We held a Fair Trade Service, on March 3rd, which reinforced the principles that we support: trade justice, compassion towards those less well-off (in every way) than ourselves, and encouragement of people in developing countries, who struggle to earn a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. Anne regularly expresses her appreciation of her church-members for supporting the Traidcraft Stall, and, especially, to Jean Brookhouse, who helps her to run it.

Uncertainty over the future of Traidcraft caused concern when the organisation announced, in September, 2018, that it was to cease trading at the end of that year. After valiant efforts on the part of many different people, the company has reorganised and has been able to continue into its 40th year, albeit in a simplified form. We still do not know precisely how Traidcraft's problems will affect us, in the long-term; at present, some stock is proving impossible to buy, but we hope that all will eventually be well.

The Bury and Bolton Fair Trade Groups organised a Fair Trade Fortnight lecture, on March 1st, at Bury's Holy Cross College, where we were all made very welcome; Kevin, the Head of Campaigns, at the Fair Trade Foundation, spoke enthusiastically about his work, and Push, who is working with the foundation until July, was passionate in recounting his efforts to improve the lot of those in developing countries, including walking many miles, in several different countries, in order to spread the word. This was inspirational, and the students present showed themselves willing to support Fair Trade, by their actions, and by some very searching questions. It was disappointing that Rosine, a cocoa farmer from the Cote d'Ivoire, was unable to participate in the lecture, as planned, as she had been refused a visa; however, the occasion was interesting and informative, and, maybe, Rosine will be able to join us on another occasion.

Other Fair Trade events included promoting our work at one of the local mosques, and handing out samples of fairly-traded chocolate in Bury's main shopping-centre; in this way, we continue to raise our profile and convey greater understanding of the issues involved when dealing with Fair Trade.