CHAINS FOR CHANGE

Clergy and local dignitaries met in Knebworth for the launch of “Just Chocolate” on 8^th January. This is a campaign by Churches Together in Stevenage to highlight the slavery of boys that is behind production of much of the cocoa that is used to make chocolate.

Church ministers were given resource DVD’s to enable churches and schools to be informed of the situation and take action. People will be encouraged to pledge only to eat and buy Fairtrade chocolate, including Easter Eggs, for Lent and Easter. They will also be encouraged to lobby retailers and manufacturers.

Participating Stevenage churches will declare the first Sunday of Lent, 10^th February, “Chocolate Sunday” and give away free, Fairtrade chocolate. Publicity events are also planned for “Fairtrade Fortnight”, which starts on 25^th February.

Pictured from left to right: Alan Bardett, Chairman North Herts. District Council; Rev’d Jim Pye, Rector of Knebworth; Rev’d David Hague, Vicar of Broadwater; Rev’d Geoff Tickner, Rural Dean of Stevenage; Rev’d Robert Riley-Braley, Curate, Shephall; Graham Clark, Mayor of Stevenage.