1. Present: Keith Jackson, Polly Henderson, Katie Brown, Joel Rawson, Nicola Ruck, Andy Parnell, Lyn and Will Howard, Peter Harper, Duncan Rees, Evien Jackson.

Apologies: Diane Isenberg, Andy Rowlands.

2. Duncan Rees from the Co-op explained the background to the rejection to our funding application.

a) The Co-op was sympathetic and would re-look at the application.

b) Encouraged anyone interested to stand for election to the Community Dividend Committee.

c) He suggested the Co-op would support a fundraiser in the autumn from 7-9 pm where the Co-op would introduce their ethical retail strategy and we could raise money. The Co-op would pay all expenses .

d) Co-op education meeting for co-op members 17-18 September at CAT on history of Co-op, etc.

e) Community Food Discount Card on its way.

3. Nicola Ruck would draft a pledge for organisations in the Valley and Lyn Howard agreed to contact members to find out who they might get to sign this. Andy Parnell offered a workshop for work places for five plus people. Target of a hundred organisations. Nicola Ruck would then start a process of registering the Valley as a fair trade zone with Bruce Crowther of the FTF.

4. Machynlleth Carnival - 17th July. We would just turn up on day and walk in the procession. Will Howard to investigate T-shirts and 6ft bananas. Polly Henderson to ask her band to be part of this. Could ask Co-op for banana samples. All other ideas for dressing up welcomed.

5. Keith Jackson had had made a large banner for hanging on lamp post near Co-op.

6. The group agreed to support Hilary in organising a specific meeting for B&Bs.

7. Autumn activities to be looked at next meeting on 22nd July at 7.30pm in the White Lion.

8. Andy Parnell of the Powys Fair trade Coalition said we could inspire other groups with our success for instance Aberystwyth, Knighton, Brecon, Newtown, Llanidloes. They were producing 10,000 copies of the Fair trade Guide for the autumn. Andy also mentioned that progress was being made on establishing the criteria for Wales to become a Fair trade Nation.

9. Will Howard noted that with the re-printing of the stickers and the lack of the grant from the Co-op so far the group was now �800 in the red.

Contact: Will Howard, 3 Tan y Bryn Fields, Machynlleth SY20 8TL; T: 01654 703761 or 07971 607999; email: Nicola Ruck