Festive Fairtrade

The town’s Fairtrade group staged the fair trade and sustainable Christmas fair, which proved quite a draw.

Pip Young, of the group, said that numbers attending had risen steadily over the seven years the event had been held.

“I think people are being more and more aware of these issues.

“If you want to shop without exploiting other human beings or the environment, it is very difficult to shop in the High Street.

“The idea of the fair is to give people the chance to go somewhere where they know that everything they buy has been produced ethically.”

On sale among the 53 stalls were Fairtrade Christmas decorations, as well as decorations made out of recycled materials, and hats made from recycled plastic.

There were also workshops to keep the children amused, making recycled cards and decorations.

Pip added that despite talk of the economic downturn damaging ethical sales as people plumped for cheaper options, it was not something she was too worried about.

“The organic food market has been affected, as people who would prefer to buy organic find they have to go for the cheaper option.

“With regards to Fairtrade and sustainability, though, people who have chosen to shop that way do so because they understand the issues, and are interested in social justice.

“That’s not something you just give up on.”

She went to thank the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, for allowing the fair to be held in the castle, as well as all those who helped her organise the day.