Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade supporters from around the Wyre Forest district have
been taking part in a range of activities for this year's Fairtrade
Fortnight, which runs until Sunday, 7th March.
Celebrations have been taking place in Bewdley, Kidderminster and
Stourport, which have all achieved official Fairtrade Town
status.
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Housing and Environmental Services said,
"We are delighted to be part of Fairtrade Fortnight. The
events have been winning lots of support and highlight the
district's commitment to a Fairtrade culture. We hope the
people who have tried Fairtrade, make it their pledge to continue
with it beyond this promotional fortnight."
Kidderminster
Shoppers in Kidderminster had the chance to sample a range of
Fairtrade goodies for themselves at a series of free taster
sessions held in the Swan Centre last week. A range of products,
including coffee and chocolate, were on offer at the sessions,
which were organised by the Kidderminster Fairtrade Group. The
Group also held a Fairtrade tea party at St Chad's Church and
organised a Fairtrade themed quiz for primary school children in
the town's schools. The tasting sessions and quiz prizes have been
made possible thanks to a grant from the Midcounties Co-op.
Jackie Rose, Chair of the Kidderminster Fairtrade Group, said
"We are very grateful to the Co-op for their continued support. The
taster sessions were very popular and provided an opportunity to
show people just how good Fairtrade produce is. Fairtrade Fortnight
is the highlight of our year when we try to encourage more people
to buy Fairtrade goods which enable struggling farmers and
producers in the developing world to support themselves, their
families and their communities."
Pictured: volunteers from the Kidderminster Fairtrade group
at the Swan Centre taster session
Bewdley
St Anne's Church in Bewdley is home to a thriving, ongoing
Traidcraft stall, selling a wide range of fairly traded foods,
crafts and gifts. The stall is organised by Elaine Barbour from the
Bewdley Fairtrade group, who has been Traidcraft's top selling
agent several times. Elaine is pictured below, unpacking the latest
delivery of goods for the stall.
She said: "Most people now recognise the Fairtrade mark
and know about tea, coffee and chocolate but not everyone realises
how many beautiful craft products there are. Traidcraft work in
more than 30 developing countries, not only trading in a fair way
but offering support to business partners so they can become
strong, sustainable and independent businesses."
Stourport
Budding fashion designers from local secondary schools have been
busy creating Fairtrade themed fashion garments for a Fairtrade
Design Competition, organised by Stourport High School. The lucky
winner, who will receive 2 tickets to see chart topping star Lady
GaGa live in concert, will be revealed at a Fairtrade Awards
Ceremony at Stourport Civic Centre on Thursday 4th
March. The event, hosted by Stourport Mayor Cllr John Holden, will
also feature music and drama from local schools. All are welcome to
attend this free event, which begins with Fairtrade refreshments at
7pm.
Events still to come this Fairtrade
Fortnight…
Thursday 4th March - Fairtrade Awards Ceremony, Civic
Centre, Stourport, starting at 7pm
Saturday 6th March - Fairtrade coffee morning at Baxter
Church in Kidderminster, from 10.30am until noon.
Date of issue - 3rd March 2010
