Fairtrade News
17 SEPTEMBER 2008
A week of events to mark the accreditation of Batley and Spen as a Fairtrade zone - and the country's first Fairtrade constituency - begins on Sunday. See EVENTS for more information
20 JUNE 2008
Batley and Spen has become the UK's first Fairtrade constituency.
A three year long campaign of promoting and encouraging Fairtrade products as well as documenting and monitoring what's on offer in local shops, schools and businesses has been reward by accreditation by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Mike Wood MP, who formed the steering group that has driven the campaign, said: "I am delighted with the amount of work done by the steering group to make Batley and Spen the UK's first specific Fairtrade parliamentary constituency. "Fairtrade is a means by which we can help farmers in developing countries get a fair deal for themselves and their workers so they can survive and grow free from the pressures of big business. "Fairtrade isn't a solution to all the problems such producers face but it's a start and it's something that has grown in popularity to such a degree that the major retailers in the UK are now taking serious note and getting on board."
Steering group chair Tina Walker said: "The size of the constituency has meant that this has not been an easy or straightforward task but we've got there and this is a really big step in the wider Fairtrade project. "Along the way we have achieved a number of firsts in Batley and Spen which impressed the Foundation - such as achieving the first Fairtrade Churches Together group and the work we have done on Fairtrade on an interfaith level." "We are looking forward to building on the work we have done for accreditation and developing our Fairtrade profile even further, particularly the excellent work we have been doing with schools."
In order to achieve Fairtrade status, Batley and Spen must have:
- Secured a commitment from the local council in support of Fairtrade;
- A range of at least two Fairtrade products readily available in a set proportion of local shops, local cafes etc;
- Fairtrade products in use by a number of local work places and community organisations;
- Formed a steering group to ensure continued commitment to the Fairtrade status.
The steering group is now planning launch events to mark accreditation across the constituency in September.
20 FEBRUARY 2008
Fairtrade Fortnight starts on Monday with a host of events throughout Batley and Spen.
The events over the fortnight, which is the Fairtrade Foundation's major annual platform for promoting Fairtrade, have been arranged by the steering group working to make Batley and Spen the first Fairtrade Parliamentary constituency. Churches and other community organisations from across the constituency are holding coffee mornings, stalls, tasting sessions and even a film showing.
Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood, who convened the steering group, is hosting a Fairtrade coffee morning in Cleckheaton next week where as well as trying Fairtrade drinks and treats, visitors can chat with their Member of Parliament. And in Batley, PKWA is planning to hold a Fairtrade football tournament - featuring Fairtrade footballs and Fairtrade half time treats - to mark the commitment by its umbrella organisation, which includes nine bodies representing over 80 community groups, to establish Fairtrade centres across Kirklees. Mike Wood MP said: "All these events are designed to promote Fairtrade, demonstrate the global issues surrounding the movement and allowing local people to see the quality of Fairtrade products.
"It's no longer right to say that Fairtrade products are ethically superior but inferior in quality - the standard of what's available now is excellent and whether it's a first try or a second look I'd recommend any one give it a go. "More events are being added all the time so please keep checking the events link on this website."
11 FEBRUARY 2008
Batley and Spen is gearing up for an event-packed Fairtrade Fortnight 2008.
The fortnight starts on 25 February and organisations from across the constituency are already organising a variety of different events. Click on the Fairtrade events link to see the latest list of what's happening near you. The list is being updated regularly.
14 DECEMBER 2007
Patisserie No 3 at Market Street in Cleckheaton has been awarded Fairtrade accreditation by the Fairtrade Foundations.
Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood and the Fairtrade campaign chairwoman Tina Walker presented the certificate to cafe owner Matthew Crowther.
Patisserie No 3 serves a wide range of different Fairtrade tea, coffee and other drinks.
Mike Wood said: "We are delighted that Patisserie No 3 is supporting the Fairtrade mark and promoting Fairtrade locally. It is a real asset to Cleckheaton."
14 OCTOBER 2007
Churches Together in Gomersal and Birkenshaw believe they have become the country's first such grouping to achieve Fairtrade status.
The gathering of churches has has been certified as a Fairtrade zone for their commitment to supporting the Fairtrade mark and using and promoting Fairtrade goods and products. The presentation was made by Mike Wood MP to the Rev Ralph Davidson, secretary of Churches Together, at St Paul's Church, Birkenshaw on Sunday during their Big Sing event.
Mike Wood MP presented Ralph Davidson with the certificate of Fairtrade status.Mike Wood said: "We have every hope that Batley and Spen will become the first parliamentary constituency to be designanted as a Fairtrade zone. The accrediation of Churches Together in Gomersal and Birkenshaw is excellent news and a first in itself. "We hope Gomersal and Birkenshaw's achievement will set the standard for the wider constituency campaign and that there will be more such zones as well as inter-faith zones to follow." The bid for Fairtrade Constituency status for Batley and Spen, which was launched by Mr Wood, is presently being considered by the Fairtrade Foundation.
Contact
Email: fairtradebatleyandspen@hotmail.co.uk