A Fairtrade village put the kettle on at the weekend and brewed up plenty of support for Fairtrade and local producers.
The popular three-hour event in Glenriddell Hall and Dunscore Church helped spread community cheer and cemented its support for the Fairtrade movement.
The Big Brew has been held annually for 15 years – with one of them going virtual during the pandemic lockdown when the village held a Zoom link-up with Bosman Wines, a Fairtrade wine producer in South Africa.
Diane Cowen, chairman of Dunscore Fairtrade Village, said: “The Fairtrade Big Brew was a great success yet again.
“We’ve held a live Big Brew in Dunscore during Fairtrade Fortnight for about 14 years and it just gets better every time. We couldn’t do it without the wonderful stalls selling Fairtrade and local food, drink and crafts.
“We also greatly appreciate the help and support of so many in the village. It’s a good fun way to remind people that buying Fairtrade really does make a difference to the lives of farmers and their families in developing countries.”
A main highlight is always the soup and rolls, Fairtrade tea and coffee, and the scrumptious home-baking, but there were also plenty of stalls to browse around or activities to try.
The stalls featured Fairtrade goods as well as local crafts, food and drink producers. In addition, there was a raffle – prizes donated by the stallholders – and a Fairtrade treasure hunt for the children.
Dunscore ceramic artist Ella Noble said it was important to join in: “I have had a stall at nearly every Dunscore Fairtrade Big Brew and have enjoyed them all.
“The event’s warm, friendly atmosphere is wonderful and, while making a few sales, I am able to catch up with friends, meet new customers and help Dunscore to promote Fairtrade. I don’t go to many markets but always try to be at the Big Brew.”
There was also a harpist in the hall and guitar and banjo music in the church to entertain villagers, who were delighted be given support from Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell, Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell, and South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth, who enjoyed the stalls, coffee and cake.
Mr Smyth, who is chairman of the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Fairtrade Steering Group, as well as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on Fairtrade, said: “The Big Brew event in Dunscore is a highlight of Fairtrade Fortnight and as always, it was a fantastic opportunity to see how tirelessly local volunteers are working to promote
Fair Trade in our region.”
