A FORTNIGHT of events in Devizes which aimed to close the door on exploitation and open it to Fairtrade have raised the issue with people young and old.

Devizes Fairtrade Group held coffee mornings and worked with schools by holding assemblies to explain the plight of farmers in countries such as Panama who are struggling to make a living.

But it is not too late to join in as a Fairtrade film show with refreshments and Fairtrade food and craft stalls will be held on Tuesday (20th March) at 7.30 pm in Devizes Town Hall.

Entry is free but donations will be welcome.

Antonia Tolhurst, Devizes Fairtrade Group co-ordinator said: “So many of our favourite drinks, snacks, clothes and even special jewellery are produced at the expense of someone else.

“Whether in the UK or Panama, everyone should have the best opportunity to make a decent living. Our simple choices like our morning cup of tea or coffee can be the difference between fair wages and poor living standards for a farmer. If we don’t consider the impact of these choices we may unconsciously be feeding exploitation.

“We have the opportunity to make things better. In Devizes we have been campaigning for 14 years and have seen what a difference it can make around the world. Yet still not enough people are choosing Fairtrade and not enough farmers are benefitting. We need everyone in the community to get behind farmers and their families."

On Sunday the group held a Fairtrade coffee and cake morning at St James Church and on Saturday members were in the Shambles with a stall.