This year’s Wales Fair Trade Fair, which is in Brecon Guild Hall on Saturday 7th Oct and in The Market Hall, Abergavenny on Sunday 8th Oct is opening its doors to local traders who specialise in home made arts and crafts, as explained by David Holman, co-founder of the event.
He said “The Fairtrade Foundation recognises local trade throughout the U.K. as an important part of the economy. There are many small, local arts and crafts producers who face similar problems to those who strive to make a living in the developing nations. It is essential that here in Wales we support these often one person based companies. We are delighted that we have a good selection of beautiful hand made crafts at the event this year, alongside the usual fairly traded arts and crafts from different parts of the world.”
This is the 11th year of the event and promises to be just as much fun as usual. In Brecon, on Saturday 7th the day starts at 10am and goes on until 4pm. It coincides with the Brecon Food Festival and the town will be packed with like-minded customers.
There will be about 25 stalls in the Guild Hall selling a large range of fairly traded goods. Stalls will include – Love Zimbabwe, Ananuca, Tibetan Dawn, Bags from Africa and local organisations such as Brecon Rotary Club.
It’s all change the following day as the fair moves to the Market Hall in Abergavenny. The event will be officially opened by the A.M. for Monmouthshire, Nick Ramsey and Mayor and Mayoress of Abergavenny, David and Penny Simcock at 11am. The doors open for trading at 10am and close at 4.40pm. There is a nominal donation of £1 for entry, which will go to the Love Zimbabwe charity fund, which undertakes essential projects in Zimbabwe.
There will be approximately 35 stalls, again selling amazing fairly traded goods from around the world. Also present will be the Fairtrade groups from Abergavenny and Usk. Fairtrade tea and coffee will be served by the Abergavenny Fairtrade Forum, and there will be delicious food served up by Taste Zimbabwe. There will also be live entertainment from various musicians and choirs.
Aother innovation this year will be a concert in the Market Hall, Aergavenny, on the evening of Saturday 7th Octber. This will feature local singer Kizzy Crwaford, supported by singer/songwriter, Danielle Lewis. Tickets are £12 each and the evening starts at 8pm.
Co-organiser, Martha Musonza Holman said, “This is the highlight of the fund raising year for Love Zimbabwe. We have just returned from the country where we completed various important water and solar projects helped by students from Lampeter University in mid Wales.” Martha added, “We started the student scheme in January last year and it has been an incredible success. So far we have managed to take 23 students to our community centre in Zimbabwe to assist us in construction, water and gardening projects. One of the first students to visit was Lucinda Walker, who completed her dissertation in the country and was rewarded with a first for her efforts. Lucinda has now also become a trustee for the charity and has already made a huge difference.”
If you visit the Wales Fair Trade Fair you will be able to help producers both in Wales and in developing nations to prosper and improve. A very worthwhile and enjoyable experience!
For enquiries or to purchase tickets for the Kizzy Crawford concert, please email walesfairtradefair@gmail.com or call David Holman: 07774 608 215
David Holman
