Cllr. Ken Smith's Final Engagement

We attended the Christian Aid service at the Salvation Army Hall.  It was a really lovely service which concentrated on the establishment of a co-operative set up to help the local coffee growers.   We were appalled to hear that many people were paid just $4 per day before the co-operative was set up.   Since then, the growers have been able to process the coffee beans themselves and schools and housing have been improved.   The Nicaraguan coffee growers have now become part of the Fairtrade organisation and life has improved hugely for them.
 
This was our final engagement in what has been a very enjoyable and interesting year.   We have met many wonderful people, been to a great number of interesting, fascinating and, at times, inspiring events and made many new friends along the way.   
 
Sadly, when we got home this evening, it was to get very sad news.   Les Ovenden, a past Mayor of Maldon and a very great friend, passed away yesterday.   He will be sadly missed by the very many people who know and loved him.