Our meeting was held during Fair Trade Fortnight. We had a thought provoking talk from Jane Lavery about how fair trade works and who benefits. We were inspired to think about how the way we shop can affect the environment and the lives of those in developing countries. It was also clear that Fair Trade did not mean quality was compromised. Even those of us who are reluctant to change our usual shopping habits can make a difference by maybe changing one or two times to a Fair Trade product; as they say ‘every little helps!’. After the talk, there was an opportunity to buy some Fair Trade products and perhaps not surprisingly, the chocolates and biscuits went well.

Ever keen to involve ourselves in all aspects of village life, the WI organised a day of activities for Eckington School on Shrove Tuesday. The morning was spent with a class of children making and eating pancakes. In the afternoon, races for all children and parents were organised. Our next meeting will be April 2 with Nils Wilkes talking about Eckington. Friends, partners and visitors are welcome to this talk (cost £4 at the door).