 30% discount during FT Fortnight. This would mean that they would be about £8 each.

SM  – has had responses from 2 schools so far:- Oakridge and Beechview (via Emma Styles who was our contact at Hamilton last year and is now at Beechview). There will be 2 winners, one for Year 5 and one for Year 6.

JM – suggested that the footballs could be given to the schools as a whole.

SM – the individual winners would have their design printed on a T-shirt.

MK – plus some FT goodies from Peros/Bewleys

MK – re: the interview for Wycombe Sound on 22^nd February with JM/MK – suggested sending some questions to Wycombe Sound in advance.

1. How does FT fit in with free trade?

What are the benefits for consumers?

What are the benefits for producers?

Suggested we include the fact that 70% of the world’s food comes from small-scale producers. Buyers need to look to the longer term and look after their suppliers. Also need to talk about our group and ask for more members.

MK – Ruby Moon have agreed to be interviewed. Also Matt Knight.

SK – Wycombe Friends of the Earth are doing a film on March 29^th and she is thinking of going. It is at the Quaker meeting house.

SK – has sent a piece to her church’s newsletter to give them an update on our use of their £250 donation.

Next meeting: Tuesday 28^th March

WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting: 17^th January 2017

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                           Jhon Munoz

Sheena King                       Bob Smith

Sarah Moroz

Amy How sends her apologies

MK – showed the leaflet he has put together to advertise our group and with a listing of retailers etc. Wycombe Sound have given us permission to use their logo + also to put some leaflets in their foyer. Perhaps we could also put our banner in their foyer when we’re not using it?

SM – gave account of what happened at Mayor’s carol concert – it was short notice but was ok on the night. We provided teas/coffees/squash and the town clerk (Paul Deacon) provided mince pies donated by local supermarkets. We used our banner and put leaflets on the tables. Paul gave us £50 as a donation to our funds. It was difficult to find any evidence of the event being advertised beforehand.

MK – we could use our contact with Wycombe Sound to advertise things in future

SM – talked about schools competition – no response yet

MK – will be speaking to Louise at Peros/Bewleys re: donations for prizes for the schools competition and the Bucks New Uni tombola

JM – is trying to contact a company re: Fairtrade footballs as donations for prizes

SK – re: MK/SK meeting at Wycombe Sound on 4^th January. The lady there, Pippa, has suggested an interview slot in the week before Fairtrade Fortnight,  on 22^nd February. Also we could have a 60-90 slot each weekday during the Fortnight when some facts about FT could be read out (prepared by ourselves but read out by the DJ). Wycombe Sound are also willing to prepare a jingle for us.

MK – broadcast goes out as far as Denham, Stokenchurch, Beaconsfield

MK – during the meeting, Wycombe Sound did an advert for Ruby Moon. Over FT Fortnight they are willing to do interviews with 3 local businesses. MK has suggested Matt Knight (Hills Cafe), Peros/Bewleys and Ruby Moon. Wycombe Sound has only been going since 31/10/16.

SK – suggested that WS should speak to Wycombe Post Office as they normally have a radio playing and it’s one of the larger stations.

MK – suggested that we give a £50 donation to WS. They are a community organisation.

BS – for the 10 slots of FT facts, it would be good to highlight products other than tea & coffee eg. FT footballs etc

MK –re: our funds – should we be giving any donations to the FT Foundation?

BS – we could set a limit to funds in our bank account and anything above this we could give to the FT Foundation

JM – contacted Rachael at the FT Foundation about booking a date to have a speaker from one of the FT producer groups but we are too late for this year’s speaker. We could get our name down for 2018 though. What event would we suggest that such a speaker could come to?

MK – maybe something at BNU

SK – we could use our contacts with schools to organise an event for a speaker to go to

BS – will advertise WS radio at his church. Also he could see if the children’s group at his church would like to enter the T-shirt competition

SM – will e-mail the schools letter to BS (+ to ignore the age restriction for the church group)

MK – talked about planned events for FT Fortnight at BNU:- Wine & Cheese evening, FT Fashion event, FT bananas pledge tree, FT sports packs, volley ball event, Smile event (like last year). Janet Goodman has sourced some ethically traded beads from India for a jewellery-making event

JM – has contacts at Downley school PTA + can give the schools T-shirt competition info to them so that they can liaise with the headteacher about it

SM – will e-mail this info to JM

Next meeting:  Tuesday 14^th February 2017

WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting: 15^th November 2016

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                         Jhon Munoz

Sheena King                     Bob Smith

Sarah Moroz

MK – has received the first bank statement from Barclays. Currently there is £170 in the account. He attended the Bucks New Uni Fairtrade committee last Thursday. Amy How was there, also Jenny Wade (executive officer for student learning) and the person who did the jewellery making last FT Fortnight (Janet Goodman). MK showed listing of BNU’s suggestions for FT Fortnight. In 2017 this will not clash at all with the other BNU fundraising week. Suggestions include: Wine & Cheese evening, FT quiz evening, repeat of jewellery making with recycled glass, FT fashion show, Fondu party with FT chocolate and FT fruit. They will still do the FT volleyball event. Also may get FT donations for a hamper which will then be raffled.

BNU hoodies etc are currently FT. Janet Goodman suggested that the museum would be a good place to hold an exhibition. The shop ‘Ruby Moon’ in Castle Street may also be a useful link (we could set up an exhibition there?) – they sell FT crafts.

If we had an event at BNU, we would be covered by their insurance. MK will ask Peros/Bewleys for donations of choc muffins etc.

MK/SK – attended the Wycombe Environment Centre AGM on Saturday. The WEC is moving to premises in Lance Way, in combination with another group. It may be a new-build. It has a garden – all based on community projects. Don’t know move date yet. The new premises would not be in centre of town but the costs in the Chiltern shopping Centre were too high. One of BNU’s energy officers is on the committee for WEC. Hamish is not part of WEC anymore. There are now 4 on the board of trustees rather than 7. Frances Alexander is still there. Ivan is also on the board.

MK – Matt Knight has asked if we would like to do the catering for the Mayor’s carol concert – not sure on date of this.

SM – will get in touch with the contact given by MKn to get further details.

SM – presented ideas for the FT Schools competition. Plan is to ask Years 5 and 6 to design a T-shirt and the winning designs would hopefully then be printed on FT cotton.

JM – suggested he may be able to get some FT footballs which could be given as prizes to the winning schools.

MK/SK – have talked to the new manager of the Oxfam shop. May be an idea to have an event at the shop (chocolate tasting?).

MK – could perhaps hold an event in All Saints FT cafe.

SK – talked about the FT Fortnight theme ‘It’s time to put Fairtrade in Your Break’ and pointed out an article from Wycombe District Council about Wycombe radio being brought back. Suggested having small information snippets on FT that we could have broadcast during FT Fortnight.

MK – BNU are talking about producing a leaflet promoting local retailers that stock FT. MK showed a sheet listing Wycombe retailers and their products which he based on the one produced by St Andrews FT group in Scotland.

Next meeting:  To be arranged

WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting:  11^th October 2016

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                          Jhon Munoz

Sheena King                      Bob Smith

Sarah Moroz                     Tony Thornby

MK – he invited Amy Howe, the new Bucks New Uni representative who has taken over from Lauren Troiano. She could not make this evening’s meeting but would like to be included on e-mails.

MK – has now banked the £250 cheque from SK’s church

SK – feedback from the regional FT Foundation meeting in London on 25^th September: 2 people from Chesham were there who gave us some contacts re: public liability insurance

MK – some of the others at the meeting had had similar problems.

SK – the Chesham group recommended an organisation called ‘Community Impact Bucks’ who may be able to give advice on the insurance and may also be able to help with job adverts for volunteers

MK – during one of the sessions he went to, people said they have tried asking various organisations for funds to pay for the insurance, including: the local Chamber of Commerce, the Community Voluntary Service, the local Co-op, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Waitrose Foundation.

TT – suggests having a sponsor section on our website – this may be a way to gain funds. He also networks with Paul Finch of the MRIB and they may be willing to sponsor us. They are insurance brokers.

MK – some other groups suggested asking our flagship employer.

MK – the funding that the Fairtrade Foundation receive from the DFID is finishing at the end of this year. They are moving away from the certification process and concentrating more on individual projects. They said that they want to get more FT cotton sold. Someone at the regional meeting suggested that bamboo may be a better product as it doesn’t need so much water to grow.

2 other sessions that MK went to:

• Gold production
• Impact of Brexit

The CEO was impressive as well. He was talking about FT coffee farmers.

SK – there was a talk from someone who had been a gold-miner in Kenya for 28 years from an organisation called Micro Depro. This was set up to support the formalisation and legalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining, improving the health + safety etc.

MK – Argos in High Wycombe offer FT gold and Beaverbrooks have some on-line

MK – re: the Impact of Brexit session given by Tim Andrews. The FT Foundation has to be neutral. Trade policy has not been decided yet – a lot of unknowns. FT cocoa, for instance, may be made into chocolate in Germany and we buy it from there. The risks for FT are high but so are the opportunities.

JM – companies which use the FT logo have to pay a percentage (licence fee)

SK – this constitutes over 85% of FT Foundation income. They also get 13% from grants and donations.

SK – went to another session on coffee. It is a very competitive market now. As a nation, our consumption has increased. The FT Foundation is focusing on quality, the direct relationship with the growers and the consumer.

MK – it was worth going to the meeting overall

SK – there was an event outside Liston Hall which had stalls etc and they had an umbrella insurance policy to cover them.

TT – so far, we have not usually been asked to have public liability insurance for any event.

TT – has put as many minutes as he has on our website. SM to provide TT with any missing minutes.

BS – has heard back re: flower bed and it has already been allocated  (to the Night Shelter).

SK – re: t-shirt competition for schools. Has looked on the FT Foundation website and they offer to print FT cotton t-shirts – a company called ‘Cotton Roots’ at £3.40 for a child’s one.

MK – hopefully Amy Howe will join us at our next meeting.

SK – there is a new manager at the Oxfam shop – Jerry.

WYCOMBE FOR FAIRTRADE

Minutes of meeting: 6^th September 2016

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

Mike King                          Sarah Moroz

Sheena King                      Tony Thornby

Jhon Munoz

SM – Matt Knight has e-mailed to say he is not sure if the mayor’s carol concert is going ahead this year re: us doing the catering – he will let us know. He will also arrange for us to have a market stall, if we give him some potential dates.

MK – we (MK + SM) have now had a meeting with Barclays and arranged to set up a bank account. SK has spoken to the treasurer at her church, as the cheque they had donated needed to be rewritten.

JM – Nic is leaving Oxfam High Wycombe

SK – they are recruiting at the moment

MK – will be attending the Fairtrade Foundation regional supporters’ meeting, together with SK

JM – went last year – it was a good meeting

TT – we always seem to get lumped in with London – it would be easier to go in the opposite direction

JM – Nicola Bunting has now taken over the role of Becca Rowland on the executive committee

JM – showed a document on public procurement for FT Towns + a leaflet entitled ‘Fairtrade Matters’

SK – re: Pann Mill open day – looking at the forecast, there is little chance of rain.

The organisers are asking for us to have public liability insurance.

TT – has a contact and will ask him + get a quick response

SK – has also e-mailed the lady at Pann Mill re: insurance. If the FT Foundation doesn’t have an umbrella insurance policy, this is something that could be brought up at the London meeting. SK has info re: a Traidcraft campaign which we could promote on the stall and has a petition re: UK companies causing harm abroad.

TT – will bring a camera

SM – will try to create a flyer to advertise our group

JM – offered to put articles on our Facebook page

TT – after he has finished his chairmanship of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce, he will work on our website. He may be limited by its original set-up via the Lib Dems

MK – it may be possible to set up a free website of our own

TT – there may be better ones at only a small charge.

SM – has been trying to work out a plan for a schools competition – maybe re: a T-shirt design

SK – Bob has e-mailed the man from the council re: a flowerbed design outside the old library

MK – the students are back soon at the Bucks New Uni and he will follow up re: painting of underpass – it was mentioned previously that it would be possible to include ‘Wycombe is a Fairtrade Town’

Next meeting:  Tuesday 11^th October

Held at: Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:
Mike King Bob Smith
Sheena King Maggie Smith
Sarah Moroz Tony Thornby

Apologies: Jhon Munoz + Nic Carrouaille

TT – hasn’t heard anything re: Fairtrade whilst being at Marlow Chamber of Commerce.

MK – showed banner which has now been obtained (cost about £70)
Need to set up bank account soon + bank cheque obtained from SK’s church (Christ the Servant King)

MK – just after our last meeting, he had a meeting with Louise (marketing manager) from Peros. She said they are still totally committed to FT – 55% of the coffee roasted by Bewleys is FT. She asked to be put on our e-mail list re: meetings. She lives in this area 3 days a week. The Peros name will disappear at the end of this year and be replaced by Bewleys UK. MK presented them with the FT employer’s award and they still want to be involved.

SM – showed a FT sugar sachet which was from the garden centre cafe at Booker. The company who produced it is called Greencup (www.greencup.co.uk).

MK – went to a meeting of Bucks New Uni FT group about 1 ½ weeks ago but no-one was there! Need to open up dialogue again here. The multi-faith chaplaincy person still takes FT drinks & snacks around both campuses.

SK – Argos are now selling Fairtrade gold.

SK – Nic said that High Wycombe Oxfam shop sells as much, or if not more, FT goods compared with the Chesham shop.

MS – at the end of May, Pam Thompson, wife of the Methodist minister in Marlow, had an open day selling Traidcraft goods and made over £100.

SM – re: FT art competition – disappointment about not getting an article in the Bucks Free but good links set up with schools and children seemed to benefit from it.

TT – will be less busy soon with the Marlow Chamber of Commerce as his chairmanship finishes mid-October.
MK – would be good to have a get-together with TT after this to update our website.

MK – there are 2 FT events coming up:
1. London (regional Fairtrade Foundation meeting) on Thursday 15th September. SK is hoping to go – anyone else is welcome to join her.
2. Pann Mill open day on Sunday 11th September 11am – 5pm. Stalls etc – Wycombe F of E will be there.

MK – need to increase membership.
TT – it helps just to meet people by doing events, rather than just advertising.
TT – an idea for a schools’ competition could be to design a T-shirt and the prize could be to have the T-shirts printed. Vistaprint is good for this – quick turn-around and quite cheap.
SK – would be good if FT cotton could be used. A lady in the Chesham FT group may have info/contacts for this.

MK – it would be good to do FT catering for the Mayor’s carol concert, as suggested by MKn at the last meeting – need to follow this up with MKn
TT – also has a contact at Wycombe District Council with the assistant to the chairman. This person organises events for the chairman eg. the civic ceremony.

BS – he can advertise the existence of FT gold being available at Argos to his church (Avenue Methodist church). He is also going to e-mail the man from the council re: a flowerbed display in the town, outside the old library.

SM – will e-mail MKn once he is back from holiday re: the carol concert catering and the possibility of holding a market stall.

Next meeting: Tuesday 6th September

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:
Mike King Jhon Munoz
Sheena King Bob Smith
Sarah Moroz Tony Thornby

Apologies: Lauren Troiano, Matt Knight

JM – Liberation sell two of their products to Waitrose (some stores) and will be contacting the new Waitrose at Handy Cross
SK – the cafe in the new sports centre sells Fairtrade drinks
TT – the Booker cash & carry own brand is FT. A new Costco will be opening up near the new Next at Handy Cross
MK joined the meeting
MK – has been speaking to a meeting of the Wycombe Labour Group in next room. There was a Bucks County councillor there and he said he will take up the issue of signage for us. MK told him that Chesham FT group are also asking for this.

Discussion re: Fairtrade art competition and arranging day for judging. Potentially Thursday of this week – SM will liaise with TT.
Also discussion re: whether we could have a presentation of prizes at the Wycombe Environment Centre on or around World Fairtrade Day, May 14th. Also perhaps ask if we could display the winning entries at the WEC.
TT – another possible venue is above the shops near the Metro Bank – a large gallery area belonging to Amersham & Wycombe College.
BS – another place could be in the upstairs Guild Hall rooms at the end of the High Street
SM – prizes for art competition: have obtained some FT Easter eggs and Divine chocolate bars from Traidcraft. Could also include FT leaflets/stickers + book by Robert, friend of Tony’s who is doing the judging.

MK – re: FT status renewal certificate presentation on Feb 29th – felt it was a good success. Lesley Clarke sent an apology following it and she is still supportive. There was also an apology from Raj at Peros – he had an operation and someone was supposed to come in his place but there was a breakdown in communications
SM – sent press release to the Bucks Free but it wasn’t published.

SK – Nic, the manager of the Wycombe Oxfam shop is moving to live in Wycombe and may want to get involved in our steering group

MK – the new Waitrose at Handy Cross has a cafe in it with FT drinks.

MK – re: Chesham group’s coffee-tasting evening during FT fortnight. It was a very good event and speaker (we could invite to one of our events?) – he has his own coffee-growing company.

SK – re: £250 cheque from Christ the Servant King. We could use it to obtain a banner
TT/SK – both have contacts who could help with this – both will follow this up.
MK – will try to get an appointment to set up our bank account. Non-profit making groups now come under the Business Managers.
SM – will organise a cash-book/kitty arrangement once the bank account is in place, to show transparency in our use of the money.
MK/SK – went to a Wycombe Friends of the Earth film event. The film was called ‘This Changes Everything’ re: climate change. A very interesting and thought-provoking film. It took place at the Friends Meeting House.

SM – will check with Matt Knight re: meeting date at Hills cafe for our next meeting

JM – spoke about his trip to meet the growers for Liberation nuts in Bolivia. The FT premium in Bolivia has been invested in houses for the workers in the jungle where they gather the nuts. Also in irrigation and health and education materials for the children.
MK – could we have a link with a community there?
JM – e-mail contact is possible

Next meeting: to be advised

WMicklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:
Mike King Bob Smith
Sheena King Lauren Troiano
Sarah Moroz Colin Cartwright
Gill Walker

MK – discussion re: obtaining a banner like the Chesham group’s one.
CC – there is a template on the FT Foundation website. They then had it produced by a local printer.

Discussion re: FT Town signs on roads leading into Wycombe. LT and MK both sent e-mails to Gemma at BidsCo (no response yet)
LT – will speak to Ruth Gunstone to see if she can ask about it.

BS – re: raised flower bed near old library. He has written to the council to ask if we can have a FT design.
CC – based their design last year on the Edinburgh city one but it was expensive – over £1,000

MK – has a meeting coming up with Peros’s sales manager.

MK – mentioned the FT jewellery workshop that is being organised by BNU
GW – her daughter is a silversmith who did a course at BNU and may be willing to help. LT will contact her via GW.

SM – re: FT Art Competition. Oakridge school has responded and would like to take part. They are also interested in someone coming to the school during FT Fortnight to promote FT and SM is trying to arrange this with Margaret Dykes. The school is also planning to hold a FT Big Breakfast.
LT – has contacts at schools in Hazlemere and Chiltern Gate school.
SM – will send schools letter and flyer to LT.

MK – went to a meeting of Wycombe Friends of the Earth.
SK – Wycombe F of E have been invited to the John Hampden ‘Politicon’ event on Wednesday 24th February (6pm – 9pm), which will involve stalls of various local campaign groups. SK has arranged for our group to have a stall as well.
SM – will e-mail TT to see if he can make it as well.
LT – will also be able to come and will put together 2 role descriptions for volunteers that we could give to students (eg. helping with website etc and helping with campaigning)

BS – Morrisons no longer stock FT satsumas

CC – described the ‘Christmas in Chesham’ event at which they used their large FT advent calendar. They were also asked to do the catering at a Carol Service when the catering company dropped out. They made mince pies etc and hope to do it again next year.

LT – BNU are currently renewing their FT status. LT is writing the report and there should be no problems. They have plans for FT Fortnight. LT showed their 2-week schedule of events. This is the 3rd year of their ‘Smile’ event (on Monday 22nd February).
GW – offered to lend their banana costumes for this.
LT – the 1st week of the Fortnight coincides with student volunteer week. They are also having some stickers made. BNU have approached the council and BidCo re: sprucing up the underpass. A mural is being designed by students and it will incorporate the FT logo etc, showing that BNU is a FT uni and that Wycombe is a FT town.

GW – Bucks CC have come back to them, saying that they do not have advertising on signs.

Discussion re: the presentation evening on Monday 29th February. The Multifaith Chaplaincy will be providing the refreshments. Ruth Gunstone is definitely speaking. We are also hoping to get a speaker from the FT Foundation and MK will try to get in touch with Greg Valerio (FT gold speaker at the Bristol conference). SM asked if we could also have some local refreshments.
GW – they have a local produce stall in Chesham once a month. SM will e-mail GW for the date of the next one.

SK – had an e-mail from Ivan (F of E) re World FT Day – offering for us to have a stall at the Environment Centre and Ivan could show the FT film.

SK – showed a leaflet re: the ‘real Easter egg’ from Traidcraft and she will be advertising it at her church.
BS – may be able to sell these at their church too. He has stopped doing the FT stalls now.

LT – they are also doing ‘banana pledge cards’ for students to sign and they will then make bunting out of them.

CC – the Chesham group will feature in an article in the next edition of the FT Towns newsletter.
They have produced a leaflet in the past, giving details of FT stockists etc in Chesham. It was A5 and they produced it in-house.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th February 2016

Chesham group next meeting: Tuesday 16th February (Jean Pritchard’s house)

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:
Mike King Bob Smith
Sheena King Tony Thornby
Sarah Moroz

MK – Lauren (Volunteering & Societies Co-ordinator, Bucks New Uni) would like to join our steering group.

MK/SM went to Chesham4Fairtrade meeting last Tuesday. They are thinking of getting a Fairtrade Chiltern Zone together. They also have links with their Churches Together group in Chesham who give them some funds. It was very useful to listen to their ideas.

TT – the price of a banner may vary depending on whether we want it to be for inside or outside

MK – Lauren has sent an e-mail to BidCo re: road signs to ask for their backing.
SM – we may be able to get the support of Wycombe Council Town Committee and then take it to Bucks CC (as they decide on road signs).

MK – when he went to the BNU meeting, there was a lecturer (Art & Design) who is going to run a FT workshop for jewellery during FT Fortnight using recycled glass beads from Africa. She said that Moth’s jewellers in Wycombe are the only independent ones in the town. Perhaps they may be interested in stocking FT gold.

Comments on proposed letter to schools re: FT Art Competition
– We could mention the renewal of our FT Town status
– Peros could perhaps provide a FT hamper for a 1st prize and the FT Easter eggs could be runner-up prizes.

MK – re: our action plan – we have already started or fulfilled some tasks for our first year eg. going to meetings of other steering groups

SM – for the certificate presentation event on Feb 29th, we could do the FT Breakfast idea
MK – it would be good to have a speaker re: Wycombe Environment Centre. One of the BNU students has been volunteering there and could report back?

Discussion re: FT milk
We could do the ‘Fairtrade and Local’ theme for our presentation event
MK – there will be another BNU meeting on 6th January and these ideas could be discussed.

MK – Mike Chadwick from local Friends of the Earth group has suggested we exchange minutes of meetings.

SM – showed materials in a recent mailing from the FT Foundation. SK will get some more of the ‘Sustainable Choice’ leaflets to take to the Wycombe Environment Centre.

MK – need to invite the Chairman of the Council and the High Commissioner to the Presentation Event.
SM – will e-mail Amy to ask her advice on contacting the High Commissioner.
SK – we could invite the Oxfam Shop manager, Nic, to the event.

BS – has seen some FT satsumas in Morrisons

TT – has been trying to gain access to our website.
TT – will pursue his contacts in the business world to try to get someone on the steering group.

SM – will e-mail Melanie Morgan (secretary to Chair of Council) to see if the Chairman can make either Mon 29th Feb or Mon 7th March

Next meeting: Tuesday 12th January