Bulletin
AUTUMN TRADING
TEAM TRAIDCRAFT
MEET THE PEOPLE
T R A I D C R A F T S H O P. C O . U K
JAN 2019
Welcome Dear Friends,
Happy New year‌ I hope that you had a restful and blessed Christmas after what was a hectic December. We had a record year in terms of parcels picked, packed, and dispatched from here in Gateshead, so thank you for your support this season. Of course, this year was tinged with sadness as we said goodbye to many friends and colleagues as our restructure begins in earnest. 2019 will be a crucial year for us at Traidcraft. We will be moving from our home here in Gateshead, launching our new, ambitious business plan and celebrating our 40th year in business. With so much to do, I thought it would be good to give an outline of the major events we are planning for the year. In February we will be holding two vision casting events (venues to be confirmed) in London and the Midlands. The events will be a chance to come and hear a little of where we are going as a company as well as grab a bargain as we bring our popular warehouse sale on the road. At the end of February, Fairtrade Fortnight sees us support our sister charity, Traidcraft Exchange, with this year’s Big Brew. At the end of March we will launch the Spring/Summer catalogue, which will have all you need to maximise Easter sales (Easter Eggs will be available online from the end of January). The Summer sees us reinstate Traidcraft Week (third week of June), a celebration and awareness week of Traidcraft and our mission. This will culminate with a celebration service here in the North East to celebrate and give thanks for the difference Traidcraft has made globally in the last 40 years. We are also looking to hopefully return to Greenbelt in August. In the Autumn we will hit the road again with the Autumn/Winter catalogue. Although this will be a reduced tour, with the intention of holding four weeks of roadshows across the country but will give you the chance to network, hear of our progress as well as touch and feel the new range. We will let you know full details in plenty of time throughout the year, but as you can see we have a lot planned. Thanks for your continued support.
Happy fair trading! Matt
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CORR the Jute Works and Traidcraft: 40 Years of Trading Partnership
Recently, Corr (Christian Organisation for Relief and Rehabilitation) The Jute Works (CJW) received an award as one of the outstanding exporters on the handicraft category in Bangladesh. The award was received by CJW director Bertha Gity Baroi on behalf of the 6000 artisans they are working with, the majority of which are rural and marginalized women. CJW shared the good news with their buyers too; especially partners such as Traidcraft, acknowledging the role those partners and their final clients have had in helping to transform the lives of thousands of Bangladeshi families through trade. This good news made us reflect on the partnership between CJW and Traidcraft; as CJW was the first supplier of handicraft to Traidcraft in 1979. That first order was purchased without providing any advances or paying immediately after the goods reached Traidcraft’s warehouse in Carliol Square (Newcastle). Both organisations agreed to arrange the payment 6 months after the goods were received in order to facilitate Traidcraft cash-flow management at that early stage of the business. It was one of the reasons why it survived; together with the leadership of the founding members and the support of hundreds of families in the UK that bought those craft gifts from a hand-drawn catalogue.
“40 long years of walking side by side”
Bertha has been reflecting on this partnership; on her own words…”40 long years of walking side by side. On this quest we believe we never look at each other as buyer-producer but rather companions with a goal to make the world a little better. Looking back to our past, we can see the leaf covered huts of Helen or Firoza, which now turned to modest brick-built houses. Many such works we did together. We know we have “miles to go yet”, but we need friends-partners in solidarity to walk that long”.
We should add that Traidcraft would not have been able to have this impact without the efforts and support of thousands of Fairtraders and customers, each one has contributed more than a “drop in this ocean of change”.
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From Cupboards to Cathedrals AUTUMN TRADING
We asked you to make the Autumn season the best ever, and you didn’t disappoint! We’re astonished at how busy you’ve been and the variety of places where you’ve set up your stalls. We know that whilst some of you are able to sell huge amounts in all sorts of places, others have smaller operations and that’s completely fine with us too. What matters to us is that most of you have pushed yourselves to do more than ever this year, and we are so impressed and grateful to ALL of you.
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We’ve been scanning all your posts on the Fair Trader Facebook page, and loving the pictures of your beautiful regular stalls in churches and at coffee mornings. Christine Brett took her foldable cupboard to her Christmas fayre and Lyndsey Wright held a Fair Trade Extravaganza at her church in Bath. We’ve seen a huge number of you open up your homes, whether for the first or the umpteenth time - see the pictures of the stalls and Open Homes held by Karen Downard, Marion Haworth, Kate Harvie, Pam Chatfield, Rachel Stanbury, Jo McGregor and Estelle Turner who continued despite Storm Callum raging around her. Many of you have made the most of various festivals and events in your community like Victorian markets, Harvest festivals, Christmas bazaars and Christingles. Susie Turnbull held a stall at her church’s big Christmas weekend, Tracy Mitchell had a busy morning combining Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing with a fair trade festive coffee morning and Dilys Corlett held a stall for 3 days in an unheated pub marquee as part of a Christmas Market. Sue Moll held a stall in the Hart Shopping Centre, Elaine Willmore took her stall to a very supportive Gateshead Council and Jenny Medhurst set up her annual ‘pop-up’ shop in Middlesborough. Lynn Herron held a stall in a local Nursing Home and also took part in a Vegan Fair, and Hilary Windridge sold at a coeliac food fair. Many of you continued to promote Fair Trade to younger generations with stalls in schools, Carol Clarke had help from 6th year pupils at Holy Cross High School who are working towards their Caritas award, and Ralph and Margaret Dransfield set up a stall before morning worship at Hope University Chapel.
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Talking of awards, congratulations to Anna Bowman from the All Things Fair shop in Blairgowrie for winning the Community Award at the Scottish Fair Trade Awards 2018. The award recognises Anna and her team for establishing and running her thriving shop, fundraising and her excellent annual fair trade Fashion show. Some of you have even taken Traidcraft stalls to the country’s cathedrals. Liz Stephenson took a stall to a 3 day Christmas market at Lincoln Cathedral, and Sue Howland ran her stall at the Guildford Cathedral monthly coffee concert. Then there were all the pictures of houses full of half unpacked boxes, shopping trolleys of products being loaded into the boots of cars, the chaos of displays being prepared and tables heaving with all sorts of crafts and groceries. Chris and Rachel Witham wondered if it was getting out of hand.
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This is just a small selection of everything you’ve been doing, too many to mention, and sorry if we’ve not mentioned your activity. But thank you to each and every one of you, and here’s to an even better 2019!
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Who’s Who INTRODUCING THE TEAM
Robin Roth
Matt Oliver
Kirsty Young
Robin will look after mission and membership.
Matt will focus on national sales and the Fair Trade community.
Kirsty will focus on buying and merchandising.
Jo Lambert
Lizy White
Stuart Dixon
Jo will lead on marketing.
Lizy will focus on product development.
Stuart will focus on logistics.
We are currently in the process of recruiting these additional roles. Watch this space! Content Strategist Digital Marking Executive Administrative Support
Jude Allen
Jude will focus on sales. 8
Fiona Quinn
Fiona will control finances.
Design Support
The permanent team will also receive support from:
Nicki Davies-Jones
Nicki will provide central advisory and HR function support on a consultancy basis.
Carrie Clark
Carrie will carry out part time freelance graphic design work.
As we transition into new ways of working, the permanent team will be supported temporarily by:
Lynn Scott
Lynn will bring administration and project management support to the company.
Carolyn Ord
Sharon Pearson
Sharon will be heading up the customer services team.
Sean Hollinghurst
Carolyn and her team of seven will be picking, packing and despatching your parcels.
Sean will provide administrative support.
Maureen Willis
Helen Flint
Mozzy will bring her experience as a customer service adviser.
Helen will also bring her experience as a customer service adviser.
Nicola Bryden
Eve Thomson
Nicola will provide customer service support.
Eve will be providing IT support.
Leanne Robertson
Tina Wear
Leanne will be assisting with the accounts.
Tina will provide credit control.
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Meet the Makers
If you’re passionate about fair trade and want to meet the people behind the products, go somewhere you’ve never been before with Meet The People Tours, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in 2019.
MTP
INCREDIBLE SCENERY, INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE, AND THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME These are the qualities that make a holiday extra special. Meet the People Tours are life-changing holidays designed in collaboration with local people, providing genuinely breathtaking experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Be Inspired on a Meet the People Tour Small groups of 8 to 14 like-minded travellers Pre and post - tour briefings and reunion days
“Brilliant and unforgettable. We got to meet the people in a way we had done on no previous holiday.”
Unique experiences visiting fair trade producers Explore historic, cultural, and natural wonders Expert travel advice and support from our team Local guides passionate about their country
meet the people tours
Discover your adventure at meetthepeopletours.co.uk | 0191 2651110 | traidcraft@skedaddle.co.uk
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Visit Nepal
Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal
meet the9 topeople tours 22 March 2019 – Guaranteed! th
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The dramatic mountains of the Himalayas provide a stunning backdrop for this unique tour to Nepal. During the tour we visit ceramic and handmade paper producers and enjoy the rich culture and history of Nepal. www.meetthepeopletours.co.uk/nepal
Visit Eswatinimeet the people tours
Kingdom of Eswatini – Creative Swaziland 10th to 21st June 2019 – Nearly Guaranteed!
Discover the smallest country in Africa! Visit the iconic Swazi Candles and Ngwenya Glass, search for rhino and giraffe at Mkhaya, and enjoy a fabulous journey getting to know the culture of the Kingdom of Eswatini. www.meetthepeopletours.co.uk/swaziland
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Don’t forget our up to 60% off Spectacular Sale continues! There are still some fantastic bargains to be had. All of our makers, crafters and growers have already been paid fairly and in full, so these reductions are on us. Our treat!
Reindeer & Bauble Roll Wrap FSC Certified twin pack of 3m rolls. Sourced in the UK. 3m x 70cm. 44488 WAS £5.95 NOW £4.17
Reindeer & Kraft House Roll Wrap FSC Certified twin pack of 3m rolls. Sourced in the UK. 3m x 70cm. 27340 WAS £5.95 NOW £4.17
43% OFF
Joy, Hope, Peace, Glory 20 pack of 4 designs. H9.5 x W9.5cm. 57782 WAS £4.95 NOW £3.50 12
Mary and Child 10 pack. H17.1 x W12.1cm. 41656 WAS £3.95 NOW £2.25
Worship the King 10 pack. H13.7 x W13.7cm. 64726 WAS £3.95 NOW £2.25
The Night Before Christmas 10 pack. H13.7 x W13.7cm. 39334 WAS £3.75 NOW £2.25
50% OFF
Shepherd Boy 10 pack. H17.1 x W12.1cm. 54732 WAS £3.75 NOW £2.25
Occassions Cards This multipack of 10 mixed occasion cards is perfect for keeping in your top drawer. Containing cards in 10 designs aimed at Birthdays, births, congratulations, new homes, get well soon, thinking of you, and a selection of versatile everyday cards. You’ll never be caught by surprise again! 52710 WAS £10 NOW £5
Galleria Cards Blank cards. Sourced in the UK. H13.7 x W13.7cm. Pack of 6. 2 Designs. 55798 WAS £6.00 NOW £2.40 13
40% OFF
Silver Shimmer Tealight Holder This tea light holder has been handmade by artisans for Tara Development in India. 64190 WAS £8 NOW £4.80
39% OFF
Red Dinner Candles 42224 WAS £4.95 NOW £3
White Frosted Dinner Candles 60432 WAS £4.95 NOW £3
Cream Dinner Candles 33078 WAS £4.95 NOW £3
50% OFF
Jazzy Glitter Picture Frames Set of 3. Handcrafted by craftspeople at Noah’s Ark. 40680 WAS £9.00 NOW £6.50 14
Soft Pink Pillar Candle - Medium 52230 WAS £12 NOW £6
Striped Hand Painted Utensil Holder Hand-crafted ceramic in vintage blue and cream by Aarong. H17 x Dia. 10cm. 30664 WAS £15 NOW £9
40% OFF
This handcrafted utensil holder is glazed in vintage blue and cream, and hand painted with repeating blue stripes. Each holder is a genuine piece of original art, and has travelled all the way from a small ceramics studio in Bangladesh.
40% OFF Reindeer Wine Bottle Holder Painted fibre board by Gospel House. H25.5 x L41cm. 40984 WAS £14 NOW £8.40
Acacia Wood Oval Dishes Set of 3 handcrafted wooden serving bowls with matching hand-carved tray by Saffy. Tray L30cm, bowls L11cm. 47564 WAS £26 NOW £11.80 15
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