Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Sarah Moroz

Minutes

MK – (see Chairman’s report) – gave an account of the 2019 Cardiff conference and the establishment of the link with Grecia/Coope Victoria leading to the signing of a joint agreement. In Oct 2019 FT Town status was successfully renewed. JM/MK meeting with the Costa Rican ambassador at the embassy in London. The signed agreement is now displayed in the embassy. The Politicon event at John Hampden in Feb 2020 and contact made with a teacher there who mentioned that fellow teachers at Wycombe High may also be interested. Possible Spanish language/student links discussed with her. Wycombe Sound interview during FT Fortnight. Coffee Boffin quiz 2-day event at Christ the Servant King church and on 7th March the faith groups FT event. FT breakfast at Bucks New Uni at which our new A2 poster board was displayed. Most students were aware of FT. Another interview on Wycombe Sound on International FT Day. JM took part in a Spanish language teams/Skype discussion with Grecia/Coope Victoria and CLAC and was the only representative from the UK. Achievement of arrangements for a Costa Rican anniversary coffee. Business plan was developed by interested coffee company and discussions took place with their partner roastery. This led to the roastery deciding to swap to Coope Victoria coffee beans for 2021 to coincide with the Costa Rican anniversary of independence. This could potentially have a large economic benefit for Coope Victora/Grecia.

SM – vote of thanks for MK’s work

SK – (see Treasurers report) We have relied on goodwill funds for the first 8 years (since 2008). A bank account was formed in 2016. SK referred to spreadsheets sent out previously. We received 2 cheques of £250 from Christ the Servant King church. During FT Fortnight 2019 we had a ‘Big Brew event’ at CSK and a local cake-maker made some wonderful cakes. We gave her a donation. A major expense was paying for public liability insurance. Also the hire of Wright’s Meadow Community Centre. Food donations from Bewleys have been used at various events. We have applied to be included in the Waitrose green token scheme. It is hoped that there will be student exchanges etc in future and we need to explore every possible avenue for more funds.

Re-election of officers

AM has responded: SM proposed/ MK seconded
TT – MK proposed/SM seconded
JM – SK proposed/MK seconded
I C-S – JM proposed/ SK seconded
MK – JM proposed/SM seconded
SM – SK proposed/I C-S seconded
SK – JM proposed/MK seconded
Bucks New Uni rep – vacant position.

MK has heard that the committee is continuing and meeting in a couple of months (MK is on this committee)

Lesley is an associate member of Wycombe for Fairtrade

MK – due to coronavirus it is difficult to have stalls etc at the moment. We need to start thinking about other possible activities. We can discuss ideas at next meeting

MK – asked if anybody wanted to suggest any changes to our constitution.

Nobody wanted any changes made.

MK – took part in an on-line forum organised by Scottish Fairtrade. One of the speakers was from South Africa.

MK – Matt Knight is unable to be a member at the moment – he is very busy. He is an honorary member though. It may be good to get the support of another councillor. We could perhaps invite them to a Zoom meeting. We want to let them know about our link with Costa Rica and about our support for local businesses.

JM – Frances Alexander has passed away. Collective condolences were expressed – she was very helpful to us in the early years of Wycombe for Fairtrade.

Next meeting

October 13th TBC

Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Sarah Moroz

Apologies:

• Angus Massie
• Ivan Cicin-Sain

Minutes

MK – has decided to add a sentence to the constitution re: local producers also being supported
Friends of the Earth/Population Matters – I C-S sent e-mail. Re: Bucks Climate Action Group – he suggests that Wycombe for Fairtrade joins Bucks Climate Action Group and follows them on Facebook. MK will send the e-mail onto rest of group. Also Wycombe FOE are appealing for help in finding entrants for the ‘Finding Greta’ video competition.

JM – has posted the info re: ‘Finding Greta’ competition on our Facebook page. Has also sent e-mail to Tony Thornby re: posting it on our Twitter account.

MK – TT may be joining Zoom chat later and will update us on 2 new e-mail addresses for our group and re: communications with Steve Guy. One of the e-mail addresses is for our steering group communication with Grecia and other groups: steeringgroup@wycombefairtrade.org.uk ; the other one: info@wycombefairtrade.org.uk is for the public to use and we need a rota to monitor it on webmail.gridhost.co.uk. TT set these up with Steve Guy. We may need a ‘hand-over’ phone call between people monitoring the public e-mail.

JM – will set up a calendar for the rota and send it round.

JM – re: Grecia etc. The banner has been sent through to us. JM will translate the Spanish wording on their banner. He can then send it back to Grecia. The banner looks good.

MK – the design is very good and colourful and font sizes good.

JM – at the bottom of the banner there will be the website/e-mail/Facebook details for us.

MK – is having discussions with AM re: increasing the involvement of churches/faith groups. MK will also be asking Heather Searle and Lesley Hatton to help with this.

MK – re: the AGM – has sent e-mail to Bucks Free Press to advertise this. Will also post on our Facebook, website etc. Also planning to put up a poster about it in libraries etc. Only steering group members will be allowed to vote (this is to avoid disruption by people trying to take over, as warned by TT).

JM – maybe better to only advertise it to Wyc FOE, Population Matters etc?

MK – not sure whether we should be keeping a wider audience though

SM – should be advertising it publically as it is an AGM?

JM – thinks we should also be formalising the membership. We don’t have this at the moment.

MK – there is a statement in the constitution specifying that members should be supportive of the principles of Fairtrade.

JM – we should also state that a member should attend a certain number of meetings per year and should also sign an official statement of support.

SK – we could also have a annual membership fee

MK – there are suggested amounts in the constitution.

JM – suggested £15 for regular members, £10 for concessions, £5 for students

MK – will incorporate these suggestions into the constitution and recirculate

SK – we should also include a data protection statement

SM – we could have a membership form available on the website

MK – for the AGM he has put together a Chairman’s report. All the officers have confirmed that they are willing to re-stand. Waitrose have not got back to him yet re: the green token application. Need to apply for other grants as well.

JM – would be good to invite Matt to the AGM as well

SM – will e-mail AM offering to nominate him and that MK is willing to second him (as AM won’t be at the Zoom AGM).

SM – will start monitoring the public e-mail address from next Monday onwards for a week.

JM – asked if any update re: the Costa Rican anniversary coffee?

MK – not yet – probably not until Oct/Nov once they have worked out how much coffee they will need, once the churches etc which use their coffee have opened up again more.

Next meeting

AGM on Tuesday 15th September 8pm

Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Sarah Moroz

Corrections to minutes for 23/06/20 meeting

1. Waitrose Community matters scheme (Green token scheme) – I C-S picked up the form, not Matt
2. Correction to surname of Tony B

Minutes

MK – has finished the application for the Community Grant from Waitrose. MK made 3 points: our other previous funder, Christ the Servant King church, has other missionary priorities to fund; that Waitrose has a strong FT commitment and that we require a fund, particularly for insurance. If we develop work with schools we would need money for posters etc. MK made the case for what we would like to achieve in High Wycombe.

I C-S – we can keep the info we put on the form and tweek it for other applications

MK – needs to have comments back re: proposed constitution by a week’s time. We haven’t voted on officers for a long time.

MK – currently have about £160 in our current account. We should also have an AGM and put notices in local public places to advertise it.

JM – we could see if Claudia and her husband Daniel would like to join us.

MK – he will ask them and will also ask his friend Tony B

SK – re: the constitution – it says membership is open to those in High Wycombe – could we add ‘and the surrounding area’.

MK – we want to ratify the constitution by next week and advertise our AGM – on our website, Facebook, public libraries etc

SM – asked if the AGM would be possible via Zoom?

JM – suggested also inviting Matt and Maz and any other interested councillors.

JM – thinks Sept may be better – gives more time to advertise

MK – it won’t affect our grant applications – we can put the date for the AGM – it doesn’t have to have happened by then

I C-S – we can have up to 100 people on Zoom before having to pay for it.

Mike suggested Tues 15th Sept for the AGM at 8pm

I C-S – Wycombe FOE are going ahead with the ‘Finding Greta’ competition. Entrants asked to prepare a 2 minute video on climate change – could we put it on WFF website?

Re: Population Matters – the group is dormant at the moment

MK – will be speaking to the vicar of CSK to see if they can submit one of the new applications to be a Fairtrade church. At the moment no other churches in High Wycombe have applied on the new form.

MK – has sent an e-mail to Bucks New Uni to ask about FT there.

JM – 2 current activities – Coope Victoria will be sending some coffee bags to the Mayor of High Wycombe, the Costa Rican ambassador and to Matt’s cafe. Also Coope Victoria are working on the design of a banner showing the link between High Wycombe and Grecia. They sent us the software of the design and we can produce a similar one in English and put particular High Wycombe landmarks on it eg. Guild Hall, Pepperpot building, Hughenden Manor

MK – will send the signed copies of the English and Spanish friendship agreement to the Costa Rican ambassador. He will display them at the embassy.

MK – re: Costa Rica anniversary coffee. This is going ahead. The Costa Rican ambassador is willing to come to any meetings about this. WFF has been asked to attend any the associated functions etc as well.

MK – in combination with Tony B – has written an article called ‘Systems, Solidarity and Fairtrade’. They have angled it as FT being the human face of Free Trade. They will send a Spanish translation of it to Coope Victoria to get their input and comments and to a producer group in SE Asia to get their comments – they will submit it for publication in the Journal of Fair Trade.

MK – re: grant applications – we could also send to Morrisons and Tescos. There may also be funding available at the county and district levels.

Next meeting

Tues 25th August (to discuss agenda for AGM) at 8pm then AGM on 15th Sept at 8pm

Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Sarah Moroz

Apologies

• Angus

Minutes

I C-S – re: Friends of the Earth/Population Matters – he has talked to Steve Morton and decided to continue with the ‘Finding Greta’ competition. It will now be just the video part of it (a 2 minute video to be submitted by the end of August). The poster is nearly done and then it will be promoted from the beginning of July onwards. It will be opened up to anyone (not just school children) and there may be a follow up event. The judges will be from Wycombe for Fairtrade, Wycombe FOE, the Marlow energy group, maybe Matt Knight and perhaps someone else from the council. Re: Population Matters – they will be sending out a questionnaire on Population Day 8th July.

JM – schools will be finishing on 17th July

I C-S – they will be promoting Finding Greta via parents and via social media

SK – re: ownership/maintenance of website. SK e-mailed Steve Guy and asked if it would be possible to have an enquiry e-mail facility within the website and if this would this incur extra costs. Also whether this could be set up as a new generic e-mail for WFF. SK also said that WFF would like to offer to pay for the hosting but Steve

kindly declined this and is willing to continue hosting it. He suggested a phone call to discuss the e-mail address/form. SK suggested it would be better for him to speak directly to Tony about this.

JM – re: on-line conference on 11th June with Coope Victoria, the new mayor of Grecia (Francisco Murillo) and the ambassador of Costa Rica, also Matt Knight, MK and JM. Coope Victoria organised it there were also some others eg. the cultural representative for Grecia. The idea was to inform the new mayor about all the FT happenings. The new friendship agreement between High Wycombe and Grecia/Coope Victoria was discussed. JM also did a presentation re: High Wycombe as a FT town and all the activities we are planning in combination with Grecia/Coope Victoria. The ambassador made some encouraging comments. He said they would put a copy of the agreement in the embassy in English as well as Spanish. There are various events being planned for next year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Costa Rican independence – both in UK as well as in Costa Rica.

MK – the ambassador also invited us to visit Costa Rica.

MK – there is an orchid festival at Kew Gardens next year at end Feb/beginning March which features Costa Rica. We could attend this and it would help to promote the relationship with Grecia.

SK – this would be good timing for FT Fortnight. MK and SK saw Maggie and mentioned the Kew Gardens orchid festival to her – she would like to come to this.

MK – we can send the scanned document of the friendship agreement to the ambassador by e-mail.

MK – re: progress in obtaining the celebration coffee roasted. MK sent 5 or 6 e-mails to various roasters. He received 2 replies, one of which was from Kingdom Coffee who invited MK to a meeting last Friday which was very positive.

SM – the relationship with Coope Victoria could be ongoing.

MK – there could be a whole line celebrating Costa Rican independence and 250 bags which mention the link with High Wycombe.

SM – asked re: numbers of Costa Rican people in the UK?

MK – there are students at Oxford Uni. We can ask the ambassador about this as well.

MK – has become a member of the Fair Trade Society and now gets the Journal of Fair Trade as part of the subscription price (£10 per year). MK has shown it to a friend of his, Tony B and he will comment on it, as will MK. Tony wants to then send it to Maria in Costa Rica for comments from a producer. We could perhaps then have a joint article published in the Journal as a response to Pauline’s article.

JM – checked the feedback from Matt re: the CIC. Due to the workload required, JM feels we would be better to keep the set-up we have.

SK – that was also the advice from Helen Cracknell.

MK – this endorses the advice given by Matt. Matt obtained a form for us from Waitrose – we could get funding from their community fund. We could also look at regional companies and organisations for grants.

JM – we could also seek for other support eg. product donations from Bewleys

MK – has produced a draft constitution for us. We need this to apply for a grant from any organisation. MK asked us all to look at this and comment on it. We also need a Treasurer – suggested SK – and hold an AGM

SK – Angus reminded us that Kit Kat is changing from FT to Rainforest Alliance

SK – would rather go to Costa Rica next year, not this year, due to Coronavirus.

Next meeting

To be arranged

Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Tony Thornby
• Sarah Moroz

Apologies

Angus, Ivan

A minute’s silence was held for Bob who sadly passed away on 19th May.

Minutes

MK – No further updates from Ivan re: Population Matters / Wycombe Friends of the Earth. Angus sent a message that ‘Bob was a man of few words but great heart’. Nothing from Bucks New Uni – no students or staff there at the moment. Staff are working from home.

MK – re: tracking down the Wycombe for Fairtrade webpage owner – Ivan suggested messaging Steve Guy on Facebook and SK has done this. Steve said that the webpage is nothing to do with Lib Dems – it is being paid for and maintained by Steve himself. He is happy to keep this going or relinquish control. MK will send info to TT and see what he thinks. It seems unfair that Steve carries on paying for it.

JM – will invite Steve to like our Facebook page. It says that Steve works for O2 at the moment.

TT joined the meeting.

TT – It is quite difficult to move hosting on an established site. It should only be costing Steve about £3 – £4 per month – we could offer to pay him.

MK – we could set up a standing order to Steve.

SK – will contact Steve back and offer this.

TT – would also be useful to know who the provider is.

MK – JM was involved with a team meeting on 8th May with Maria from Co-op Vittoria and members of CLAC (the unifying force for small producers of Fair Trade goods in Latin America) and MK was interviewed on Wycombe Sound by person called Colin on the mid-morning show on the same day.

JM – on May 8th, there was also a cultural representative from the Municipality. The new Mayor wasn’t there. Co-op Vittoria organised various events to celebrate World Fair Trade Day and Farmers Day in Costa Rica. The people spoke mainly on the current situation. The CLAC speaker spoke re: the Fairtrade situation. The second speaker was talking about FT Towns in Latin America and Universities. Thirdly, Maria talked about Grecia and Co-op Vttoria and the link with Wycombe. JM was the only person from the consumer side. JM did a Powerpoint presentation re: the consumer side and our group and Wycombe as a FT Town. The discussion was all in Spanish. MK listened in and understood some. There were also about 25 people listening in Latin America. It was the first time that there was a European FT Town group joining this.
MK – re: getting a celebration coffee roasted for the 200th anniversary of Costa Rican independence. MK has now had a response from Liz White at Traidcraft – they use a roaster which only deals with fairly large quantities.

MK – re: becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) or Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Ivan has sent a link from Transition Town Marlow who are considering changing from a CIC to a CIO as there are more tax breaks. Bristol FT network are a CIC.

JM – will send an e-mail to the Bristol group to ask their experience. Also Matt’s Cafe is a CIC.

TT – there is a lot of work involved in being a CIO – a lot of paperwork, admin etc.

MK – there is info to look up on internet also re: advantages and disadvantages.

SM – can you get money from government if you are a CIC or a CIO?

MK – yes and these are not taxed as long as this money is used in the current tax year. If it isn’t, the tax is paid but then can be claimed back.

MK – Ivan raised issue of us having a group e-mail address.

TT – we can have as many e-mails as we want if we had the hosting of our website domain.

JM – it would be a more formal set-up, with the e-mail address representing our group.

MK – had a call last Friday from Heather Searle – Lay Minister at Christ the Servant King church to say that they still wanted to increase their FT products at the church – also to arrange another speaker at their church and set up FT things for children. Chris Owen, the vicar there, is also very supportive.

MK – SK has found a FT group in Scotland (on Facebook) – the Scottish FT Forum . On World Fair Trade Day they set up a lecture by Pauline Tiffen (on the board of Divine Chocolate). She is producing a journal re: FT, which is aimed at academics in business and economics and to focus on what FT was originally intended to achieve. She is very proactive and supports FT but argues that all the other things now associated with FT eg. sustainability, planting trees etc dilutes the original concept. The journal is only available on-line to academics unless you join the FT society. MK may join so that he has access to the articles

JM – knew Pauline when he was working at Liberation.

MK – Pauline is also keen on equality in business. The initial article by Pauline is available on-line for free ‘Who cares about Fairtrade?’ It raises some interesting questions. She talks about linking producers and consumers and this is what we are doing.

SK – Their neighbour, Lesley, also goes to The Avenue church and is interested in FT. SK has asked if she would like to join us as an associate member.

SK – it would be good to pursue getting our Costa Rican anniversary coffee roasted.

JM – knows a manager in the Sustainable Harvest group (used to be a manager at Twin) – he may be able to help.

Next meeting

Tuesday 23rd June

Those present

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Tony Thornby
• Sarah Moroz
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of The Earth

Apologies

Angus, Bob

Minutes

MK – We haven’t had a meeting since mid-Feb (just before Fairtrade Fortnight). Re: today’s agenda – MK/SK + a few others went to 6 functions:

1. Bucks New Uni for a FT breakfast – it was the first outing for our new display board. The event was very well organised – not many people though.
2. Politicon – we made a good contact with Stella Neal, a teacher from the John Hampden school.
3. Bath University FT Fortnight talks – on 2nd March, sponsored by FT Foundation, Bewleys UK, University of Bath and Bristol Link with Nicaragua (BLINC). The speakers were Gloria Gonzalez, a coffee producer from Nicaragua, Louise Whitaker from Bewleys + Barney Smyth from the FT Foundation (see MK’s e-mail of 10/03/20). Very well organised, well attended.
4. MK/SK did a coffee boffin quiz at Christ the Servant King church – about 20-30 people there.
5. Ran a FT stall at CSK church on Sunday 8th March – raised about £500.
6. Churches FT Think Tank event at CSK on Sat 8th March. Very good speakers and the people there got a lot out of it. There
   were people from 5 different churches in Wycombe but overall attendance not high. Angharad from the FT Foundation was very complimentary. CSK really supported it and would like to do something next FT Fortnight and would like to extend the FT products that they use at the church.

Due to lockdown it hasn’t been possible to follow up these leads yet and we have probably slipped down other people’s to-do lists.

I C-S – the audio on his Zoom connection not working properly. MK asked if he could send us an e-mail to update us on Wycombe Friends of the Earth and Population Matters

JM – re: Grecia/Co-op Vittoria. About 2 weeks ago, MK/JM had a Skype meeting with Maria and Mariella from Co-op Vittoria (Mariella is communications manager there) – discussed ideas of how we can celebrate World FT Day on-line – plan to do a Zoom meeting with Mariella on 1st June. JM will record it and put it on Facebook. Mariella will play sub-titles in English – they will talk about latest activities at Co-op Vittoria and Grecia (as a FT Town). MK/JM will give an update on our activities. On May 8th, a producer from Co-op Vittoria will talk about what they have achieved with FT premium money. MK has also invited a person from High Wycombe to talk about FT as a consumer. This will be a Zoom session and JM will put it onto Facebook. The Mayor of Grecia and Manager of Co-op Vittoria have signed the document re: setting up the relationship with High Wycombe. Matt and Maz will have signed by tomorrow and MK will scan and send to JM. After the coronavirus situation has calmed down then a future project is to have some coffee roasted and to set up contact between schools eg. letter-writing.

MK – over the last few weeks MK asked our group for opinions re: public liability insurance renewal. Everyone thought we should not renew at present time.

I C-S – Population Matters activities have been curtailed at the moment due to the coronavirus issue but they are helping with the ‘Finding Greta’ project – this will now be video presentation entries only.

I C-S left the meeting.

MK – we can’t do anything much physical at the moment. He is trying to get an interview on Wyc Sound on 8th May and he has updated the sound-bites that we did previously. Not sure whether the interview will be remotely or with social distancing in the studio.

TT – has received info from MK to put onto social media. Still needs content from SM re: Carol service.

SM – will write it up and send plus the photo.

TT – has found 6 articles re: the effects of coronavirus on FT. Has also set up a Google Alert to pick up any info on this. TT lives in Green Belt and there is a proposal for house building on fields nearby. Also another proposal pinned to a telegraph post. He followed this up and was diverted from Wycombe Council to the new Bucks Council. Also our website is hosted by the Wycombe Liberal Party and TT wonders if we may lose the hosting as the Wycombe District Council has all been re-arranged.

SK – Trevor Snaith would probably know. SK will contact him to see if he can put us in touch with Steve Guy.

JM – thought that the changes to Wycombe Council were going to be postponed due to coronavirus.

SK- the local council elections were postponed from 5th May.

MK – thinks that we still have the status quo re: Mayor and Charter Trustees at the moment.

TT – we should be able to transfer to another provider (at about £3 per month) if need be eg. Go Daddy. Thinks that Steve Guy has the skills to build a website and he may be able to move our site to another one if he wants to give up the space.

MK – re: AOB – revision of on-line objectives. Wyc Sound interview can be pursued. We could also try linking to World FT Organisation. On the WFTO website there is a link to the Global Living Wage Coalition – very informative site and has recently done a study on Costa Rica. There is a rural Costa Rican Living Wage Foundation link on there.

JM – yesterday was the 182th anniversary of the town of Grecia and there was an online celebration. From 1st May the new mayor of Grecia will be in office.

MK – the Costa Rican ambassador said that the all-party group for Central America has met. They have no immediate power but can make suggestions. Belize is the only country at the moment which has its own all-party group. Because of its unique situation, it would be good if Costa Rica could have its own one as well.

MK – Margaret Dykes held a stall recently at a school in Chalfont St Giles as part of an assembly. The school was trying to become an Eco-School.

MK – as JM mentioned recently, we could also investigate how we could become a CIC group as there would be potential financial benefits from this.

JM – yesterday was the 20th anniversary of Garstang (Lancashire) becoming the first FT Town.

Next meeting

Tuesday 26th May at 8pm.

Location

Ivan & Alison’s house

Those present

• Mike King
• Tony Thornby
• Sheena King
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Angus Massie
• Sarah Moroz
• Alison Cicin-Sain
• Jhon Munoz

Apologies

Bob Smith and Eryn Anderson

Minutes

MK – showed A2 display board featuring our campaigning towards the 5 goals – printed at Blue Print (near Primark) in Wycombe – we will be taking it to the Politicon event on Thursday.

MK – has been invited to the Fairtrade Breakfast tomorrow at Bucks New Uni.

JM – when he took the Costa Rican Ambassador and his wife back to the railway station after our presentation event on January 21st, they said they were very pleased to meet the mayor and councillors and want to continue the relationship.

MK – timing for the event was a bit ‘on the hoof’ but the reception went well.

SM – felt that MK spoke very well. We had some supportive comments from councillors in the meeting as well.

JM – had a Skype call with Maria and the new manager from Co-op Vittoria and the mayor of Grecia and let them know about the presentation meeting. There have been local elections in Grecia. Unfortunately the current mayor was not re-elected but he will communicate with the new mayor and put us in touch. They also discussed a few possible future actions eg. exchange of letters between students. Also about the follow-up with Bewleys – there will be a meeting with Louise next week. Meetings with other possible companies as well perhaps.

SM – Kingdom Coffee’s website says they support a charity called ‘Latin Link’ which has projects in Costa Rica

JM – apparently the new mayor of Grecia belongs to the same political party as the Ambassador. They reported about our event on the Facebook page of the Ambassador. Maz, the mayor of High Wycombe also posted about it.

SM – asked if there had been any news about the Co-op Vittoria beans that were roasted by Bewleys.

MK/JM – nothing they know of yet

MK – Haworth coffee – Cafedirect produced a limited edition blend of Machu Picchu coffee for them.

I C-S – the climate coalition meeting held recently brainstormed ideas to produce documents to present to new unitary council – a manifesto and a pledge for candidates standing for election to put their names to, supporting environment commitments.

MK – there were lots of good ideas. About 5 people will be going to start working on this document.

A C-S – there were people from Princes Risborough, Beaconsfield anti-plastic campaign etc as well as individuals

I C-S – is managing a project for a video and speaker presentation event for Years 10, 11 and 12 called ‘Finding Greta’. There are 2 eco-shops in Marlow that sell eco-products and they are willing to contribute towards prizes. The topic is climate change. I C-S will be contacting all secondary schools in Wycombe. If he gets 50 entrants, that would be good.

AM – no change to report at the moment on compiling information on the FT status of Wycombe churches. He is hoping that 7th March event will help.

MK – BNU volunteer week starts this week and continues next week.

TT – hasn’t done any more updates recently. Still needs some text on the presentation event and the Mayor’s carol concert.

MK/SM – will supply this

JM – can also provide some info from Co-op Vittoria re: the Meet the Producer tours organised by Traidcraft

SK – noticed that Wheatley in Oxfordshire is a FT village (newly achieved in Jan)

MK – has made contact with someone there and is planning to meet up at some point. Doesn’t think they are part of the Oxford coalition. There used to be a campus of BNU there.

MK – re: FT Fortnight – suggested going on Wyc Sound again. JM/TT can also do this. BNU have a speaker from Bewleys (not Louise). For the 7th March event there are now several speakers confirmed: Margaret Dykes, Maranda St John Nicolle, Angharad Hopkinson (and
himself). He has been advertising as much as possible – has taken posters around.

TT – at the Kings Church it needs to be announced – people don’t tend to look at the notice board. Could also promote it on Wyc Sound

A C-S – could contact Bucks Free Press about it – put it in their free adds section

SK – will put it in the message book at the Oxfam shop

MK – re: the Politicon event at John Hampden on Thursday 13th Feb – it starts at 6pm. The debate will be 7.30 – 8.30pm. At the climate coalition meeting, Gill Walker was also there – she is Chair of the Chesham FT group. Last week MK was in West Wycombe library and a lady came in and was interested in joining our group. She has her own marketing company and may be able to promote Co-op Vittoria’s produce.

JM – will investigate what Bristol had to do to register as a Community Interest Company.

I C-S – Wycombe Friends of the Earth do not get any funding from the national FOE but do get insurance cover from them. Population Matters have a similar set-up.

A S-C – FOE receive membership fees nationally – perhaps that’s why they can offer insurance cover.

I C-S – Wycombe FOE ask for £10 membership per year. Population Matters don’t at the moment but may in the future.

TT – we could ask our retailers who are listed on our directory for a donation per year if they would like to feature more prominently in the directory. These retailers can then tell people that they are supporters of us.

Next meeting

Tuesday 31st March at Mike & Sheen’s (since postponed)

Location

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those Present

• Mike King
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Sheena King
• Angus Massie
• Daniel & Claudia Mangoldt
• Sarah Moroz
• Eryn Anderson – Bucks New Uni
• Jhon Munoz
• Bob Smith

Notes

CM – has just arrived recently in UK from Spain

DM – always interested in FT, not had opportunity to pursue it before.

JM invited C /D

EA – current ambassador for FT from BNU – took over from Emily Dixie

Apologies from TT – he will be putting more on website for us.

MK – attended Population Matters event on 12th October

MK – Cardiff International FT conference was the best conference they’d ever attended

I C-S – 12th October event was at Trinity URC. There was a good stand-up comedian and a variety of stalls – Extinction Rebellion group from Marlow, WFF, and various environmental groups – made £100 profit and 80 people attended.

Future events – Population Matters AGM on 18th Nov at Ivan’s house. Wyc FOE Christmas meeting on 4th Dec at Friends Meeting House

A new warning from scientists has come out this month – 11,000 scientists have signed it – it calls on governments to take urgent action to tackle the climate crisis including ending and reversing population growth.

AM – is starting to make progress in accumulating contact details for churches in Wycombe re: assessing FT situation.

SK – has asked Christ the Servant King church if they can apply to be a FT church. Their administrator is very supportive. SK will be their contact.

MK – has been invited to the BNU Environment, Sustainability & FT Committee.

EA – at the moment they are organising a FT breakfast meeting – inviting local FT businesses eg. Ruby Moon and focussing also on green issues. Hopefully they will have speakers at it as well. It will be just before FT Fortnight in volunteers week

JM – it would be good to have some students come to our meetings.

EA – if there is sufficient warning / advertising then support could be good.

MK – re: the Cardiff conference / visit of Maria. Maria was invited by ourselves plus mayor/deputy mayor. She was also representing the mayor of Grecia.

There was a meeting in the mayor’s parlour. Next stage is to have a formal agreement for the linkage.

One problem is the dissolving of the Wycombe District Council. There was an online questionnaire re: this. If there was a town council just for Wycombe, it would be easier for us to deal with. Matt is going to check the wording of the twinning agreement with Klekheim. The powers of the mayor in Grecia are greater. MK, JM and Maria also had a meeting with Bewleys on 17th October. Maria gave background of what they are trying to do. They also visited Matt’s cafe and Maria was very impressed. At a school in Costa Rica, children bring in used vegetable oil which is then purified and mixed with diesel to power tractors and local lorries. The whole of Costa Rica is due to be using renewables by 2025. They have a lot of migrant workers they pay fairly. Bewleys are roasting some of the beans from Co-op Vittoria with a view to producing a speciality coffee with Wycombe/Grecia names on. The town of Haworth in Yorkshire has done something similar (worthvalleymag.co.uk has a report in its October 2019 edition). They also went to Ruby Moon, Air Raid cafe and various other shops in Wycombe.

AM – Has heard that Air Raid cafe will be going soon – it is a pop-up – will be replaced.

MK – Bart from the Oxford group complimented us at the Cardiff conference for our achievements. Possible that we may do a joint event with them.

MK – showed the papercopy of the powerpoint presentation that he gave at the Population Matters event on 12th October.

MK – would be good to have a social to celebrate our 5 year anniversary and our renewal. We have achieved a lot in the last 18 months. Also MK/SK hope to visit Costa Rica.

JM – re: workshop at the Cardiff conference . Talked about how we built the link with Costa Rica. He showed a printout of the slides they used. They also showed a video from the mayor of Grecia – it is now on Facebook. Matt also spoke. Matt and Maria announced the friendship link at the end of the conference. Matt was the only mayor there (apart from the mayor of Cardiff). There was also a stall promoting the Co-op Vittoria products etc

SK – showed the programme for the conference

MK – Cardiff was the first FT capital and Wales the first FT nation. There was also a FT church service.

SK – there were a lot of stalls – one of them was Bala balls. Perhaps we could get Wycombe Wanderers to use FT balls, even if only for their practice sessions.

MK – for the Cardiff government everything has to be FT, local or healthy.

MK – also visited a FT primary school and attended their assembly. Children were enthusiastic.

SK – attended a workshop re: the UN working with refugees to make handicrafts to sell as FT – she took a leaflet about it to Ruby Moon.

SK – they were also selling FT T-shirts

EA – at the moment the university are trying to find a supplier for FT T-shirts.

SK – gave EA a leaflet re: possible suppliers

MK – SK/MK ran a stall at CSK last Sunday. They took about £600. They also sold some of the produce given by Bewleys. Nero Bianco chocolate bars sold well. This added £20 to our bank acct – now stands at £155.

JM – it would be good to discuss possible fundraising ideas.

MK – would like to speak to Louise Whitaker about this as well

MK – asked re: Mayor’s carol service

BS – thinks it is the 15th December.

SM – will ask Matt.

SM – is planning to send schools questionnaire out – to primary only? But the possible language student etc links with Grecia schools would be more suited to secondary schools.

FT Fortnight next year seems to be concentrating on chocolate.

MK – re: presentation of our renewal certificate – would be good if we could get the Costa Rican ambassador to present it to the Chairman of WDC? Tony Green is also the chair of the Twinning Ctte.

JM – we can ask Matt’s opinion.

SM – maybe present it to the mayor instead?

MK – also doesn’t want to use the term ‘twinning’ – more a ‘Partnership’.

EA – their event would be on a weekday (Wednesday?) morning. Would be inviting lecturers as well as students.

MK – Heather is the new lay minister at CSK. She has suggested that it would be a good idea to have a workshop looking at FT churches. CSK would host the event – during FT Fortnight on a Saturday morning – inviting all the churches in Wycombe – have speakers eg. Margaret Dykes. MK could do the climate change talk. Could discuss how to involve young people at the churches. Could finish with a short service. Also to include other faiths and denominations.
We need to compile the info on Wycombe churches for our next FT Town renewal application.

JM – for FT Fortnight we could do another interview on Wycombe Sound, promote things on our Facebook page. Following the Cardiff conference our Facebook followers increased significantly. Also perhaps organise a talk to let people in Wycombe know about the linkage with Costa Rica.
EA – could use the ‘Front Room’ as a venue. This could be a ‘drop-in’ event, open throughout the day with speakers at different times during the day.

MK – also need to arrange a meeting with the Costa Rican embassy

I C-S – Wyc FOE and Pop’n Matters are taking part in an event (Politicon) at John Hampden school on Thursday 13th February to introduce 6th formers to various groups.

MK – will make contact to see if we can also have a stall.

Next meeting: 7th January at Micklefield Library (if Avenue not
available)

Location

Micklefield Library, Micklefield Road

Those present:

• Mike King
• Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King
• Bob Smith
• Angus Massie
• Ivan Cicin-Sain – Wycombe Friends of the Earth
• Sarah Moroz

Apologies from Tony Thornby

Notes

MK – thought that the meeting went well at the Mayor’s Parlour on 19th August. The mayor, Mazamal, was very positive.

I C-S – there will be an event on October 26th – a climate emergency stall in the Eden Centre, opposite the library, organised by Wycombe FOE. The stall will be there most of the day. The ‘Stand up to Climate Chaos’ event will also be taking place, on October 12th, at Trinity United Reformed Church and Wycombe for Fairtrade will be having a stall. SM and AM will not be able to go unfortunately.

I C-S – gave out some flyers

MK – had an e-mail from Janet Gladstone (the secretary for the Environmental, Sustainability and Fairtrade committee at Bucks New University) to say that MK was still on the committee and that they have their next meeting on Nov 8th. Emily Dixie has now graduated and is no longer at BNU. MK will find out at the meeting who Emily’s successor will be.

AM – has had problems finding the right contacts at each of the churches in Wycombe for his research into where all the churches are at in regards to FT.

MK – gave AM a copy of our directory which lists all the churches in the Wycombe town wards.

MK – there is a new requirement on the FT Town renewal form to carry out a survey of the town’s churches re: their FT status

SM – will try to send out a questionnaire to schools in the town and could include the clip from the FT schools website. I C-S has put SM in touch with Jean from Wycombe FOE who sent SM a very helpful email re: their attempts to set up links with schools about the reduction of single-use plastics. They are giving an assembly on the subject at Millbrook in October.

JM – following the last meeting, Matt sent a letter inviting the mayor of Grecia and members of Co-op Vittoria to the Cardiff International FT Towns conference on 18th – 20th Oct. The mayor of Grecia is unable to come but Maria from Co-op Vittoria will be and she will also be able to visit High Wycombe on 16th/17th Oct, prior to the conference. She will go to visit Bewley’s (JM is also communicating with Louise Whittaker), the Mayor and Hills Cafe. Our workshop is
going ahead at the Cardiff conference.

MK – outlined the ideas for the workshop – looking at links with local government, community and businesses in Grecia.

JM – the aim is to let the participants know how we are trying to set up the link and get feedback and ideas from the participants.

MK – Haworth in Yorkshire (the first Fairtrade village) has well established links with Machu Picchu (for last 10 years). We will be working towards a more official twinning with Grecia.

JM – we are also trying to see if Maria will be able to speak on Wycombe Sound. At the Cardiff workshop, they will also show a video from the mayor of Grecia.

MK – showed a diagram detailing the set-up of the linkage. In Latin America, the co-operatives are the main drivers of the regions becoming FT. MK/JM were interviewed on Wycombe Sound this afternoon from approx 2.25pm – 2.45pm (Tony Smith on the Afternoon Show).

SM – will try to download the interview and send it round.

JM – a lady from Tibasosa (Olga – who was also at Madrid) may also be going to the Cardiff conference. Representatives from 2 other towns in Latin America will be going as well.

MK – one of Bewley’s quality control managers is also hoping to meet Maria at Hill’s Cafe.

MK – re: draft objectives for Oct ’19 – Oct ’21 – circulated previously by e-mail.

MK/SK are planning to visit Grecia in 2020.

MK – we have had about 150 hits on Twitter

I C-S – this is similar to the level that Wycombe FOE has. Sharing content to related groups such as Wycombe FOE is quick to do. Producing content is time-consuming.

MK – for schools objectives, we could also offer the possibility of linking with schools in Grecia.

MK – suggested that we could ask the Costa Rican ambassador to present our renewal certificate. Haworth held their 10 year anniversary in the Peruvian embassy.

SK – will be doing a Traidcraft stall at Christ the Servant King church on 10th November

JM – suggested that we try to organise our 5 year celebration social.

Next meeting: Tuesday 12th November.

BS will check if the Avenue would be available

Location

The Mayor’s Parlour, Wycombe District Council offices

Those Present

• Mike King Jhon Munoz
• Sheena King Bob Smith
• Matt Knight Tony Thornby
• Angus Massie
• Sarah Moroz

Notes

MK – re: stall at Pann Mill on 15th September. MK/SK are away. Not possible for AM and maybe TT.

SM – may be able to be there. Likewise BS.

MK – need to pay £10 to have a stall. They provide a gazebo, table and chair. There is very little stock remaining from the Bewley’s donations.

SK – it may be a useful event to make contacts at. It is currently booked – we would need to let them know asap if we’re not attending.

MK – it is 11am – 5pm. Bewleys said we could have more stock if we needed it. It is World Heritage Day.

M Kn joined the meeting.

M Kn – the mayor, Cllr Mazamal Hussain, will be joining the meeting a bit later

MK – re: the International Fairtrade Towns conference in Cardiff 18th – 20th October. MK/SK/JM are going and will be facilitating a workshop there re: international links

M Kn – Wycombe district Council do use FT tea and coffee for their meetings but the Mayor’s Parlour do their own thing. M Kn brought in 3 samples from the council’s supplies, including a FT biscuit from a Belgian company.

JM set up a video link with the Mayor of Grecia, the Corporate Responsibility manager from Co-op Vittoria (Maria) and the manager of Co-op Vittoria. JM acted as translator for the conversation.

M Kn – asked if they had received his letter

They replied that they had.

M Kn – talked of his background in FT and how he would never have thought he would become Deputy Mayor and would be able to link up with a FT town/producer internationally. Explained that, due to local government changes taking place in Wycombe at the moment, it is difficult to establish a formal link immediately but that does not stop us creating a friendship link.

M Kn – asked what they hoped would be gained from it?

They replied: they are glad of the opportunity to have shared time to discuss these issues. Firstly, they feel that it will be a learning process (Wycombe have been a FT Town for 5 years whereas they have only been a FT Town for 1 year). Secondly, they would like to develop a friendship between us – to share information, discuss experiences, perhaps to meet at the Cardiff conference and to establish a link with local government and local businesses (such as Bewley’s).

JM – said that he had given M Kn a sample of coffee from Co-op Vittoria. JM explained to them that M Kn has also created a local community coffee shop.

JM – Maria has been a strong supporter of their local government, promoting FT to them and also to the local community. She also said that one of the targets of this relationship with us is to close the gap between producers and consumers.

The manager of Co-op Vittoria also emphasised the closing of this gap. He proposed to deliver coffee more directly to High Wycombe. This would be more efficient for the whole chain. He also said that Co-op Vittoria is not a very big company – they have about 3000 producers around Grecia and they concentrate on looking after them.

The Mayor of Grecia said that he would like to meet M Kn at the Cardiff conference. They have already received a letter from FT Wales to invite them to the conference but said it would help them to obtain funding if they received a letter from us.

M Kn – will arrange this

JM – they are also working with CLAC to try to get funding to attend.

M Kn – if they are able to attend the Cardiff conference, would they also be able to visit High Wycombe?

JM – they would like to – they would need to arrange whether it would be before or after the conference.

SK – suggested that it would be good if they could also visit Bewley’s.

M Kn – said that he hoped they would be able to travel and that we would be able to meet in October

End of link call

Mayor Mazamal joined the meeting.

MK – explained about the FT system. Talked about Bewley’s and Co-op Vittoria – who currently sell in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands but not in the UK. Figures up to 2030 predict that coffee production will have to double to meet demand.

Mazamal – suggested that M Kn should go to Cardiff as the Deputy Mayor of High Wycombe and that we should get the link started. We can start doing the paperwork now and we should be able to get it through the council.

JM – it would be good to make an announcement of our link at the end of the Cardiff conference.

Notes Produced by

Sarah Moroz