Malawi

A few of the volunteers from The Small World went to Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh for a Malawi trade event.

We arrived in time to hear former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell launch the event (which marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Co-operation Agreement between Scotland and Malawi - you can sign the pledge to support the friendship between our two countries here).

Catherine, Christopher, Gail, Jan Rosemary and Sandra had a look around the marketplace with a view to sourcing new products for the shop.  

We are constantly looking to extend our range of fair trade crafts and are always happy when we find something unusual.

We especially liked the Dedza range of pottery and the intricate woodcarvings from the Mua Mission Cooperative (available from Just Trading Scotland from whom we buy our chutney, sauces and pickles).

Fellow fair traders Richard and Barbara from Earth Matters in North Berwick were there too.  Over a cuppa we had a chat about the trials and tribulations of independent retailers and "The East Lothian Question" (i.e. When will we become a fair trade county?).


It was a pleasant diversion and we will of course let you know as soon as we take delivery of new stock.