Pupils in Years 5 and 6 at Lugwardine School had a lesson on Fairtrade recently, as part of their global studies, with John Dinnen of Herefordshire Fairtrade. Three of the girls took the part of Tanzanian coffee farmers struggling to feed their family while coffee prices fell on the world market.  They then had a chance to sell some of their coffee through the fairtrade market. This pays a guaranteed fair price for the coffee with an extra premium to use to dig a well or pay for schooling, health costs or agricultural improvements. They enjoyed sampling some fairtrade chocolate at the end of their lesson.

Cllr. Geraldine Holbourn said: "It is important to promote whatever Ledbury has going for it, and our commitment to Fairtrade is something which attracts visitors to our attractive town centre and especially our small shops and businesses."

Janette Ward of Ledbury Fairtrade said: "Our commitment to treating the people who create our goods fairly is even more important in the current economic climate, as they suffer the most from a downturn. The Town Council are already supportive of Fairtrade and we hope that they will be happy to promote this commitment in the signage welcoming visitors to town."

The Town Council will be considering the signage at a meeting shortly. Details will be posted as soon as they are available. The council can be contacted here.

Stuff for Students

The hundreds of free samples of Divine chocolate soon disappeared! Fourteen students took part in a Fairtrade chocolate quiz and a joint effort by Izzi, Mattie, Holly and Georgina came top. The chocolates were donated by Divine Chocolate. 

The Art College and the Holme Lacey Campus are interested in having a Fairtrade stall later in the year.