Fairtrade in Fylde
Fairtrade Borough
Fylde has now been a Fairtrade borough since 2008.
We have been working hard to ensure that Fairtrade remains a high priority within the borough. Since the launch of Fylde as a Fairtrade Borough in June 2008, many activities have taken place across the area. The support for Fairtrade also continues to grow. To reflect this we have updated the Fairtrade Directory for Fylde and the new version can be downloaded.
To find out more about Fairtrade in Fylde, or get involved, contact the group on 01253 724644. For more details on the Fairtrade initiative, visit their website as found on the right-hand side under external links section of this page.
Fairtrade poster 2012
For ongoing Fairtrade photographs please click here Gallery: Fairtrade in Fylde.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 - "A Fairtrade Celebration"
Representatives from the Fairtrade Foundation in London were bowled over by the response of Fylde residents attending the Fairtrade celebration at St Cuthbert’s Church Lytham on Friday 2nd March 2012 with a church so full it was bulging at the seams! The Foundation had arranged for Massatoma, a Malian cotton farmer, to come and speak to local people about how lives are being changed, for the better in the developing world, through the support provided by the purchase of Fairtrade goods. Massotoma gave a moving account about how his village now benefits from fresh water and a medical centre thanks to Fairtrade. Previously women who were having difficulties in a pregnancy needed to walk 25 kilometres for help, many not surviving the journey. This has now all changed thanks to Fairtrade.
Cotton Farmer Massatoma
The children from Fylde’s local schools received certificates from Massotoma for the logo competition. Teacher representatives from St Bede’s, St John’s, Mayfield, Heyhouses, Ribby with Wrea and Treales along with the winners and highly commended entrants were all acknowledged for the outstanding commitment they have shown to Fairtrading. The joint overall winners of the competition were Matthew Cooper and Harry Elson, from Mayfield School St Anne’s. Their entry has now been replicated on Fairtrade cotton bags which were also given away on the night.
Lytham’s own Gareth Malone, Graham Warrington, led over 300 people from the newly formed Lytham Community choir in their rendition of ‘Halleluiah’ and ‘I’ll be there’, both most fitting for such an occasion. This was the first time the choir had sung publicly since being set up in January. Those who heard the choir were delighted by the beautiful tenderness of the singing and the obvious enthusiasm of the choir members, who showed what true community participation is all about. Andrew Barnet accompanied the choir which is all part of the community engagement at Park View 4U.
Fairtrade 2012 Prize Winners
The cubs and scouts, led by Rev Glyn Eatock, Chairman of the Fylde Fairtrade Steering Group, explained how to take the 5 steps to Fairtrading, with the evening culminating in the cutting of the celebration cake by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Kevin Eastham and Deputy Mayoress Mrs Eastham. The celebration cake and refreshments were provided by the ladies of St Margaret’s church.
What will the Fylde Fairtrade Steering Group do next year to top this? Plans are already underway so keep an eye on the local press for details.
For further information regarding Fairtrade and how you can get involved contact the Fairtrade Office, St Annes Town Hall 01253 658441.
St Bede's tuck shop
Fylde’s Fairtrade Fortnight 2011
Fylde’s Fairtrade steering group has been gearing up for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from 28 February to 13 March.
The focus this year will be on both raising the awareness of Fairtrade and also celebrating local success. The Rev Glyn Eatock, chairman of the Fylde steering group, said: “As a borough, Fylde achieved Fairtrade status back in 2008.
“Residents continue to show their support for the movement by asking for Fairtrade products at their local shops and supermarkets. Without the help of the ordinary person in the street we would not be where we are today.
“Fairtrade goods can now be found in most shops across the borough with churches, schools, businesses and hotels continuing to add their support by stocking and serving Fairtrade products.”
Paul Rowley for Rowley’s outside catering, Lindum Hotel, said: “We have all recently seen the effects climate change is having around the world, therefore its more important than ever that we do everything we can by the way of Fairtrade to protect these developing countries and ensure their poorer producers receive a fair price for their produce.”
Paula Burdess, chaplain of St Bedes RC High School in Lytham, said: “The school continues to be committed to Fairtrade. The ‘School Fuel Tuck Shop’ is now open every break and lunchtime selling an inviting array of Fairtrade and healthy eating snacks.
“Every item purchased ensures that the producers in developing countries receive a fair deal for the work and goods produced. As a school we have just registered for Fairtrade School Status and hope to get accreditation before the end of the year.”
This year’s Fairtrade fortnight looks set to be the best ever with local groups, schools and businesses being encouraged to join in the fun by sharing a cuppa with friends and or holding a tea party.
This can be as big or as small as people like. To help the process Fylde’s Local Strategic Partnership will be providing 100 free boxes of Fairtrade tea to those who want to join in. Anyone interested in holding a Fairtrade tea party should contact Christine Miller on 01253 658441 or e-mail christinem2@fylde.gov.uk for their free box of tea and to register their party.
For ongoing Fairtrade photographs please click here Gallery: Fairtrade in Fylde.
