Remembering Eileen
Eileen with her family on her 80th birthday
Eileen Scholes was a Fairtrader and lifelong supporter of trade justice. Her son, Tim Scholes remembers her.
My Mother, Eileen Scholes, was born in 1935 and was brought up around Ashton under-Lyne, now in Greater Manchester. She qualified as a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary and met my father, Michael, whilst working near Stockport.
They both became passionate about Fair Trade and Traidcraft in particular, and ran their first Traidcraft stall at Amersham Free Church from the late 80s. My brother John, sister Elizabeth and I remember spending our Sunday mornings moving heavy boxes of Fair Trade products around the church, as I’m sure do many children of Traidcraft reps!
After they retired to Kirkby Lonsdale they moved the stall from the Methodist Church to their front room, to try to attract a larger cross-section of the local population. Their regular, Fair Trade coffee mornings, became a staple part of the local scene, and they sold considerable amounts of Fair Trade products from the associated stalls.
Rag rug made by Eileen
Mum was an active person all her life, walking her dogs and riding her bikes. She was always up for an adventure. She ascended her first rock climb to celebrate her 50th birthday and descended Gaping Gill for her 70th. She also became an active rag rug maker, introducing many people to the art through a series of courses she ran, which obviously included Fair Trade coffee and baking. Her many rugs can be found around the country, in particularly on the floors of her eight grandchildren.
Rag rug making demonstration
After the death of her husband, Michael, she moved to Ripon, where she became one of the most loyal customers of the Traidcraft stall at Holy Trinity Church. Her commitment to Fair Trade meant she bought far more products than she really needed and we are still enjoying her last few bottles of Zaytoun Palestinian olive oil.
We remember her with great love and affection.
Eileen kindly chose to remember Transform Trade with a gift in her will, ensuring that her passion for trade justice will continue to make a difference for generations to come. If you’d like to discuss how leaving a gift in your will could make a similar difference, please give Sarah a ring on 0191 497 6445 or send her an email: sarah.mcquaid@ transform-trade.org
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