Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road
Those present:
Mike King Bob Smith
Sheena King Tony Thornby
Sarah Moroz
Fairtrade Town renewal:
MK- We need a resume of what we have done this year eg. Fairtrade Town certificate presentation event. MK feels it was a good way of doing this, rather than just presenting it at a council meeting.
Also we have to achieve renewal of our motion at Wycombe council. Lesley Clarke has said previously that this wouldn’t be a problem. We need to check on the best way of doing it (via Lesley Clarke’s PA, also check with MKn?)
Links with other groups:
Wycombe Environment Centre WI
Transition Town group Friends of the Earth
Oxfam Bucks New Uni
Save the Children Chesham steering group
SK – has heard that one of the Wycombe WI groups is having a Fairtrade speaker in October (Margaret Dykes, speaking at Cedar Park school on 1st October at 7.30pm).
MK – we could ask the council which meetings use Fairtrade products.
TT – need to see if it is possible to get the road signs for Wycombe, saying that Wycombe is a Fairtrade Town.
SM – perhaps we could ask MKn to pursue this (SK – Matt is on the Town Committee).
MK – Trevor Snaith said at the Civic reception that there was money for these. This would show council support and action.
TT – it would keep reminding residents and visitors that we are a Fairtrade Town.
MK – we also have to update the number of Fairtrade goods in the town’s retail/catering outlets.
TT – the Cash & Carry at Booker have Fairtrade own-brand tea and coffee
SM – also need to find out if any local hotels have Fairtrade refreshments
SK – All Saints Church have opened a cafe within the church and they are a Fairtrade church.
TT – it would be good to see if any companies eg. in Cressex have Fairtrade in their staff canteens.
SM – idea for a painting/colouring competition for schools
TT – Peros could perhaps provide a prize. Also TT knows a cartoonist who may be able to judge it.
MK – children could do pictures of original produce (cocoa beans/cotton etc) and then the finished articles (chocolate/shirts etc)
MK – we could target it for next year’s Fairtrade Fortnight.
MK – it would also be good to produce stickers for retailers to put in windows – Peros may be able to help with this.
MK – we can also update our website as we make progress on these ideas.
The ‘Love Wycombe’ event did not happen this year.
SM – maybe we could ask Nick, Manager of the Oxfam shop, to come to our next meeting.
MK – Lauren is still in post at Bucks New Uni and will be next year.
SM – we should get some ideas at the Bristol Fairtrade Towns conference in July.
MK – we need to increase the number of areas represented on the steering group.
TT – some people may be willing to put their names on the steering group list without actually coming to meetings eg. someone from Peros. We could also involve a local furniture company re: sustainability. It would also be good to have someone from a local hotel or restaurant. We could hold a fundraising event at one of these – a meal + raffle etc.
SK – had a good stall at Radnage last Sunday: raised about £120.
MK – will make a draft of our responses to the renewal application.
SM – will try to contact hotels etc before next meeting re: do they provide any Fairtrade options.
Next meeting: 22nd July 2015