AGM REPORT

Chelmsford Fairtrade Town Campaign held its AGM at Christ Church on 17 November. After the Chairperson, Rachel Hewings, welcomed everyone to the meeting, Malcolm Wallace presented the Annual Report. This showed that a wide range of activities had taken place including public events, High Street and meeting sales, an exhibition, and our participation at international and national Fairtrade conferences. Thanks were recorded to the Borough Council and its staff for their support, and to the local faith, community groups, retailers, trade unions and political parties for promoting Fairtrade. It was noted that many retailers and companies are displaying our locally produced Fairtrade marketing leaflet on their premises.

David Parker then presented the Financial Report which showed that we had a Balance of ?1068.40. During the year we purchased two display tables and leaflet display holders. A banner stand had also been purchased following a donation from Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society. Members agreed to support the Committee?s proposal to increase our investment in the Shared Interest Account to ?300.

A discussion then took place on activity during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 with its theme of ?The Big Swap?. Further information and registration is on the Foundation?s website and it is hoped that one million and one people will swap their usual products for Fairtrade. Supporters were asked to encourage as many community groups to get involved in the campaign as possible.

A discussion took place on a variety of Fairtrade issues including the way in which small corner shops could increase their product range.

Two events were promoted at the meeting; one by Trinity Methodist Church in Rainsford Road on 12 December from 10am to 1pm, the other is on Climate Change. This has been organised by Oxfam and Chelmsford TUC and will be held on 4 December at Christ Church commencing at 7.30pm.

The Standing Committee was thanked for its work and the following were elected to serve for the next twelve months: Tony Bender, Ray Le Couteur, Rachel Hewings, Emily Kent, David Parker, Gill Parker, Stephen Robinson, Malcolm Wallace, Michael Whalley.

During the evening Henry Mathews, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Agriculture at Writtle College, gave a presentation on issues facing the people of Tajikstan. Henry commenced his talk by outlining the position of Tajikstan, politically and strategically, following the demise of the Soviet Union. He then explained that most of its territory was mountainous and lacked natural resources such as oil, with electricity being limited to a few hours a day. The economy was greatly affected by natural catastrophes such as earthquakes and landslides and the nation suffered from economic migration. The people had limited democracy and its children were obliged to work at a very early age, particularly in cotton production. Agriculture was primitive, corruption endemic, and there was little knowledge of marketing products. Henry then outlined a number of projects undertaken during his time in Tajikstan and said that, despite all the hardships faced by its people, he thought there was some prospect of progress particularly if there were political and democratic change. He emphasised the benefits of sustainable development, co-operation and marketing and eco-tourism. After answering a number of questions Henry was thanked for his excellent address After thanks were recorded to Gill and David Parker for providing the refreshments, the meeting ended at 8.50pm.

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