Jeweller to talk on gold campaign

Jeweller Greg Valerio, from Worthing, championed the standard for Fairtrade gold and is now campaigning for a standard for diamonds.

He will give a free talk at St Peter’s Church hall, West Street, Shoreham, on Tuesday at 7pm, as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from Monday to March 9.

Alan Pymer, committee member for Adur Fairtrade Group, said: “He will explain the harsh reality of the lives of millions dependant on mining the precious metals and gemstones, the human rights issues and environmental damage that is done each year as a result of mining.

“The lack of transparency in this industry is being redressed by the Fairtrade movement through their work in gold and precious metals.”

A short video will be shown about Greg’s book, Making Trouble – Fighting for Fair Trade in Jewellery.

Greg, who has a background in human rights and environmental advocacy, is campaigning for a standard for diamonds, to bring greater benefits to impoverished small scale miners.

There will be tasters, including cheese, wine and other refreshments, from Toast by the Coast and Sugar and Spice, a Traidcraft stall and raffle.