Thornbury Parish

Our Church first gained the Fairtrade Certificate (Presented by the Fairtrade Foundation) in 1995, renewing in 2006 and most recently in 2014.

In order to renew the Fairtrade status our Church Council agreed to the following three goals

 Use Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings for which you have responsibility

 Move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit

 Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible

Moving forward - The Social committee uses a range of Fairtrade certified items at Church events – such as tea, coffee, sugar, drinking chocolate, cookies, chocolate, nuts, dates, raisins, sultanas, jam, honey and fruit juice.  Many House Groups serve Fairtrade refreshments at their meetings and our Churches use Fairtrade washing up liquid and communion wine.

St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Churches are Fairtrade Churches.  We are among the ever-growing number of churches making the connection between trade and poverty and committing to using Fairtrade products.  Supporters of Fairtrade are making a real difference to the lives of more than 7 million farmers, workers and their families in 59 developing countries.

During Fairtrade Fortnight the Missions Global and Local committee along with the ecumenical Make Poverty History Group promote FT by helping to arrange a Thornbury Fair.  Here we learn from an international Fairtrade producer.  In Church we have decorated Fairtrade Cotton bunting, tasted chocolate and brought items for a Fairtrade Harvest.

Christian based Traidcraft was the first company to sell Fairtrade products.  We thank Gill Denning for being Thornbury Traidcraft rep 1992 - 2015.  Our new Fairtrade rep, Gail Whitehead, can provide goods for Church and we can also buy from the Traidcraft stall at Thornbury United Reformed Church ecumenical coffee morning every Saturday morning from 10-12.  Gail can be contacted on 07460388198, email: gail_whitehead@yahoo.com or until March 2016 at Thornbury Town Hall Wed 1.30-3.30pm

It is good to know that Thornbury and South Glos. Councils also have a commitment to Fairtrade.

Please support fair trade as individuals and when buying food, drink or cleaning products for Church use.  Look out for the Fairtrade Mark displayed on a wide range of goods in our local shops and cafes.

Remember our Churches Fairtrade goals, our responsibility to support the small scale farmers co-operatives.  They receive a guaranteed fair price for their products plus a premium to be used within their communities to promote good health and education.