Fair Trade

Many of you reading this will already be familiar with the Fairtrade Foundation, which was set up to provide fairer trading conditions for third world producers of commodity products such as tea, coffee and sugar. Producers are guaranteed minimum prices for their products to reduce their dependence on fluctuating global commodity markets. In return they must maintain fair standards of employment for their workers – e.g. minimum standards of health and safety and no child labour.

Cafedirect has been a leading supplier of Fairtrade coffee and tea for some years. They support farmers in places such as Peru and Costa Rica directly with loans, prompt payment and guaranteed prices for the product. As a result they get some of the best quality coffee beans and tea available. Liz and I believe that this is an excellent basis for trading and it has been our intention since coming to the village to carry Fairtrade goods where possible. We have finally achieved that and are now stocking Cafedirect instant and ground coffee and Teadirect teas. Not only do these meet the Fairtrade criteria, but the products are very good – in fact the Macchu Pichu organic ground coffee is one of the best I’ve come across, with a lovely medium roast, nutty flavour.

Leading into Christmas we are also hoping to carry a range of gifts and cards from the third world that are manufactured in line with Fairtrade principles. More details soon.

Banking at the Post Office

You may well have seen some of the press advertising for ‘Free Card and Pin’ banking at the Post Office. This allows customers of Alliance and Leicester, Barclays and Lloyds TSB to use their cash card and PIN number to withdraw cash from the Post Office. It’s a bit like using a cash machine, but we like to think we’re much friendlier!

I recently heard one customer say that we were the only cash machine she’d come across that has a chat while she gets her money and lets her specify what notes and coins she wants.

We often get asked by users of other banks why they can’t use their cards to get cash. The Post Office would love to be able to offer the service for all banks, but in the end it’s up to the bank whether they want to allow their customers to use us. So if you bank with one of those other banks, write to them and tell them you want to get your cash from the PO!

Steve Haines Subpostmaster
Email: steve@unilake.co.uk