Fairtrade 2012
This year we are asking everyone to take a step for Fairtrade.
It can be s simple step, like swapping your tea to Fairtrade, or a bigger step, like asking everyone in your family or group of friends or neighbours to do it too. You’ll be joining thousands of others all over the UK when you take a step for Fairtrade. Make it as inventive, daring, funny or messy as you like. Every step counts for millions of farmers, workers and their communities in developing countries who urgently need a better deal from trade.
‘Take a Step in 2012′ begins in Fairtrade Fortnight from 27th February – 11th March 2012.
Blythswood Shoebox Christmas Appeal 2011
“Its not difficult to choose for people who have so little. Things we take for granted can often be luxuries for people living in desperate poverty. By filling a shoebox with simple gifts you can bring some joy and laughter to someone this Christmas.”
Members of the Old & Abbey congregation are 
urged to support the Shoebox Appeal this year. The following items can be handed into the church office at any time prior to Sunday 23 October:
Empty shoeboxes, wrapping paper; toiletries (liquids no more than 250ml), socks, hats, gloves, candles, pens, pencils, notepads, sweets (no chocolate or loose lollies) and must be bagged with a best before date of March 2012 or later; small items of clothes e.g. underwear, T shirts, blouses that will fit into a showbox.
The boxes will be packed on the evening of 23rd October ready for delivery to Blythswood who will transport them to Eastern Europe and Asia.