In the porch of St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Street, Christmas shoppers can find paper stars from India, felt robins from Nepal and a brass decoration shaped like Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room.
Harrogate Fair Trade has been part of the town’s shopping community for around 37 years. A team of 25 volunteers helps run the shop, where some customers return each Christmas to choose a decoration for their tree.
Vicky Wild, manager at Harrogate Fair Trade, said:
“Our loyal shoppers come every Christmas to buy one new decoration.
"They still have the ones they bought from us years ago, and each one becomes part of their family's Christmas traditions.”
The Royal Pump Room ornament is exclusive to the shop and costs £16. Available in limited numbers, the hammered-brass decoration is handmade by women in India through the Flowering Desert project, which provides skills training and paid work.
The shop also stocks recycled glass baubles and decorations made through MADE51, an initiative that connects refugee artisans with international markets.
Vicky said:
“Every decoration or gift meaningfully represents someone's craftsmanship, skills and livelihood.
"I often tell customers that I know the person who knows the person who made that.
"We work closely with our UK suppliers who are in regular contact with the artisans and producers overseas, and have longstanding relationships with them.”
The charity is asking shoppers to choose one fair trade gift this Christmas. It has also challenged them to put together a present for £20.
One suggestion is a £5 felt robin and an £8 olive wood bracelet handmade in Bethlehem, wrapped in a £7 reusable cotton string bag.
Harrogate Fair Trade is also developing plans for a larger town centre shop with support from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The charity is working with partners including Zero Carbon Harrogate and Skills for Living on plans for a space where local makers could sell their work alongside refill facilities and community workshops.
For more information, visit www.harrogatefairtradeshop.co.uk.
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