Volunteer staff celebrate Fairtrading Post’s 15th birthday

The Fairtrading Post started out life in the town’s Samworth Centre - now known as Mary’s Place - when it was run by just five people in a small room.

Today the store is operating from a much bigger premises on Market Place and is staffed by a total of 60 volunteers, including four directors.

Director Helen Chadwick told the Melton Times: “As well as raising awareness and money for the producers in developing countries, the volunteers at the shop have often found they have made new friendships or built their confidence.

“We currently have around 60 volunteers but are always happy to welcome more, so we would invite anyone interested to pop in and see us anytime.”

The shop sells a wide range of environmentally-friendly fair trade goods, such as jewellery, bags, scarves, wooden gifts, homeware clothes, tea, coffee, chocolate, wine and quirkly items and getting a fair price for them allows producers to access services such education and health care.

Each year thw Fairtrading Post donates around £5,000 to charities, including Melton’s Storehouse, which provides food, clothing and bedding to those in need, and development charities such as Wateraid.

In addition to providing a range of products, the store also plays a part in promoting Fairtrade, especially working with the Melton Fairtrade Borough Group.

The shop has supported producer visits, breakfast events and many stalls in churches and village fêtes.

The next big event, on May 2, is the fairtrade fashion show, showcasing fair trade ladies and gents clothes, mainly from Nomads, with tickets available at the shop.

Staff ensured the Melton store took part in Fairtrade Fortnight recently with a special pancake breakfast proving popular.

Go online at www.thefairtradingpost.co.uk and www.meltonmowbrayfairtrade.org.uk to find out about the shop and its aims.