Fairtrade presentation ceremony

This was announced at a presentation evening at the town hall attended by Town Mayor Cllr Jimmy Carroll and chief executive of Rother District Council Derek Stevens.

Jack Doherty of Bexhill Fairtrade committee made the announcement which was well received ny those present including Hannah Reed, Fairtrade Town Manager of the Fairtrade Foundation who described the Bexhill effort as “phenomenal”.

Derek Stevens paid tribute to the enthusiastic leadership of the committee and was pleased that the Council supports the fairtrade development.

Jack thanked all supporters all over the town who use and sell fairtrade products and show even “when times are tough they value their values”.

Lesley Shareif, vice chair , unveiled their new updated website as a work in progress www.bexhillfairtrade.org.uk .

There are over 200 groups listed in various organisations. A number of people requested blogs to enable more activities and development of products. Tricyle Media was thanked for its sponsorship of the site and the committee is looking forward to interaction from local townspeople.

Sally Reith from Shared Interest Society gave a talk on how investing in Shared Interest gets financial support to small farming businesses in the developing world.

She presented a certificate to the Bexhill Fairtrade Town Committee as they have invested some of their fund raised money in the Society.

Mayor Jimmy Carroll then presented certificates to supporters and said he was inspired by the proceedings.

Jack then highlighed the “rotten” cotton industry where producers need urgent consumer attention. He issued his strongest plea to shoppers to search for fairly traded cotton garments and for abolishment of US and EU subsidies which he said was the cause of increased poverty.