Fairtrade day held at church was truly FAB

A giant inflatable banana and teacup were seen at the church – but this was no fancy dress party.

The Fairtrade Association Biggleswade (FAB) was holding its annual Think As You Shop event, featuring stalls, displays and a range of refreshments.

North-East Beds MP Alistair Burt was among the guests who enjoyed tea, coffee and homemade soup and cakes.

The event was held as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday, March 10.

Fairtrade stalls were run by suppliers and traders from across the area.

These included stalls set up by staff from the Co-operative’s new store in Kingsfield Road, Biggleswade and the Courtyard Cafe, which is located a short distance from the church.

Both businesses sell a range of Fairtrade, ethically and locally sourced products.

Other stallholders included Garden Friends (vegetable boxes), Teresa Washington (Neal’s Yard), Rebecca Fugill (handmade jewellery), 
Bridget Mappley (eco-friendly jute bags) and Traidcraft.

Additionally, Edward Peake Middle School in Biggleswade is working towards becoming a Fairtrade School.

Students from the school who attended the event made a sculpture from Faitrade wrappers and packages.

This was a suggested activity for Fairtrade Fortnight.

In keeping with the theme of the day, all of the refreshments were made from ingredients which were Fairtrade or sourced from the area.

FAB meets regularly and new members are always welcome.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at Cafe Mocha in Biggleswade High Street, starting at 8pm.

For more information about the group see www.fabweb.org.uk or call FAB chairman Neil Spencer on 07910 211824.