FAIRTRADE businesses in Chepstow have been presented with certificates by town mayor Dale Rooke, ahead of a Fairtrade tea party planned for March 1.

Cllr Rooke said: “We are now in our 10th year as a recognised Fairtrade town and it was a pleasure to meet with some of the scheme’s supporting businesses to present certificates, newsletters and window stickers.

“Robert Hookways of Hookways Butcher in Moor Street, received a certificate promising to sell a selection of Fairtrade teas, as well as their great, locally-produced meat.

In Moor Street, Toytastik owner Jonathan Amphlett received a certificate pledging to sell different lines of Fairtrade toys. Indeed he has just returned from purchasing a new line of Fairtrade toys that is now on sale in the store.

“Dee Griffiths, manager of Hebert Lewis Ltd accepted the certificate recognising that Fairtrade is supported, with Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar served in their tea room. In Oxfam, deputy manager, Emma Lonnkvisk, received their certificate pledging to sell Fairtrade chocolate, other Fairtrade grocery products and cards.”

More certificates representing even more ways to buy fairly traded products will be awarded soon.

“We all make a small difference by buying local produce and Fairtrade products,” Cllr Rooke added. “When all these are put together, the difference grows.”

“The St David’s Day Fairtrade tea party, complete with homemade cakes, takes place from 2pm to 4pm, at the Palmer Centre in Chepstow to join in our Chepstow endeavours”, invites Tanya White, chair of Chepstow Fairtrade Forum.