Fairtrade Fortnight events in Lochwinnoch We start with a Coffee Morning at The Junction, on the morning of Wednesday 24 February from 9 until noon, offering the range of Fairtrade drinks served there (50p from each hot drink sale will go towards the cost of producing a new mug to promote Fairtrade). Another Coffee Morning will be held at the RSPB on 25 February, from 11- 1: a chance to try some of the range of Fairtrade drinks and snacks that are sold there. Tickets are £2 and are on sale in advance. On March 3, from 10 -12 in the Junction, Ivan Minucci is offering a free coffee tasting event : a great chance to learn more about the aroma and taste of the distinctive Fairtrade single origin coffees he sells. There are only 10 places for this free event so advanced booking is required by ringing 01505-842225 or by calling into the caffe. Ivan hopes to have extra coffee available to taste by other customers, who are in the Junction during that morning, in addition to spare tasting notes.   Last year a lively audience loved the group Quinteto Son al Son who played son, a 1920’s style of music still played in café’s and bars across Cuba. Lochwinnoch International Aid has invited them back again to play in the Bowling Club on Friday 26 February (8-11). Doors open at 7.30 and tickets can be bought in advance from the usual outlets for £7 (half price for children on the door). We are planning a special raffle since all of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières to support its medical work in Haiti. Finally, on Sunday March 7 starting at 11am, there will be a Fairtrade stall at the Castle Semple Centre where you will be able to buy a wide range of Fairtrade products, try some samples and find out more about our campaign. We are pleased to report that the Centre will be swopping its coffee to fairtrade coffee/tea in the cafe for the fortnight and also selling other fairtrade food products. Fairtrade activities are also planned involving two classes in the Primary School and members of the Elderly Form. Events in Paisley Several Fairtrade Fortnight events in Paisley are open to everyone. Two are being held on Saturday February 27th. The first is a Community Tea Party in the Alexander Wilson Suite of Paisley Town Hall from 10am – 1pm, when free Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. This is a chance to hear more about Fairtrade and speak those who have coordinated successful local campaigns in Renfrewshire. The second event is a UWS Fairtrade 5-a-side football tournament hosted by the Students' Association University of the West of Scotland (Paisley Campus) . They are looking for teams across Renfrewshire to compete. Entry is £2 per person (money raised going to Fairtrade Foundation) .The tournament kicks off at 10.30am and runs until 2.30pm at Thornly Park Sports Centre. Fairtrade refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in putting forward a team, please contact Paul Brennan, 0141 840 3530. Finding out more about Fairtrade Throughout Fairtrade Fortnight, commencing 22nd February, the Castle Semple Centre will host an exhibition illustrating some aspects of the Fairtrade Campaign's aims and its local activities. An Information stand will also be at Braehead shopping centre, on February 22nd, between 10am and 9pm. Information about where to get Fairtrade products when you are out shopping and eating, will be found in Renfrewshire Council's new Fairtrade Guide to Renfrewshire : available in various venues and outlets in Lochwinnoch during Fairtrade Fortnight. Another good source of information about Fairtrade, including films about its importance is the Fairtrade Foundation website at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. The local contact is Bob Turner (843068).