The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is a Third World shop at Garstang Methodist Church on Parkhill Road, opposite the Wheatsheaf Public House.
The vision of a FAIRTRADE shop to promote awareness of the plight of third world communities struggling to overcome poverty was the inspiration of former minister the Rev. Peter Haywood. This so motivated Church members that in September 1991 they converted a former youth wing. It became a shop and, with the addition of comfortable seating, a meeting place where refreshments and fairly traded goods from around the world could be obtained.
The shop is separate from the Church, yet a part of Church outreach, staffed by volunteers and open three days a week. The name "Mustard Seed" was chosen by competition. From this seed corn, the people of Garstang have responded to the leadership of the local Oxfam group by declaring Garstang the first Fairtrade Town.
Today, the 'Mustard Seed' is a bustling meeting place. Visitors can be served with tea or coffee and admire the crafts and stationery from around the world. Contacts have been made not only with UK suppliers of Fair Traded foods and crafts but also directly with communities in India, Indonesia, Guatemala, Nepal and Romania. Handmade products in, for example, cotton, soapstone, recycled paper and jewellery may be purchased as well as a wide selection of greetings cards.
In the first few years, all profits were ploughed back into buying stock and helping craftsmen and women to have a future in their homelands. Now, over £8,000 has been passed on to needy orphans, schools and communities across four continents.
Opening hours:
Tuesday 10am - 12 noon
Thursday 10am - 2.00pm
Saturday 10am - 12 noon
Main Suppliers: Traidcraft, Shared Earth, One Village and direct contacts with overseas communities.