A town has launched its very own fair trade chocolate as it strives to enhance its reputation for supporting the fight for equality through trade.
The Fairtrade Beccles steering group is always looking for ways to increase awareness of Fairtrade and to develop the availability and uptake of goods produced to its criteria.
So the group took the opportunity to commission a Fairtrade chocolate bar specially for Beccles from the Meaningful Chocolate Company.
The bars use an image provided by the Beccles Camera Club, featuring the town's tower.
Funding is thanks to a legacy from Joan Neale, widow of Eric Neale, who was instrumental in bringing Fairtrade to Beccles and opening the Fairtrade shop that ran in Hungate Lane for many years.
The legacy was for” promoting Fairtrade in Beccles”, and the tasty project fitted the bill.
Mayor Christine Wheeler said: “Beccles is very proud to be a Fairtrade town and this is another example of this in practice.
"The Fairtrade town group should be commended for this excellent initiative.”
A statement from the group added: "Seeking an attractive design led us to the Beccles Camera Club, who donated two designs to our specifications, one of which now graces our Beccles bars.
"Finding outlets for the bars was not difficult – it seemed there was a need in town for Beccles-themed products for our visitors and our approaches were met with enthusiasm.
"We were very glad to have the support and help of the town council and the mayor Christine Wheeler as the project neared its launch.
"On the day, rain and wind didn’t dampen our spirits and the tower room was full of happy people tasting the chocolate for the first time."
The group had asked for advice from the Fairtraders of Market Harborough, who had taken the plunge already and were fortunate, too, to have sufficient funds to take on the project.
Pick up a bar from Beccles Public Hall, Beccles Lido, Sweeties, Beccles Books and Beccles Museum
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