This is to let you know about a fascinating event (to which all are welcome but by ticket only) that will be taking place in Edenbridge during the nationally celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight (25^th February to 11^th March 2007). 

The event provides three exciting opportunities:

• to eat a delicious two course meal (cooked by the CARE Kent Bistro staff) with dishes from three continents, and also to sample Fairtrade wines and juices. 

• to experience a musical performance from the talented Primary School Choir, always a treat with their lively, enthusiastic and thoughtful presentations

• to buy beautiful Fairtrade crafts, jewellery and foods from an extensive Traidcraft stall and look at a variety of interesting displays

Tickets (cost £2) available from Bridges (open Monday to Saturday mornings) or contact Gill Musgrove on 01732 865138.  Places limited so early booking essential to avoid disappointment

In addition, during the fortnight all Primary aged children in the town have the opportunity to design a Healthy Fairtrade Lunchbox with prizes for the best entries.  This links with the school’s “Healthy Eating” Programme.  Information should be available in each school.

Background to the event

It is now over eighteen months since Edenbridge became the first Fairtrade Town in Kent, one of an ever growing group (now over 200 towns and cities) which realises that, without the adoption of Fairtrade practices, those living in poorer countries will not be able to work their way out of poverty.

To achieve Fairtrade Town Status we had wonderful support.  We have:

• A Council that uses, and encourages, the use of Fairtrade products
• Shops that sell Fairtrade goods
• Cafés and a pub where you can buy  Fairtrade tea coffee and chocolate
• Involvement of local organisations, employers, the school and the churches – and of course the people of Edenbridge who are buying more and more Fairtrade Goods

What is Fairtrade?

Trade that provides:

• A stable and fair price for growers and small scale producers
• Safe working conditions for those employed
• A social premium that is ploughed back into the local community

The Fairtrade Town Steering Group wants to encourage as many local people to be involved as possible, not just as organisations and businesses, but as individuals.  We can make a difference – and enjoy ourselves in the process!

The event is sponsored by    which carries a large range of Fairtrade products.