It was a chance encounter between two Manxi, 6,000 kilometers from home.

Margerat and Malcolm Newton first laid eyes on each other in Tanzania in the 1970s.

Both were working as teachers at opposite ends of the country when they came into contact.

They quickly fell in love and returned to the Isle of Man, eventually marrying in 1981; This union later produced four children.

But despite swapping their African adventures for the island’s more familiar climes, the couple never forgot what they witnessed.

During their time in Tanzania, they saw first-hand the deprivations and hardships faced by people there.

According to Margerat, they lacked even the most basic amenities and had difficulty accessing education; They were deprived of the means to provide for their families and improve their conditions.

But perhaps more shocking was how little local farmers, food and craft producers were paid for their crops and products; it was financial inequality that sent ripples through the local economy.

When they returned home, both Margerat and Malcolm were determined to do their part to change things.

Armed with determination and some time, they became early adopters of the Fair Trade movement.

The program is a global initiative designed to promote fair trade practices to ensure producers in developing countries receive a fair amount of money for their goods.

It also aims to address imbalances in traditional trade, where small-scale farmers, artisans and workers are often underpaid and exploited.

In Margerat and Malcolm’s case, they started by purchasing small quantities of Fairtrade tea and coffee and sold them in the front room of their family home in Douglas.

Each product carried the Fair Trade movement’s assurance that all workers involved in creating these products were paid a fair wage for their efforts.

Margerat said: ‘When I came back, I heard about the existence of a group called tradecraft; They were established in 1978 to import goods from third world countries to us.

‘A fair price was paid for the goods.

‘So the person who owned the plantation was paying his workers the right amount.

‘I was drinking this coffee in Tanzania where it was imported to the UK by Trade Craft. Actually, that’s how it all started.’

Thanks largely to word of mouth, Newton’s fair trade efforts quickly rose to prominence.

The couple had to turn their small shop into a special event at the Cooill Methodist Church Hall on the outskirts of Douglas.

Incredibly, this event has taken place every October half term for the last forty years.

For decades, fans have packed into the venue to enjoy hot lunches and good company.

And the Newton family still sells a wide variety of products at Fair Trade stands at every event.

All products are sourced from a range of Fair Trade suppliers who ensure the goods they sell are ethical and humane.

Products now range from tea and coffee to ornaments and Christmas gifts.

Since Malcolm Newton’s death five years ago, the couple’s daughters, Kathryn and Rebekah, have become more involved in the event.

Kathryn said: ‘It is still run as a not-for-profit event; My sister and I have become increasingly involved, especially since we lost my father.

‘I fulfill most of the orders now.

‘I’m so excited for some good things this year that we haven’t experienced before.

‘It’s a huge job, but the concept of fair trade is now as important as ever and it’s great to be the start of Christmas shopping for some people!’

Over the years, events have directly raised money for a variety of good causes.

This year. All funds raised will be shared between The Corals and Pearls Hostels Trust, Transforming Lives For Good, Transforming Trade, three organizations that help individuals and communities in the developing world.

Despite founding the movement, Margerat said the success of the event would not have been possible without the help of a number of volunteers, supporters, friends and family, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to them.

* This year’s event will be held from Thursday, October 31st to Saturday, November 2nd. The stand opens daily from 10am to 6.30pm in the Cooill Methodist Church Hall. Hot lunches will be served daily between 12:00 and 14:00.