A meeting in Django’s Cafe attended by Steering Group members Mike King, Sheena King, Sarah Moroz and Tony Thornby

Following introductions for those members who hadn’t previously met Mayor Majid Hussain, we worked through several questions and areas of potential collaboration between Wycombe For Fairtrade and the Mayoral Office in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All attendees made constructive suggestions and contributed ideas to continue our excellent working relationship. All parties agreed that: –

1). Wycombe For Fairtrade would provide the Fairtrade refreshments at the Mayor’s Festival of Carols at All Saint’s Church on Sunday 7^th December 2025.

Following introductions for those Steering Group members who hadn’t previously met Mayor Majid Hussain, we worked through several questions and areas of potential collaboration between Wycombe For Fairtrade and the Mayoral Office in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All attendees made constructive suggestions and contributed ideas to continue our excellent working relationship. All parties agreed that: –

2). Mayor Hussain confirmed his interest to take part in a Zoom Conference within the next few months with the Mayor of Grecia in Costa Rica. Grecia is the partner Fair Trade Town of High Wycombe. We have done a lot of collaborative work between schools, managed a celebration coffee project in 2023, jointly authored an academic paper, led workshops on Fair Trade Towns Partnerships at world conferences, and Steering Group members have visited each other’s towns. Dates and times of a future Zoom meeting are being arranged with Grecia Fair Trade..

3). Clarification is being sought from Sue Hynard at HWBidCo to explore the possibility of Wycombe Fairtrade having a Fairtrade product and information stall in the Little Market Place on a Saturday during Fairtrade Fortnight commencing on Monday 22^nd September. If a trading pitch is prohibitive, there is the possibility of doing some collaboration during the Christmas Lights Switch On. Wycombe For Fairtrade has Public Liability Insurance and is covered by the UK Fairtrade Foundation’s Registered Charity status.

4). Mayor Hussain stated that he would ensure that Fairtrade tea, coffee, and chocolate would be served at future Wycombe Charter Trustee meetings as agreed in the resolution back in 2013.

5). With the replacement of Wycombe District Council by Buckinghamshire Council unitary authority, Lesley Clake stated that she would check as to whether the decision to make High Wycombe a Fair-Trade Town back in 2013 is still pertinent, as the resolution was never revoked.

6). Lesley Clarke reported that she would put the Steering Group in touch with Sheena Carmen, who runs a “Culture Centre” at 2 -3 High Street near the Little Market Place, to see if there are any opportunities for a Fairtrade stall.

7). The Abbey Community Board Day on Tuesday 28^th October 2025 at the Guildhall in High Wycombe, could provide an opportunity to present the Mayor of High Wycombe with the High Wycombe Fairtrade Communities (Towns) Renewal Certificate 2023 – 2026.

Mike King

Chairman

13^th August 2025.