Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign including Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Network

Happy Christmas Fairtrade Leigh-on-Sea Supporters

2011-12-15T14:36:00.000Z

Workers from Satemwa Tea Estate and tea farmers from Msuwadzi Association, and their families wish you Mafuno Abwino, 'Season's Greetings' in the Malawian language Chichewa.

Thank you for all your support in 2011 - see you in 2012.

New 2011/12 Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory distributors wanted

2011-07-20T12:23:00.001+01:00

We've just been working on the content & listings for the new 2011/12 Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory. Thanks to http://www.adlocreative.com/ and http://www.faragherjones.com/ for their help with design, content & layout. Let us know if you can take some to distibute in your shop, cafe, restaurant, school, salon, library, business, place of worship etc. We need to get them far & wide when they are back from the printers.

Making Your Meal Fairtrade: Belfairs High School Cookery Competition Winner Announced

2011-07-14T15:05:00.002+01:00

Belfairs High School Fairtrade Cookery Competition is now in it's 5th year! The idea is to cook a delicious dish using Fairtrade ingredients. Good for our tummy's and good for the producers in the developing world. Yum yum.

This year the competition was judged by two leading local chefs - Matthew and Lee from Sandbank Restaurant, London Road, Leigh-on-Sea. The judging that took place on 1st March during Fairtrade Fortnight was tough, there were lots of entries and the standard was very high.

However in the end the prestigious first prize was awarded to Georgina Lee with her Fairtrade Green Banana Curry

Well done Georgina and well done Belfairs High School for you continued work in highlighting Fairtrade.

PRESS RELEASE: Heycroft Primary School Awarded Official Fairtrade School Status

2011-07-02T19:20:00.001+01:00

Fairtrade Schools: Commitees from Heycroft Primary School and Southend High School for Boys

Heycroft School in Eastwood has become the first Southend Primary School to be awarded Fairtrade Status. The award is given to schools who show an ongoing commitment to using and promoting Fairtrade products over a period of time. The school’s Fairtrade committee consisting of pupils, governors and staff have organised and led a number of special events over the past 18 months including raffles, sales, competitions and a Fairtrade Family Breakfast. Children across the school have also been learning about Fairtrade in class and have had visitors to the school from the charity Actionaid and a farmer from Uganda to speak to the children in assemblies.

Heycroft recently met up with the Fairtrade committee from Southend High School Boys to share ideas for the future. The pupils from SHSB shared their research on Fairtrade footballs and sports equipment. They also looked at Fairtrade clothing and are planning a fashion show in the near future.

Headteacher Andrew Palmer said: “The children have been fully engaged with the principles of Fairtrade and have become fantastic ambassadors for this very important organisation which ensures workers receive a fair wage for the work they do. I am delighted that year 6 pupils who are going to SHSB will be carrying on their good work.”

Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town coordinator, David Elcock said: "As a Fairtrade Borough, we congratulate Heycroft on their excellent work and would encourage other local schools to become involved".

ENDS

For more information
Andrew Palmer Headteacher, Heycroft Primary School 01702 521832
http://www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk/

Fairtrade Fortnight (or any time!) – Chocolate & Banana Muffins

2011-06-21T16:53:00.001+01:00

We can't remember if we blogged, tweeted or facebooked this fantastic recipe for Fairtrade Chocolate and Banana Muffins back in Fairtrade Fortnight. Hey, but why just reserve this fantastic recipe for Fairtrade Fortnight only?

Why not give making these delicious little beauties a try - as devised by Leigh-on-Sea based food blogger Victoria C over at http://www.ilovemealplans.com/

Thanks for the yummy excuse Victoria.

Fairtrade Churches Newsletter April 2011

2011-04-18T10:42:00.004+01:00

Thanks for getting loud and proud about Fairtrade!

A huge thank you to all those who took part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2011. We hope you and your church enjoyed it as much as we did!

We would love to hear about any interesting, fun or innovative events or activities that your church community was involved in. Please send a short report and plenty of pictures to Jennifer.williams@fairtrade.org.uk and your event could even appear on our website!

It would also be great if you could take two minutes to complete our survey about what you thought of the theme, materials and resources provided for Fairtrade Fortnight this year and what you think we could do to make Fortnight even better in the future.

Putting Jesus back into Easter

Of the incredible 80 million Easter eggs sold each year, the Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade chocolate Easter Egg to explain the Christian understanding of Easter on the box. As well as producers receiving the Fairtrade premium to invest in projects of their choice, a donation from each of these eggs sold goes to fund charity and development projects in the UK and overseas.

A church-backed campaign has succeeded in convincing Morrison’s, Waitrose, Co-op and Booths to stock a limited trial amount of the eggs this Easter! So, if you would like to buy one, just pop along to your local supermarket or use the Real Easter Egg hunter to find your nearest independent retailer stocking the egg

Take action for Christian Aid Week

Christian Aid Week takes place from 15 - 21 May and this year focuses on their partner organisation Sopexxca in – a Fairtrade producer group.
If you fancy organising an event in your local area, taking part in a fundraising activity or perhaps producing a Christian Aid Week order of service, you can find all the resources you need to make the most of the week here.

And, if you really want to challenge yourself, why not sign up to take part in Live Below the Line from 2 - 6 May and see if you can live on just £1 per day for five days whilst raising awareness and money to help some of the world's poorest people.

Fairtrade Fortnight producer tour

Have a read of our blog from the producer tour across the UK during Fairtrade Fortnight 2011... click here

Fairtrade and the local elections
Find out from the people who want to represent you, what their commitment is to Fairtrade.Download a local election campaign guide here.

Transform lives this Lent
Join CAFOD’s campaign calling on the UK government to get down to business for the world's poorest people.Take action here

If you can’t view this article properly please click here

Can you help sew together the final, record breaking line of cotton bunting for trade justice?

2011-04-16T13:03:00.001+01:00

We know many of you have already got people painting, drawing and stitching their support onto bunting triangles and thank you. Next step is to sew all those beautiful triangles together to create a record breaking show of support for trade justice ….

Bunting for justice

For Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 the Fairtrade Foundation had a big focus on cotton as part of The Great Cotton Stitch-Up – our campaign calling on the EU to scrap its cotton subsidies. Cotton is the most used natural fibre in the world and should be the ‘white gold’ that propels ten million West African farmers out of poverty. But the West African cotton industry is obstructed by a wall of subsidies paid by the United States and European Union to their farmers. Combined, the US and EU have spent $32bn on their cotton farmers over the past nine years. The result is to dampen down cotton prices for West Africa farmers, with devastating effects. Read more here: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/products/cotton/the_great_cotton_stitch_up.aspx

To draw attention to this issue, we invited our supporters to get involved in Bunting for Justice, ordering packs of Fairtrade cotton bunting triangles to decorate with Fairtrade and trade justice messages and return to us to be sewn together into a Guinness World Record breaking line of bunting. Thousands of people took part and we have been overwhelmed with the response – sack loads of beautifully decorated bunting are piling up in our offices and we are in the process of sorting through it to be sewn together.

We need your help!

This job is a lot bigger than we were expecting, and we really need volunteers to help with a number of tasks, including sorting the bunting flags, recording the senders and help with sewing the bunting lines (we have a room set up in our office with industrial sewing machines and all the equipment). We have 4 weeks to make this happen and we are confident we can do it, but the more pairs of hands we have to help, especially those with sewing experience, the longer our bunting will be!

If you can help, we would ask you to commit a minimum of half a day, we will pay travel expenses (and lunch in the form of vouchers if you can stay all day), and ply you with cups of tea and biscuits! The assembly of the bunting is taking place at our offices in Aldgate – details here: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/contact_us.aspx over the next 4 weeks. We hope to be doing this on weekend and bank holidays too, depending on peoples’ availability. The bunting will be displayed on World Fair Trade Day – Saturday 14 May, so our deadline is Thursday 12 May.

Please email action@fairtrade.org.uk with your details and time and dates you can commit.

Many thanks and all the best

Hannah

Hannah Reed
Campaigns Manager (Fairtrade Towns)

Media coverage: Southend Echo reports on Heycroft Primary School

2011-03-18T01:49:00.001Z

AFRICAN FARMING LESSON
Echo Thursday 17 March 2012 p31

Youngsters learnt about the difference decent pay has made to the lives of African Farmers.

Pupils at Heycroft Primary School, Eastwood, posed questions to

Uganda Fairtrade ambassador John Kabyetfiza during a visit.

The farmer told children about the difference the scheme, which ensures proper prices for African producers, has made to life.

Headteacher Andrew Palmer said: "The children asked some really good questions. We hope to hold similar events in the future."

Media coverage: Southend Echo reports on Blenheim Primary

2011-03-16T22:16:00.000Z

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT BECOMES PART OF THE CURRICULUM
as reported in the Southend Echo, Wednesday March 16, 2011

Fairtrade fun was the order of the day as schoolchildren marked Fairtrade Fortnight.

Youngsters at Blenheim Primary School, Leigh, enjoyed activities ranging from tasting Fairtrade products to making 500 pictures for a bunting Guiness World Record attempt.

Other events saw youngsters wear Fairtrade clothing and browse at a craft fair, while staff raised £30 for the charity through a bake sale. Pupils wrote to local supermarkets to encourage them to stock Fairtrade products.

Bunting competition & Big Brew

2011-03-07T20:42:00.002Z

Fairtrade Fortnight 2011: 28 February to 13 March 2011

2011-02-11T21:25:00.001Z

This Fairtrade Fortnight we want everyone to get loud and proud online about the Fairtrade label and encourage others to shout about it too.

You can show off Fairtrade any way you want. Take part in our bunting record attempt, hold a fashion show with your friends, or be loud and proud about how your business supports farmers and workers in developing countries.

The Fairtrade Foundation has all sorts of tools to help you do it. So whether you're a school, business, supporter or campaign group, look around this site, get inspired and get ready to Show Off Your Label. http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/show_off_your_label/

And don't forget to tell us here in Leigh and Southend-on-Sea what you're up to and we can help you shout about it. Drop us an email if you are in the Borough of Southend. It also helps us stay an official Fairtrade Borough by documenting all you great Fairtraders do: info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk

YELLOW ADVERTISER TODAY | NEWS | Southend becomes a Fairtrade borough | 2010

2010-12-16T18:44:00.001Z

FAIR ENOUGH: Matt Keen, Councillor Andrew Moring and Sarah Needham by the Fairtrade stand at Southend Civic Centre. Picture by Mark Cleveland Of Yellow Advertiser

By Karen Davis

SOUTHEND has moved a step closer to making the world a fairer place by becoming an official Fairtrade borough.

To earn the accolade, Southend Council had to achieve a number of goals.

The first involved passing a resolution supporting Fairtrade as an organisation, evidenced by the introduction of Fairtrade vending machines in the Civic Centre and Fairtrade branded tea and coffee in the catering facilities.

The second meant ensuring that at least two Fairtrade products were available in more than 32 shops and served in 16 local cafes and catering establishments.

It was found that 44 retailers and 19 catering outlets stocked Fairtrade products - well over the required number for a borough the size of Southend.

Read more on the Yellow Advertiser site at the link below....
YELLOW ADVERTISER TODAY NEWS Southend becomes a Fairtrade borough 2010

Fairtrade Foundation Towns Newsletter December 10

2010-12-03T16:17:00.006Z

The Great Cotton Stitch Up - take action nowThe launch of this major new report marks an exciting new era for Fairtrade and trade justice campaigning! Over the next few years the Fairtrade movement will be calling on the EU and US to remove subisidies that are locking West African cotton farmers into poverty. The first phase of the campaign is a quick but important one, and more engaging actions targeting MEPs will follow in Fairtrade Fortnight and throughout 2011. Please encourage everyone you know to take the first, all important, easy action here, and watch this space for campaign updates in coming months.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2011, how will you show off your labelFairtrade Fortnight planning is under way up and down the UK, with extreme labelling, fashion shows and lobbying MEPs all on the agenda - not to mention a bunting world record attempt! The bunting packs will be available to order soon, but please use this link to let us know how many packs you think you'll need. Check out the action guide, order resources , and keep an eye on the website for updates on the biggest Fairtrade Fortnight yet.

Fairtrade Towns Film - we need you to star! The Fairtrade Foundation is making a short film about the Fairtrade Towns movement, how it has developed throughout the UK and spread internationally. Content from Fairtrade Town groups is the best way to showcase the diverse range of people and activities involved, so please pick out your best photos and footage before 17 December, and click here to submit your content for the film.

We're dreaming of a Fairtrade Christmas Perfect for stockings and snacking alike, Harry's Fairtrade Nuts form 100% Fairtrade nut company Liberation are now available in the beer and wine aisle of Tesco superstores, Metros and Extras, larger Sainsburys and all Waitrose stores, as well as other outlets. The Fair Traders Cooperative in Holmfirth have a lovely range of Fairtrade, local and ethical gifts (and every day products) available to order online. While you're there, read about their link with banana farmers in the Caribbean and have a look at their amazing Fairtrade community events on their Facebook page.

Media Coverage: Southend Fairtrade Town interviewed live on BBC Essex Radio

2010-11-10T11:49:00.005Z

Linda Mead shows the BBC's Marianne Bradley Fairtrade goods at Greens Health Foods

Linda Mead a volunteer with the Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Borough Network gave a live BBC Radio Essex interview today live from one of the earliest stockists of Fairtrade goods in Southend. Leigh-on-Sea's Greens Health Foods hosted Linda and the reporters from BBC Essex at their store on Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea.

Linda said. "Being interviewed gave me a great opportunity to highlight the reasons why people should be buying Fairtrade and to congratulate those who brought about our successful application to be a Fairtrade Borough."

Our thanks go out to Richard and his staff and Greens Health Foods for hosting us and the BBC and continuing to promote and make available Fairtrade products in our Borough.

Southend-on-Sea recently celebrated receiving the Fairtrade Borough mark form the Fairtrade Foundation. This means that we have chosen to support Fairtrade, in our Borough and have added our voice to demands for a trade system that puts people, not profit, at the heart of the transaction. Our voices become louder and have become louder as we have spoken out together.

Through working towards Fairtrade Borough status we have brought together neighbours, groups, faith groups, schools, the local authority and businesses towards a common goal and a shared achievement.

Getting this far has been a lot of work, but great fun and has been a great way to bring people together.

However, this is not where we rest. We aim to get more people choosing Fairtrade and raising awareness of the marks aims to make a fairer trade system. We can do this together and we need your help.

So if you are an individual who would like to volunteer who would like to help with events, activities and the steering group. Or a School, Faith Group or Business who would like to find out ways you could promote the Fairtrade cause please do get in contact by email.

If you are a trader, cafe, shop, business or school that use, sell and promote Fairtrade products please do click on the link above to add yourselves to the listings.

Listen again to the interview on the BBCi Player for the next 7 days http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00bxf9p/
from 2 hrs 33min 45 sec to 2 hrs 37 min 46 sec

Media coverage: Southend celebrates as Borough awarded Fairtrade status

2010-11-03T16:46:00.008Z

4:53pm Wednesday 3rd November

SOUTHEND'S commitment to improving the lives of farmers in the developing world has been recognised through a charity award.

The town was named an official Fairtrade borough by charity the Fairtrade Foundation, which helps farmers and workers get better prices and decent working conditions.

A partnership between Southend Council and Fairtrade supporters in the town has seen a number of businesses, cafes, shops and schools support the movement, allowing the town to qualify for the award.

Councillor Andrew Moring, a member of Southend Council's Fairtrade steering group, which promotes the movement in the town, said: “This is great news!

Well done to everyone involved for all the hard work that has been done throughout the borough to make this possible.

"This action will help ensure decent working arrangement for all farmers and workers, not just those in the developing world.

“We must make sure we can keep people thinking and choosing Fairtrade in the Borough, and really try and build on this success to better people’s lives.”

For more information on Fairtrade visit http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

Link to actual Echo article

Press Release: Southend Awarded Fairtrade Borough Status!

2010-11-03T16:32:00.002Z

Wednesday 3rd November, 2010 – For immediate release

Southend-on-Sea Borough has moved one step closer to helping make the world a fairer place - by becoming an official Fairtrade borough.

To earn the coveted accolade, which was officially bestowed on Wednesday 27th October, the council had to achieve a number of goals.

The first involved passing a resolution supporting Fairtrade as an organisation, evidenced by the introduction of Fairtrade vending machines in the Civic Centre and Fairtrade branded tea and coffee in the catering facilities.

The second meant ensuring at least two Fairtrade products were available in at least 32 shops and served in 16 local cafes and catering establishments.

This was evidenced by 44 retailers and 19 catering outlets stocking Fairtrade products, well over the required number for a borough the size of Southend.

The Council also had to demonstrate that Fairtrade products were used by local businesses and community organizations. To date 10 businesses and 17 faith groups are involved and strong links have been made with a number of local schools and community groups.

It also had to evidence that it had been able to attract media coverage and popular support for Fairtrade, which was achieved by the hosting of a number of Fairtrade events, including Fairtrade Fortnight.

Finally, the Council had to convene a Fairtrade Steering Group to ensure continued commitment to the cause, and the group now meets regularly every six to eight weeks.

Looking to the future the group will continue to develop its Fairtrade campaign as it has to renew its Fairtrade Borough status in a year’s time, and every two years following that.

It will focus on developing school and community organisation support for the campaign and looking at ideas to help take the Fairtrade message forward.

Councillor Andrew Moring, a member of the Fairtrade Steering Group said: “This is great news! Well done to everyone involved for all the hard work that has been done throughout the Borough to make this possible.

This action will help ensure decent working arrangement for all farmers and workers not just those in the developing world

“We must make sure we can keep people thinking and choosing Fairtrade in the Borough, and really try and build on this success to better people’s lives.”

Note to journalists:

Fairtrade is about establishing better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

Offering a fair price for goods enables them to improve their situation and have more control over their lives. For more information on Fairtrade visit http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/ or http://www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk/ and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/SOSFairtrade and join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=331091558751

ENDS

For more information about this media release please call the Media and Communications Team

on 01702-215000 ext 5939 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk or David Elcock Fairtrade Volunteer on info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk

Fairtrade Foundation: Our 2009/2010 Annual Report

2010-10-08T12:56:00.003+01:00

Having trouble viewing this post? Click here

Big Lunch 2010: Southend Make Yours Fairtrade

2010-07-12T16:24:00.003+01:00

Sunday 18 July is a day to celebrate people, community and food at Big Lunch street parties across the UK. The Big Lunch is a bring-your-own, open-air party giving everyone a chance to get to know their neighbours, share food and have fun. Last year, up to a million people, in every kind of community, took part in over 8,000 Big Lunches across the UK - including a special Big Fairtrade Lunch in Leigh-on-Sea and other places around the Borough.

As Britain celebrates its local communities, making Fairtrade part of the Big Lunch means we also celebrate communities across the world and empower farmers in developing countries to create their own brighter, more sustainable future through a better trade deal. The Big Lunch is also a wonderful opportunity to pass our Fairtrade habit on to friends and neighbours!

Get involved with Fairtrade Ideas at The Fairtrade Foundation website & register or find and event at The Big Lunch website.

There are lots taking place across the Borough in 2010

Press Relase: Fairtrade Easter at Belfairs High School

2010-04-30T11:59:00.002+01:00

Fairtrade is well established at Belfairs High School and various projects will be taking place. Our picture shows Year 7 students enjoying Fairtrade bananas in front of this year’s hall display.

“We highlight Fairtrade Fortnight on the school website” said Community Projects Co-ordinator Jan Andrews, “and run a series of Fairtrade assemblies for one week – this year we shall be concentrating on fairly traded cocoa beans. The emphasis will be on the chocolate manufacturers who are only buying fairly traded cocoa beans – and providing training for their farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their harvests year on year. We will also be highlighting “The Big Swap” – the Fairtrade Foundation is urging everyone to just change one of their usual choice of a drink or foodstuff – for a fairly-traded one. For more information on The Big Swap visit http://www.belfairs.southend.sch.uk/

ENDS

For more information please contact Jan Andrews, Community Projects Coordinator

M: 07932 614658 T: 08444 772 555 x 293

Fairtrade and the elections

2010-04-23T09:49:00.000+01:00

Never are politicians and wannabe politicians so keen to hear what we think as during an election campaign.
And its a great time to find out what they think...

The Fairtrade campaign in Southend gets cross party support in Southend which is great - but it gets active support from only a very small number of councillors. Parliamentary candidates have been pretty quiet on the issue.

So why not ask them what they think about Fairtrade? Do they support the Southend Fairtrade Town campaign?

What will they do to encourage Fairtrade in the town?

Let us know who says what and we'll report it here (add a comment below) and on the Southend Fairtrade Facebook group too!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=331091558751

Fairtrade Tea Morning at Kent Elms Library

2010-03-16T18:09:00.003Z

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight a ‘Taste the difference’ Tea Morning was held at Kent Elms Library.

Customers and staff had the chance to try Fairtrade coffee, tea and biscuits. They were also given a copy of the new local Fairtrade Directory of local retailers that stock or serve Fairtrade items in the Borough of Southend.

A big thank-you to Peter and his team at Kent Elms for supporting the event.

10,000 Students hear about Fairtrade

2010-03-12T09:46:00.002Z

South East Essex College, Carnarvon Road, Southend recently proved their commitment to their Fairtrade College status. During the recent Fairtrade Fortnight during the last week of February first week of March students learnt about Fairtrade and it's importance during their weekly tutorials.

Tutor David Watt said. "This equated to around 10,000 students developing their knowledge of this worthy cause, that encourages to change our shopping habits and look for products with the Fairtrade mark."

Well done SEEC.

Holy Trinity Fairtrade Stall

2010-03-12T09:43:00.002Z

A coffee morning is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch Boulevard, on Wednesday, April 21, from 10an to noon. There will be a Fairtrade stall at the morning to raise funds for the church.

Press Release: Southend High School for Boys get busy for Fairtrade Fortnight

2010-03-10T14:50:00.004Z

Fairtrade Fortnight proved to be a busy fortnight at Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend. Fairtrade chocolate sales raised £380 and thirty boys took part in a chocolate treasure hunt organised by Joe Palmer and Lewis Saville in their Lower 6^th.

The staff took part in a Fairtrade wine Tasting session – the wine being kindly supplied free by The Co-operative Membership. “Out of the Earth” florist shop supplied a beautiful table decoration for this event. Based in Southchurch Road, Southend, they are able to provide Fairtrade flowers in arrangements.

The Big Swap competition was won by Tom Cerson 9st2, who managed to persuade his parents to purchase Fairtrade products in the supermarkets over the fortnight.

A huge thank you in advance goes to the SHSB Parents Association who have agreed to serve Fairtrade drinks at future concerts and will be raffling a Fairtrade hamper at the forthcoming Spring Concert on 30^th March.

Report by J Halsall – RS Department, SHSB.

Fair Cut Campaign: Leigh Hair Salon highlighted in National Fairtrade Publication

2010-03-05T12:25:00.001Z

‘Hair’ on the Leigh Road, Leigh - the first Salon to join our ‘Fair Cut’ campaign has been showcase by the Fairtrade Foundation on their website and in their newsletter Fair Comment. This has been sent to thousands of supporters across the UK.

To read the article and company click here

The ‘Fair Cut’ campaign encourages salons and beauty parlours in our town to become Fairtade supporters. They can do this by using Fairtrade Coffee, Tea, Sugar in their staff rooms and by serving their clients with the same. Promotion they do on their magazine tables and displaying Fairtrade window sticker available form the Fairtrade Foundation

If your salon is interested why not sign up your support by clicking here:

Schools: Heycoft Fairtrade Assembly Kick Starts Campaign

2010-03-05T11:44:00.001Z

Headteacher Mr Andrew Palmer, David Elcock and some Fairtrade young campaigners

Pupils from Heycroft Primary School, Eastwood were visited by David Elcock a volunteer from the Southend Fairtrade Borough Campaign. The assembly explained to the children about Fairtrade and the topic of what is 'fair' and what is un-fair'.

The children watched a video of the 'Invasion of the Tea Ladies' which showed campaigners for Fairtrade dancing around parliament and Trafalgar Square dressed as Fairtrade Tea Ladies to raise awareness of the cause. They also discovered how how shopping habits can make a positive difference to poorer people all around the world if we choose items with the Fairtrade Mark.

The children came away pledging to turn their school into a Fairtrade School. They have recently signed up with the Fairtrade Foundation to do so at www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools and will be opening a Fairtrade Healthy Tuckshop to start the ball rolling

If you are a local school - why don't you do the same?

Church: Leigh Church Promotes Fairtrade Fortnight to Congregation

2010-03-04T12:44:00.001Z

Leigh Road Baptist Church, Leigh-on-Sea has long been a supporter of Fairtrade. It was instrumental in setting up and leading in the Leigh-on-Sea's campaign to become a Fairtrade Town, forming a steering group of volunteers from the local community.

On the middle Sunday of Fairtrade Fortnight, church attendees learnt about the importance of Fairtrade in helping the some 2 billion people in our world that live on less that $2 a day. They learnt that as shoppers choosing products with the Fairtrade Mark can make the all the difference to families around the world.

The service was followed by a cup of fresh Fairtrade Coffee or Tea for all who attended. Over 150 cups were served.

It was four years ago that the Marguerite Drive church commited itself to becoming a Fairtrade Church. This means that it uses Fairtrade mark Tea, Coffee & Sugar in all it's meetings and gatherings. That it commits to helping raising awareness of the Mark and to prays for the Fairtrade cause that benefits the world's poorist producers.

Indeed they encourage other places of worship to join and support the cause. More details can be found at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/ and click on here for on how to register the support of your place of worship.

Press Release: ‘Brews Brothers’ in Fairtrade trolley dash

2010-03-02T18:32:00.009Z

To celebrate the Big Swap theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend is embarking on a fund-raising groceries heist.

Councillor Brian Smith, posed as one of the infamous Blues (Brews) Brothers, and undertook a Fairtrade trolley dash at 4.30pm on Sunday 28th February at The Co-operative Food Store, Sutton Road, Southend.

Racing against the clock, he filled his trolley with as many Fairtrade products as he could grab – in aid of the Mayor’s Charity Fund. Afterwards he was joined by fellow ‘Brews Brother’ - Assistant Manager of the The Co-operative Food, Paul Kennard, to recover with a giant inflatable cup of Fairtrade tea.

Councillor Smith says: “I very much enjoyed this fun event which will boosted two excellent causes at the same time – the Fairtrade issue, and the charity I have nominated during my Mayoral year – the Sycamore Fund for Southend’s Young Carers."

Press Release: Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 at Belfairs High School

2010-03-01T12:06:00.002Z

Fairtrade is well established at Belfair's High School and various projects will be taking place this Fairtrade Fortnight. The picture above shows Year 7 students enjoying Fairtrade bananas in front of this year’s hall display.

“We highlight Fairtrade Fortnight on the school website,” said Community Projects Co-ordinator Jan Andrews, “and run a series of Fairtrade assemblies for one week – this year we shall be concentrating on fairly traded cocoa beans. The emphasis will be on the chocolate manufacturers who are only buying fairly traded cocoa beans – and providing training for their farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their harvests year on year.

"We will also be highlighting “The Big Swap” – the Fairtrade Foundation is urging everyone to just change one of their usual choice of a drink or foodstuff – for a FAIRTRADE one."

For more information on The Big Swap visit www.belfairs.southend.sch.uk.

ENDS

For more information contact: Jan Andrews Community Projects Co-ordinator
07932 614658 or 08444 772 555 x 293

Fairtrade at Southend Farmers Market Success

2010-02-27T18:31:00.004Z

Southend Fairtrade Town Campaign and The Co-operatve Food were in Southend High Street Farmers Market today (27 February 2010)to help promote Fairtrade to shoppers. It was great to see so many people interested in Fairtrade and pledging to support with their purchases.

Free samples of Fairtrade pineaple, tea, chocolate and cake were handed out to passers by. Many commenting on the quality and taste.

Why not swap something in your shopping basket for Fairtrade - togther we can make a difference www.thebigswap.org.uk

Work places: The Stables recommitts to Fairtade

2010-02-26T19:19:00.000Z

The Stables, a community venue, used by many people of Leigh-on-Sea and beyond for functions, meetings and community activities week in week out, re-committed their business to remaining a Fairtrade workplace for the next year.

Jane Brookes, Bookings Manager at The Stables told us, "Being a Fairtrade workplace is important to us, we use Fairtrade, Tea, Coffee and Sugar in our offices and actively encourage users to choose Fairtrade with posters. We are committed to remaining Fairtrade supporters."

Further details on converting your workplace to support Fairtrade can be found www.fairtradeatwork.com

The Big Brew: Coffee Morning at Leigh Church Promotes Fairtrade

2010-02-25T19:11:00.000Z

Fairtrade was high on the agenda at the weekly Leigh Road Baptist Church coffee morning. Every Thursday at The Stables, Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh-on-Sea people gather and enjoy a Fairtrade tea and coffee, as well as enjoying quizes, chating with friends and often a short talk from a visitng speaker.

On Thursday 25th February 2010, David Elcock from the Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town campaign visited and thanked the coffee morning regulars for their weekly support of Fairtrade.

Videos were shown on the impact Fairtrade is happening to lives of people in developing countries.

Press release: Big Brew Success - 22nd February 2010

2010-02-23T16:51:00.002Z

Southend Central Library Foyer
Big Brew – 22^nd February 2010

On a wet Monday morning, staff at Southend Central Library welcomed customers with a cheery cuppa as part of the Big Brew – which marked the national launch of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Library visitors were offered a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee and a biscuit in return for a donation. Whilst enjoying their brew, they had the opportunity to chat with staff to learn more about the charitable Fairtrade foundation, browse promotional material and watch an informative DVD.

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22^nd February to 7^th March 2010. With various events throughout the borough, Southend is aiming for Fairtrade Town status. The message this year is ‘The Big Swap’ which asks consumers to consider swapping one item in their regular shopping basket for a Fairtrade one; it could bananas, coffee or cotton socks – just one thing will help make a big difference to the lives of the suppliers.

There is a Fairtrade Directory available from the Ground Floor Foyer, which lists all suppliers in the local area from coffee shops to theatres to hairdressers. Pick up your copy to help you make the Big Swap, plus your chance to win £100 in Co-Operative Food shopping vouchers!

For further information on Fairtrade and the Big Swap please go to http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/.

For local Fairtrade information please visit http://www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk/

ENDS

Media Release: The Co-operative Southend 'teas' up for biggest ever fairtrade fortnight

2010-02-19T13:36:00.003Z

The Co-operative Group is gearing up for its biggest ever Fairtrade Fortnight* following its acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year, which could boost Fairtrade sales by some £40m per annum.

The Co-operative has led the way on Fairtrade. At the time of the acquisition, Peter Marks, Group Chief Executive, pledged The Co-operative’s commitment to ethical trading would be extended to the Somerfield estate and now, for the first time, Somerfield stores will be championing Fairtrade, along with thousands of Co-operative stores across the UK.

In 2008, as part of its Food Ethical Policy, The Co-operative became the first retailer to convert its entire own-brand hot drinks category of tea, coffee and hot chocolate to Fairtrade. The Co-operative, now the fifth biggest food retailer, has taken this commitment further by introducing its Fairtrade hot drinks range into Somerfield stores, along with many other Fairtrade lines as part of the integration process.

Somerfield stores already converted to The Co-operative are stocking the retailer’s entire range of branded and own-brand products, including its extensive Fairtrade grocery range, which covers everything from chocolate to fruit and nuts, cereals, hot and cold drinks, cakes and a market-leading wine range.

The Co-operative’s latest move makes Fairtrade accessible to millions more shoppers, and will benefit hundreds of thousands of growers in some of the world’s poorest countries, including Malawi.

“The Big Swap” is the main theme for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, to encourage people to switch their usual products for ones carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark to help producers in developing countries. As an added incentive, there is up to 20% off selected Fairtrade products at Co-operative and Somerfield stores**, including the retailer’s iconic 99 Tea range, to encourage shoppers to switch their cuppa to Fairtrade.

The Co-operative’s long-term commitment to Fairtrade is demonstrated by its involvement in a unique project designed to empower small-scale tea producers in Kenya. The project, one of the largest Fairtrade projects in the world, aims to help 8,000 smallholders to form co-operatives, achieve Fairtrade certification and diversify into other products. It is anticipated that the growers will eventually be able to supply The Co-operative with tea for its 99 Tea blend.
Additionally, in 2010, The Co-operative will spend an additional £500,000 on a number of development projects offering benefits even beyond the existing Fairtrade commitments.
Peter Marks said: “The Co-operative has led the way on Fairtrade, having championed the FAIRTRADE Mark since its inception, and our pioneering development work has helped the UK become one of the largest Fairtrade markets in the world.

“We are continuing this commitment by extending our extensive Fairtrade range to the Somerfield estate, and we will continue to add more Fairtrade lines to our entire 3, 000 store network, as well as helping to develop more Fairtrade products and market opportunities for growers in developing countries.”

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “The Co-operative and their customers have given invaluable support to Fairtrade over the years, and their commitment to swap all their own-brand hot beverages, as well as other lines, in Somerfield stores to Fairtrade is great news for growers, workers and their communities around the world.”

The Co-operative Food & Membership with join with Southend's Fairtrade Borough Campaign Volunteers in Southend High Street on Saturday 27th February at the Farmers Market. With Fairtrade items on sales, sampling and a free Co-operative voucher which can be taken and redeemed in Co-operative stores during March. With £3 of when you spend £7 of Fairtrade items. Also maybe a live Fairtrade Tea Dance.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
* Fairtrade Fortnight, which this year runs from 22 February – 7 March inclusive, is the annual nationwide campaign led by the Fairtrade Foundation to promote awareness of Fairtrade and to encourage people to buy products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark. As part of “The Big Swap”, the Foundation is hoping to get people in Britain to make one million and one swaps over the two-week period.
** The Co-operative and Somerfield are offering up to 20% off selected Fairtrade products from now until 9 March inclusive.

Media Coverage: Fairtrade Fortnight campaign in Southend

2010-02-19T00:04:00.004Z

SOUTHEND Council is urging residents to support Fairtrade Fortnight which starts next week.

The Southend Together Partnership, which involves the council and other groups, is teaming up with Britain's biggest supermarket chains to support The Big Swap as part of the campaign.

The fortnight starts on Monday (February 22) until March 7, and aims to raise awareness of how shoppers can make a difference to the developing world by buying Fairtrade products.

The aim of The Big Swap is to buy a Fairtrade alternative instead of one of your usual purchases, to show support for producers in the developing world through what you buy.

Councillor Andrew Moring, a member of Southend Council's Fairtrade Steering Group, said: "As a partnership, Southend Together understands the importance of Fairtrade on both a local and global scale.

"Recent research commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation shows that recognition of the Fairtrade brand is increasing.

"More people understand how the Fairtrade mark is helping to make a better deal for producers in the developing world."

Information about Fairtrade products will be available at the following venues where the Southend Together Partnership will be encouraging shoppers to take part in 'The Big Swap': Asda, in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury on Tuesday Feb 23, Sainsburys, in Southend High Street on Thursday, March 4, Waitrose in Eastern Avenue, Southend, Saturday, February 27, and Tesco in Prince Avenue, Southend, on Monday March 1.

Fairtrade aims to establishing better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

PRESS RELEASE: The Big Brew at Southend Central Library & Kent Elms Library

2010-02-17T10:58:00.003Z

Southend Borough Libraries - Media Release February 2010

The Big Brew: Southend Central Library & Kent Elms Library

Monday 22^nd February at Southend

Friday 5^th March at Kent Elms

10am to 12pm

Come and join us for a cup of Fairtrade tea and a biscuit to celebrate the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Southend Libraries are pleased to take part in The Big Brew, a national initiative by Traidcraft. The aim is to raise awareness of Fairtrade and the issues faced by tea producers in the developing world. Did you know that only 10% of tea sold in the UK is Fairtrade? Learn more about the tea trade and how you can make a difference to the lives of the tea growing communities, by joining Traidcraft’s campaign.

We will be serving Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits in return for a donation.

Come along and join us for a cuppa with a conscience!

www.traidcraft.co.uk/tea or www.traidcraft.co.uk/bigbrew

Southend-on-Sea is working towards becoming a Fairtrade Borough. To join the cause visit http://www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk/ and http://www.southendfairtradenetwork.org.uk/

Ends
For more information contact the Service Development Team libraryservicedevelopment@southend.gov.uk T: 01702 215011 ext 4198

Media Release: Fairtrade Fortnight – take part in ‘The Big Swap’ (Southend Together Partnership)

2010-02-16T13:12:00.000Z

Media Release from Southend Together Partnership
Tuesday 16th February, 2010 – For immediate release
Fairtrade Fortnight – take part in 'The Big Swap'

Southend Together Partnership is teaming up with Britain's biggest supermarket chains to support 'The Big Swap' as part of Fairtrade Fortnight. The campaign, which runs from February 22 to March 7, aims to raise awareness of how shoppers can make a difference to the developing world by purchasing Fairtrade products.

By swapping just one of your usual purchases for a Fairtrade alternative you can show your support for producers in the developing world through what you buy.

Councillor Andrew Moring, a member of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Fairtrade Steering Group, urged the town's residents to support Fairtrade Fortnight.

He said: "As a partnership Southend Together understands the importance of Fairtrade on both a local and global scale. "Recent research commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation shows that recognition of the Fairtrade brand is increasing. More people understand how the Fairtrade mark is helping to make a better deal for producers in the developing world."

Information about Fairtrade products will be available at the following venues where Southend Together Partnership will be encouraging shoppers to take part in 'The Big Swap':

Asda, North Shoebury Road, Shoeburyness
Tuesday 23rd February
Sainsburys, Southend High Street
Thursday 4th March
Waitrose, Eastern Avenue, Southend
Saturday 27th February
Tesco, Prince Avenue, Southend,
Monday 1st March

Note to journalists: Fairtrade is about establishing better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Offering a fair price for goods enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
ENDS
For more information about this media release please call the Media and Communications Team on 01702 215000 ext 5939 or email media@southend.gov.uk

Fashion: Fairtrade 100% cotton for Spring 2010

2010-02-12T12:11:00.003Z

People Tree collection in collaboration with actress Emma Watson

The latest range of Fairtrade cotton clothing to be introduced this spring for Fairtrade Fortnight (22 February – 7March) includes innovative use of fabric and trend-lead design. 2010 is an important milestone as it marks the fifth year anniversary of the introduction of Fairtrade cotton into the UK market. This year will see an exciting number of partnerships with celebrities, designers and photographers to celebrate five years of Fairtrade cotton supported by a campaign to make fashion fairer.

The new directional collections made with Fairtrade cotton include casual essentials such as roll-up trousers, leggings and frill detail T’shirts vamped up with flirtatious peek-a-boo blouses and pretty button camisoles which give a feeling of romantic innocence.

The Fairtrade Foundation now works with over 100 cotton licencees – a mixture of brands, retailers and companies. This enables them to use the FAIRTRADE Mark on cotton products, meaning that cotton farmers in the developing world are getting a better deal: receiving a fair and stable Fairtrade price for their cotton in addition to the Fairtrade premium.

Ascension (formerly Adili) are launching a range of limited edition Fairtrade cotton t-shirts with prints designed by celebrities: Jacquetta Wheeler, Ann-Louise Roswald, Natasha Law & Jo Wood. Lisa Butcher is designing a Fairtrade cotton t-shirt for Long Tall Sally and the Beckhams have designed a Fairtrade cotton t-shirt range for Sports Relief in TK Maxx.

ASOS are launching a fashionable new jerseywear collection
Dorothy Perkins are launching a new fashionable collection of Fairtrade cotton t-shirts and blouses
Marks and Spencer are launching Fairtrade cotton nightwear styles in Per Una
Monsoon are introducing Fairtrade cotton products in their fashionable Fusion range
People Tree are introducing a new collaboration with Emma Watson which features a range of younger fashion styles aimed at the teen/youth market
Sainsburys are restyling their TU Fairtrade cotton t-shirts
Sports Relief have launched Fairtrade cotton t-shirts designed by the Beckhams in Sainsburys and TK Maxx
Tesco are launching a full range of men’s and ladies Fairtrade cotton knitwear in a move to target younger more fashion conscious consumers
Trendy brand Spunky are launching Fairtrade cotton T-shirts with funky logo designs
Warehouse are introducing a fashionable collection including dresses, boleros, camis and trousers

Southend Schools: Why not enter the Snack Attack Competition

2010-02-10T17:13:00.002Z

We would like to ask our local schools to have a snack attack.
Almost 900 schools have already registered to take part in the Traidcraft Snack Attack Challenge, their competition that gives schools the opportunity to design a new fair trade snack, its packaging and a marketing campaign.

They have also received the first entry, which they say was greeted with much excitement, whoops, cheers and a little dance around the office!
So come on Schools of Southend let’s make the Traidcraft office dance some more, and put your school on the map with the Traidcraft Snack Attack
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to take part – download a pack – entries must be received by 31st March.

Download pack by clicking here

Media Coverage: Business looking Fair at cafe

2010-01-29T17:54:00.002Z

It was great to see more coverage of Fairtrade produce being sold at local businesses. Oasis The Coffee House on the Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea was featured in the 28 January 2010 edition of the Essex Enquirer Newspaper. Thanks for the coverage guys! And great stuff Oasis The Coffee House.

The Big Swap Film: Get Involved

2010-01-27T17:14:00.001Z

Southend: Are you ready for the Big Swap?

2010-01-27T17:02:00.007Z

Register your swap at thebigswap.org.uk

Put the kettle on!
For this year's Fairtrade Fortnight we're asking the nation to join us in The Big Swap. For two whole weeks we'll be asking you to swap your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff. Your usual bananas for Fairtrade bananas, your usual cotton socks for Fairtrade cotton socks, and your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa. This means that every time you go shopping, you can use your wallet to make a stand.

We've just launched The Big Swap website, packed with lots of resources to download and use to help us reach our target of one million and one swaps to Fairtrade certified products during Fairtrade Fortnight - 22 February to 7 March. Watch films and read more about The Big Swap then start using posters and action guides to help us spread the word.

Why swap?
Swapping your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff is a brilliantly small step to making the world a fairer place. It means that you get to show your support for developing world producers through what you buy. Two billion people - a third of humanity - survive on less than $2 a day. Unfair trade rules keep them in poverty, but they face the global challenges of food shortages and climate change too. Find out more

Things to swap
The Fairtrade range started small. Like one bar of chocolate small. Now there are over 4,500 products bearing the FAIRTRADE Mark. A glorious array of products that spans pineapples and footballs to duvets and rice. Find out more about food & drink, beauty products, clothing and other bits and pieces you can swap today!

Shout about your event
The Big Swap website's a great way to make sure everyone hears about any event you might be organising for Fairtrade Fortnight. Get your details listed now so people can see it on our calendar and make sure they'll be there on the day.

Schools: Southend High School for Boys join the cause

2010-01-20T10:30:00.006Z

Great news! Southend High School For Boys (SHSB) are the latest School in the Borough of Southend to lend their support of the Fairtrade cause.

A Fairtrade committee has been formed at the school form pupils and staff. They are now busy planning their first event and awareness raiser with a Fairtrade wine tasting soiree for Staff. That is sure to get more people on board supporting and understanding the importance of choosing Fairtrade.

Jack Reynolds-Clark, a pupil of SHSB and Fairtrade Committee member said,

"Southend High are endeavouring to change the unfortunate truth of the lack of Faritrade in society and have recently set up a Fairtrade committee, a few of the younger members are in the photo above. It is up to these few pupils to work hard and bring the coveted status home and make SHSB a Fairtrade school. These efforts will also help Southend Borough who are also trying for this title."

If your schools wants to join in and help the cause, please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/schools for more information.

Fairtrade Foundation showcases Leigh Hair Salon for the Big Swap

2010-01-18T21:57:00.003Z

Hair on the Leigh Road, Leigh has been highlighted for their roll in showcasing Fairtrade and encouraging their clients to switch to Fairtrade Coffee and Tea with them. Their clients are offered Fairtrade coffee during a cut.

Fairtrade Fortnight this year at the end of February beginning of March aims to highlight the importance of Fairtrade and how easy it is to swap for Fairtrade. The Leigh Hair salon was chosen as a highlight on the Fairtrade Foundations special website that encourages us all to get involved in Fairtrade Fortnight.

Take a look and see how you can get involved. http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap/about_the_big_swap/

If you are a Beauty or Hair Salon / Spa why not get involved by doing the same and joining our Fair Cut Campaign and then filling out your support by visiting our online support form click here

MEDIA Coverage YELLOW ADVERTISER TODAY | NEWS | Cycle shop helps Fairtrade with mule bars | 2010

2010-01-08T13:32:00.000Z

A CYCLE shop in Leigh is the latest business to lend their support to the Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town & Southend Borough Council Campaign.

Click on the Yellow Advertiser link below to read more on the Yellow Advertiser Southend website

YELLOW ADVERTISER TODAY NEWS Cycle shop helps Fairtrade with mule bars 2010

Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory 2010 - Update Our Listings - Add your details

2010-01-06T10:46:00.009Z

You can also comple the Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory form by clicking here
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News: Oasis Coffee Shop Say Cheers to Fairtrade

2010-01-05T17:48:00.002Z

Oasis The Coffee House, 189 Leigh Road have long been supporters of Fairtrade in our town. They are now delighted to announce their new Bean to Cup Coffee Machine is now entirely serving Fairtrade certified hot beverages.

Not only are all the popular styles of fresh coffee available but also Fairtrade Hot Chocolate and the Tea.

Paco and Diane staff and volunteers at Oasis The Coffee House, run by Leigh Road Baptist Church raised a mug to this positive change that will make a massive difference to farmers in developing countries.

The Vista Coffee brand supplied by Tchibo is now providing its full range at Oasis. Many customers have commented on the improved taste of the coffee, which serves as an even higher recommendation for Fairtrade marked products showing quality and care.

About Vista Fairtrade?
Fairtrade supports farmers in developing countries and enables them to have a better future.

Core elements of Fairtrade include:

* Guaranteed, fair coffee prices for smaller farmer organisations and thus improved conditions of work and quality of life

* Long-term trade relations

* Fairtrade premium for social development

* Sustainable use of natural resources

* Worldwide, 531 small farmer's cooperative and plantations in 59 countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America benefit from Fairtrade, representing 1.4 million farmers and workers

Who is Fairtrade?
The independent certification company FLO-CERT GmbH ensures adherence to the international Fairtrade standards. For this purpose, FLO-CERT employs over 70 inspectors worldwide. The Fairtrade Certification Mark is your independent guarantee that this product has been traded in accordance with international Fairtrade standards. For further information please visit http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/.

VISTA is made up of 100% of certified Fairtrade coffee.

Visit Oasis online to book a table or just turn up www.lrbc.org.uk/oasis

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-24T15:00:00.001Z

Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign

View this email in your browser

The Fairtrade Foundation wishes everybody a happy holiday.

This month, why not get festive with Fairtrade? There are now sleighs full of Christmas presents with a Fairtrade twist, from fruit and chocolate to tea and wine. With every purchase you make benefiting producers in developing countries, you'll be filling stockings in no time!

Why not give yourself a head start and enter our competition? You could win a goodie bag filled with Fairtrade certified beauty products, just by answering a simple question. But hurry, we've only got 500 to give away.

Fairtrade Foundation, 3rd Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY T: 020 7405 5942 Registered charity number 1043886. Unsubscribe

Breaking News: Kit Kat gives cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire a break

2009-12-07T11:05:00.001Z

How the Fairtrade Kit Kats will look. Photograph: Chris North/PA

We are really excited that today Nestlé is announcing a switch to Fairtrade for their biggest selling chocolate brand, Kit Kat. This means huge benefits going back to cocoa producers in Côte d'Ivoire, one of the poorest countries in the world. Bars carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark will be available from January 2010. Read more and let us know your thoughts here.

Media Coverage: Fairtrade move by council

2009-12-03T11:01:00.000Z

SOUTHEND Council is launching new initiatives in its moves to encourage more people to buy Fairtrade products.
The public is being urged to help producers, particularly in the third world, to get a better deal.
Events including a farmers market in the High Street and a dinner and fashion show at South East Essex College.

Read the full article on the Evening Echo website by clicking here

Business: Richardson's Cycles join Fairtrade Campaign

2009-11-20T14:48:00.001Z

Martin Wall, Dave Murray & Erik Richardson Taste Fairtrade

Richardson Cycles of Elm Road, Leigh on Sea are the latest business to lend their support to the Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town & Southend Borough Campaign.

They now stock Fairtrade Mule Bars for energy and have seen a significant rise in sales since doing so.

Erik Richardson, proprioter said "We wanted to support the campaign and looked around for suitable Fairtrade product. We found Mule Bars with the Fairtrade Mark and now stock the full range. We were pleasently surprised at the increase of sales, and the quality of the bars is frequently commented upon by our customers".

Mule have recently indicated to Richardsons that they are increasing the range of their products and they look forward to stocking these.

Great stuff Richardson's in you support of Fairtrade.

Alternativity: Christian Aid Christmas event with Fairtrade Mince Pies

2009-11-13T13:36:00.004Z

When: Thursday, 26 November at 6pm Where: St Mary's Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6LQ

This year Christian Aid is holding one of their highly successful Christmas events in Southend, at St Mary’s Prittlewell. ‘Alternativity’ will be an evening of music, stories and personal recollections from Bethlehem. Southend High School for Boys and St Mary’s Prittlewell will be performing as well as a local church music group. It promises to be a great evening. Why not encourage your congregation and friends to come along and support the work of Christian Aid?

Tickets are £5 with under 16s free, which includes Fairtrade mince pies and mulled wine. These can be obtained from Mike and Linda Mead, 01702 465443 or lmeadcforl@gmail.com

Olive wood from Beit Sahour [the Shepherd’s Fields] will be on sale. So book your tickets now to hear stories of HOPE in an often hopeless situation.

Media coverage: Big Lunch Marguerite Drive Promotes Fairtrade

2009-07-23T16:40:00.001+01:00

The above article featured in the Essex Enquirer Thursday 23 July 2009. Members of Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive & Pall Mall had fun as part of the Eden Projects Big Lunch that took part on Sunday 19^th July 2009. Fairtrade samples were given out courtesy of The Co-operative. Thanks for your support.

The Evening Echo also wrote up a fantastic piece on the Big Lunch with Fairtrade products in Leigh. Thank you Evening Echo. See the articel here http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/4502360.Community_lunch_pulls_in_crowds/

Press Release: Leigh-on-Sea join with 2 Millon Others for Big Lunch Success

2009-07-19T17:11:00.003+01:00

Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC), Marguerite Drive & Pall Mall, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex took part in the Eden Projects Big Lunch on 19th July from 12.30pm. Over 2 million people are expected to close their streets and share lunch with their neighbours. A great idea to turn streets back into neighbourhoods.

So we are LRBC, Marguerite Drive and Pall Mall in Leigh-on-Sea joined in and had fun with good food, live music from Dan Gracie of Lazarus Rose, Fairtrade Goodies & Stall provided by The Co-operative and Giant Mural Painting for anyone who felt like getting messy. Of course there was plenty of bunting to attract attention. A spot of rain for about 5 mins couldn't dampen our spirits either.

About the Big Lunch
Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive and Pall Mall in Leigh-on-Sea, made the of most of the hot weather and brought our neighbourhood together, by hosting a day to celebrate people, community and Fairtrade food at Big Lunch garden Party this past Sunday afternoon in the Leigh Road Baptist Church Garden. It was one of many street parties across the UK on Sunday 19 July. And we believe 7 in Southend-on-Sea.

The Big Lunch is the idea of the Eden Project and is a bring-your-own, open-air party giving everyone a chance to get to know their neighbours, share food and have fun. As Britain celebrates its local communities, making Fairtrade part of the Big Lunch is also a way of helping communities across the world and empowering farmers in developing countries to create their own brighter, more sustainable future through a better trade deal. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to pass the Fairtrade habit on to. As Leigh-on-Sea and Southend Borough are committed to achieving official Fairtrade Status for our Town and Borough the Big Lunch was a great opportunity to further and enjoy the cause - www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk

An Eden Project initiative with millions of events planned around the country, The Big Lunch is designed to bring about Human Warming – the glow that comes from simple acts of sharing and celebrating what it is to be human.

One of the local organisers from LRBC on Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea, David Elcock said: ‘Leigh Road Baptist Church and our surrounding streets are supporting the Big Lunch because we share the belief that ordinary people and ordinary acts do bring about positive change. By organising a simple street lunch, our streets will become more like neighbourhoods where local people love to belong and support each other. It was great to see so many people sitting down and sharing a meal together.’

For more information visit www.thebiglunch.com and for more info on Leigh and Southend's Fairtrade Campaign visit www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk and get involved.

Join in: Organise a Fairtrade Big Lunch Sunday 19th July

2009-06-30T14:33:00.002+01:00

Sunday 19 July is a day to celebrate people, community and food at Big Lunch street parties across the UK. The Big Lunch is a bring-your-own, open-air party giving everyone a chance to get to know their neighbours, share food and have fun. As Britain celebrates its local communities, making Fairtrade part of the Big Lunch means we also celebrate communities across the world and empower farmers in developing countries to create their own brighter, more sustainable future through a better trade deal. The Big Lunch is also a wonderful opportunity to pass our Fairtrade habit on to friends and neighbours!

To find out more visit the links below: And also let us know what you are doing by dropping us an email or adding a comment on this post.

Fairtrade ideas for the Big Lunch

Visit the www.thebiglunch.com website

World Fair Trade Day - Saturday 9 May

2009-05-08T16:49:00.003+01:00

Saturday 9 May is the seventh annual World Fair Trade Day, when the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO, formerly IFAT) and its members promote global awareness of fair trade. The second Saturday of May every year is a great opportunity to celebrate the 100% fair trade organisations and companies, known as Alternative Trading Organisations (AT0s).

Join with fair trade supporters around the world by holding a 100% fair trade breakfast – there’ll be breakfasts held in France, Norway, Poland, the United States and here in the UK. You could also use this as an opportunity to encourage your local European Parliamentary candidates to sign our pledge for fair trade, in advance of the European Elections on 4 June.

MEDIA COVERAGE: ENQUIRER Edwards Hall Go Bananas For Fairtrade

2009-03-13T13:38:00.007Z

Students went bananas on Friday for Fairtrade, helping to set a new world record for Fairtrade Fortnight. Pupils and staff from Edwards Hall Primary school ate over 450 fairtrade bananas together to help the UK eat in total over 390,000!

Others school's in the area such as Blenheim Primary School - Leigh, Milton Hall School - Westcliff, South East Essex College and St Nicholas - Southend also took part in the fun.

Teachers & Pupil have Fairtrade Fun at Edwards Hall Primary School

The above article was from the Enquirer 12 March 2009 edition which can be viewed in full at http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/

Blenheim Primary School - Go Bananas!

MEDIA COVERAGE: PEDAL POWER: Smoothe ride for Fairtrade

2009-03-13T12:44:00.006Z

PEDAL POWER: Councillor John Lamb on a smoothie bike with Suzie Clark supplying the fruit. Picture by Mark Cleveland

COUNCILLOR John Lamb saddled up this week to do his bit for Fairtrade Fortnight. He took a seat on a pedal-powered smoothie blender to make a drink using Fairtrade fruit. The stunt was one of a number of events to aid Southend in its bid to achieve Fair Trade status.

Read the article online at the Yellow Advertiser website http://tiny.cc/YellowAd12Mar09

Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory 2009

2009-03-05T18:50:00.006Z

Great news you can now download a PDF copy of the Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory 2009. The directory is also available in hard copy format form Southend Borough Council Procurment Offices, and will be distributed to schools, libraries, clubs, churches, faith organisiations, businesses and traders featured.

Download you copy by clicking here:

Southend Fairtrade Directory 2009

Press Release: First Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory Launched

2009-03-05T18:24:00.005Z

The first Southend Fairtrade Directory has been launched for 2009, giving up to date information on where to find Fairtrade products in our Borough. The official unveling took place at the Southend-on-Sea Civic Centre on Wednesday 4th March as part of Fairtrade Fortnight 2009.

The launch saw Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb trying out a ‘Smoothie Bike’. This was a sensational bike-powered smoothie blender – using Fairtrade ingredients of course! Councillor Lamb said: “We hope people throughout Southend right across the borough will share in Fairtrade Fortnight in a variety of ways. This is a very important stage in our bid to achieve Fairtrade status as a Borough. It is also great to unveil Southend’s new Fair Trade directory, supported by the Council.”

Readers will learn how buying Fairtrade products directly helps farmers and producers on the other side of the planet.

Latest figures show that Fairtrade sales continued to rise until mid-2008.
Sales of Fairtrade products for April to June 2008 grew by 55% from an estimated retail value of £113 million to £176m in the same period last year.
· Volume increased by 42% in food alone. (Volume is the best indicator of the amount of Fairtrade premiums that go back to producer groups to spend on community development projects, such as classrooms and clinics).
Sugar sales increased in volume by 467%, an increase in sales value from £10m to almost £24m.
Items made with Fairtrade cotton increased by 323% from 1.4 million units to 6 million units.
Tea grew in volume by 186%, an increase in sales value from just under £7m to almost £16m.
According to recent TNS figures, Fairtrade certified foods have increased their market penetration 61% to 70% over the last year (from 15.2 m households to 17.5 m). That means an extra 2.3 m households now purchase Fairtrade certified food products.

However, the figures have been welcomed with caution by Fairtrade campaigners who feel that the current economic climate may become tougher for Fairtrade producers as 2009 progresses.

The directory is sponsored by The Co-operative retail group. The impact of supermarkets on the High Street is greater than ever and the Co-op have been instrumental in giving consumers a Fairtrade choice on UK High Streets.

The Co-operative’s Fairtrade Development Manager, Brad Hill, said:
“We are proud to be once again sponsoring the Fairtrade Directories, which fulfil an important role raising local awareness and knowledge of Fairtrade and its benefits. The Co-operative has been a leading supporter of Fairtrade for many years, and continues to stock the widest available range of Fairtrade products. We are looking forward to continuing that commitment during 2009 and beyond.”

The 2009 directory will also showcase the huge range of Fairtrade products now on offer which cover everything from wine to soap.

Journalist and Broadcaster George Alagiah is patron of the Fairtrade Foundation and has written the foreword for the 2009 directory.

“For each of the 7.5 million people – the farmers, workers and their families – who currently benefit from Fairtrade, there are countless others who still languish in poverty. But you can make a difference. Fairtrade can create hope and opportunities, and enables people to work their way out of poverty. Choose Fairtrade and make it happen”.

The UK Fairtrade directories cover 16 areas across the UK. David Elcock, Member of the Leigh-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea Borough Fairtrade Campaign says:

"Since March 2006 there has been a campaign to raise awareness of Fairtrade within the Borough of Southend-on-Sea. It's been great to see more and more business, traders, restaurants and individuals support the cause over the years. It's testament to the fact that our shopping choices do make a difference to the lives of less fortunate people across the world. Keep on choosing Fairtrade"

A copy of the directory can also be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here:

Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Directory 2009

ENDS

CONTACTS:
For further information on local events please contact local Fairtrade Co-Ordinator
David Elcock
Tel: 07967 010261
info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk

For general press queries please contact Marc Leverton (of Faragher Jones)
marcleverton@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 07952 928112

Fairtrade press images are available to download here:
The Fairtrade Foundation:
www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources

Media Coverage: Southend Radio 105.1FM Website of the Day!

2009-03-05T15:08:00.005Z

James O'Neill of Southend Radio 105.1fm has made Go Bananas for Fairtrade website of the day today. Gemma Steptoe emailed James the website address - well done James and Gemma. Thank you for your support. Vist the Southend Radio website to see http://www.southendradio.com/onair/page.asp?id=6

Today's Website Of The Day: Go Bananas For Fairtrade! As part of Fair Trade Fortnight, there's a world record attempt for the most number of people to eat a banana. All you have to do is eat a 'nana between noon on Friday 6th and noon on Saturday 7th March, and register that you've done it. You'll literally put yourself on the map! Plus there's banana related fun, including merchandise, downloads, and recipes, and lots of banana facts.

Media Coverage: Yellow Advertiser reports on Go Bananas for Fairtrade

2009-03-05T13:55:00.005Z

GOING BANANAS: Jane Brookes, Alan Cook, Christine Hayhurst, Steve Hembury, Ruth Rotherham and Elizabeth Davis have a banana to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. Picture by Mark Cleveland

By Karen Davis
SOUTHEND and Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Network is joining forces with other networks across the UK to encourage everyone to eat a Fairtrade banana between noon on Friday and Saturday. More than 90,000 people have already signed up and it is hoped a world record will be broken to mark the end of Fairtrade Fortnight. To take part in Go Bananas for Fairtrade, go to www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas. For more information go to www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk Thefacts: - More than 4,500 products carry the Fairtrade mark, which acts as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers in 59 developing countries are getting a better deal. - Some banana plantation workers earn less than £1 a day. - One in four bananas eaten in the UK is Fairtrade.

Read the article in full at Yellow Advertiser by clicking here

Media Coverage: Echo Women Fairtrade Feature

2009-03-04T19:48:00.005Z

James Kershshaw of Southend's Evening Echo was recently in contact with Fairtrade campainers across the Borough in attempt to highlight the Fairtrade Movement in Fairtrade Fortnight 09. James' great article can be downloaded here as a PDF or some of the article can be viewed on the Echo website here http://tiny.cc/EchoWomen09

View the full PDF by clicking here

Great News! Cadbury Dairy Milk commits to going Fairtrade

2009-03-04T19:35:00.003Z

We are exited to let you know that Cadbury Dairy Milk is to receive Fairtrade certification by late summer 2009.

This groundbreaking move is a significant boost to the Fairtrade movement and its farmers. It will result in the tripling of sales of cocoa under Fairtrade terms for small farmers in Ghana. This will increase Fairtrade income for existing Fairtrade certified groups as well as providing opportunities for thousands more farmers to benefit from the Fairtrade system.

Joining Fairtrade is part of Cadbury's ongoing commitment to ethical trade and very much in keeping with our company heritage. The Cadbury family first established our relationship with Ghana 100 years ago. A year ago they created the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership - a £45 million investment over the next ten years to secure the sustainable socio-economic future of cocoa farming in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean. Now with Fairtrade certification of Cadbury Dairy Milk they are continuing to strengthen their approach.

Todd Stitzer CEO of Cadbury Plc was in Ghana last month and saw how vital it is that they support their farmers and the communities in which they live. Everyone has the right to expect a certain standard of living, and they believe that by joining forces with the Fairtrade Foundation, they can further improve conditions for farmers and farming communities. And, of course, what's good for the farmers is also good for our consumers and their business.

For more information visit http://tiny.cc/CadburyFairtrade

Watch a flim about this on the BBC Newsround website at http://tiny.cc/BBCNewsround

Press Release: Make it Happen. Choose Fair Trade

2009-02-26T10:50:00.005Z

Volunteers from Leigh Road Baptist get ready for Go Bananas for Fairtrade

A host of fun and thought-provoking activities are taking place in Southend to celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight.

On Wednesday 4th March, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb will be trying out a ‘Smoothie Bike’ at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend. This is a sensational bike-powered smoothie blender – using Fair Trade ingredients of course!

Councillor Lamb says: “We hope people throughout Southend right across the borough will share in Fair Trade fortnight in a variety of ways. This is a very important stage in our bid to achieve Fair Trade status. There will be a series of displays and leaflets in the foyer at the Civic Centre too, and Southend’s new Fair Trade directory, supported by the Council, will be unveiled.”

Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Network are also encouraging everyone to Go Bananas! For Fairtrade Fortnight

They are joining with other Fairtrade Networks across Britain to ask individuals, businesses, schools, churches, mosques, organisations in the borough to pledge to eat a Fairtrade banana between noon on Friday 6th March and noon on Saturday 7th March to set a world record. Members of the Southend and Leigh steering groups will be taking part. To view the special animation as part of this World Record bid, to take part in Go Bananas for Fairtrade, and to pledge your support online, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas

Meanwhile, Blenheim Primary School, in Blenheim Chase, Leigh, has enlisted a chef to teach the children Fairtrade recipes. Belfairs High School, in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, is featuring displays and assemblies – including a film about Fairtrade Footballs. Milton Hall School in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff, is holding a cake-making competition. All recipes will be collated and made into a Fairtrade recipe book. The school is also joining the banana eating world record attempt, and pupils will be dressing up in yellow on Friday 6th March.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Fairtrade Champion Councillor Ted Lewin says: “We are absolutely delighted so much is planned for Fairtrade fortnight, and that we are nearing our goal of becoming a Fairtrade Borough. We are also inviting community groups and residents to support Southend’s continuing efforts in this direction. We welcome new members of the steering group. Contact Dave Levy on 01702 215000 for more details.”

Notes to Journalists:
1. Southend-on-Sea Borough and Leigh-on-Sea Town are both campaigning to achieve Fairtrade Status. More information is available at www.southendfairtradenetwork.org.uk and www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk
2. The FAIRTRADE Mark guarantees that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal. Today, more than 7.5 million people – farmers, workers and their families – across 59 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.
3. Journalists, photographers and broadcasters are invited to attend the following photocall.

DATE: Wednesday 4th March
TIME: 11am
PLACE: Ground Floor, Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend
EVENT: Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise,Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb is trying out a ‘Smoothie Bike’ – a bike-powered blender – as part of the activities across the borough celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight
CONTACT NAME: The Media and Communications Team on 01702 215505

ENDS

For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702 215505 or email media@southend.gov.uk

Press Release: Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Network encourage the Borough to Go Bananas! For Fairtrade Fortnight

2009-02-24T14:50:00.004Z

THE Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Network encourage the Borough to Go Bananas! For Fairtrade Fortnight. They are joining with other Fairtrade Networks across the UK to ask individuals, businesses, schools, churches, organisations in the borough to pledge to eat a Fairtrade banana between noon on Friday 6 and noon on Saturday 7 March to set a world record. Members of the Southend and Leigh-on-Sea steering groups will be taken part. Will your readers, organistations andbusinesses join them.

The idea was formed by the Fairtrade Foundation who teamed up with ethical marketing agency Feel, to create a humorous rap animation that appeals to younger people. The animation, Rapping Bananas, will be featured across a range of social websites with seeding expertise from 7th Chamber. Targeted at 16 to 24 year olds, the short animation is being launched to encourage young people to take part in the Go Bananas for Fairtrade action this Fairtrade Fortnight (23 February – 8 March).

The track used in the animation is Matt Helders’ remix of the Roots Manuva classic Again and Again and has been donated by the artists to support Fairtrade.

Go Bananas for Fairtrade involves people pledging to eat a Fairtrade banana between noon on Friday 6 and noon on Saturday 7 March to set a world record. Over 90,000 people are already signed up and thousands of events are expected to take place across the UK.
Giles Robertson, Interim Marketing Director at the Fairtrade Foundation said: “Feel have created a unique piece of entertainment that will appeal to young people. Our campaign, Go Bananas for Fairtrade, aims to highlight the straightforward support people can give to farmers and workers by choosing Fairtrade bananas. It’s the perfect fit for the finale of our Fairtrade Fortnight campaign when we hope to drive sales and encourage people to find out more about Fairtrade”.

Rapping Bananas views like a music promo and plays on MTV and rap band clichés featuring a group of three bananas rapping about their struggle to become accepted against a background of cool cars, moody alleyways and bling. Roots Manuva said: “I hope this use of my track helps send a message to everyone that by supporting Fairtrade you can get people a fairer deal. Let’s start the revolution by eating Fairtrade bananas.”

To view the animation and take part in Go Bananas for Fairtrade, and to pledge your support online visit www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors
1. The FAIRTRADE Mark is a certification mark and a registered trademark of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) of which the Fairtrade Foundation is the UK member. The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent certification body which licenses the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products which meet international Fairtrade standards. This independent consumer label is now recognised by 70% of UK consumers and appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers are getting a better deal. Today, more than 7.5 million people – farmers, workers and their families – across 59 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.

2. Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark including coffee, tea, herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, apples, pears, plums, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, satsumas, clementines, mandarins, lychees, coconuts, dried fruit, juices, smoothies, biscuits, cakes & snacks, honey, jams & preserves, chutney & sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs & spices, seeds, nuts & nut oil, wines, beers, rum, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt, ice-cream, flowers, sports balls, sugar body scrub and cotton products including clothing, homeware, cloth toys & cotton wool.

3. 7 in 10 households purchase Fairtrade goods, including an extra 2.3 million more households in the last year alone, helping Fairtrade sales reach an estimated half a billion pounds (approx £493m) in 2007, a 72% increase on the previous year. By the end of 2007 there were over 430 producer organisations selling to the UK and 632 certified producer groups globally, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers.

4. The dates for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 are 23 February to 8 March

5. Roots Manuva will be performing in London in mid-February.

6. There are 57 certified producer groups in ten countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa supplying Fairtrade bananas to twenty countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

7. Fairtrade minimum prices are calculated to at least cover average local costs of production - this price can be over double what producers would normally receive.

8. Fairtrade bananas were launched in 1994, and now one in four bananas sold in the UK is Fairtrade.

9. The banana is the most popular fruit in the world - people spend over £10 billion a year on the fruit globally.

10. While banana sales and demand soar, prices have plummeted, having a devastating effect on banana producers. In November 1997, bananas cost an average of £1.08 per kg in UK supermarkets. In June 2008 that price was as low as 50p per kg.

11. The majority of banana plantation workers do not earn enough to live and support their families – some earn less than £1 per day.

Goals for Fairtrade footballs

2009-02-10T15:53:00.003Z

The Southend Church Football League (SCFL), which was formed for the 2008-09 season, has recently purchased match-quality Fairtrade leather footballs for all league matches. The league currently features church teams from all across the area.

Dan Crook, founder of the league, said, “When we found that we could buy match-ball-quality Fairtrade balls for only a small percentage more than regular balls, we changed our preference. We feel that a simple decision like this can make such a difference to the treatment and wages of workers in the developing world. What’s more, the balls are great!”

For more details on the SCFL visit http://www.thesouthendchurchfootballleague.co.uk/

To find out where you can purchase Fairtrade balls, visit the Fair Deal Trading at http://www.fairdealtrading.com/ Please also lobby your local sports shop to stock Fairtrade balls. We are hoping that Original Sports in Leigh will stock them - drop them an email at www.originalsports.co.uk to encourage them to stock them.

Also if you have 8 minutes please watch this excellent film that explains about Fairtrade Footballs by Teachers.TV

Churches: February 2009 Newsletter

2009-02-03T14:14:00.003Z

Fairtrade Fortnight - 23 February - 8 March
Plans for Fairtrade Fortnight are well underway - read about the Great Trade Debates taking place around the UK,
check whether there is a producer partner visiting your area and get ideas for events you can organise from our action guides. Download these and other new resources, including our event guides, quizzes, web banners from here.
Don't forget to promote your events through the online calendar on the Fairtrade Foundation website and keep an eye on the website to find details of how you can enter the Fairtrade Fortnight Awards to win a prize for your Fairtrade Church, Diocese or other grouping. Please also send any details of events to the Leigh and Southend campaign, details below.

Go bananas for Fairtrade - 6 March - 7 March
Get your church involved in the Go Bananas for Fairtrade event - helping us break the world record for the most people eating a Fairtrade banana over a 24 hour period.
Read more about why Fairtrade bananas are important and register to take part here. Don't forget to order inflatable bananas, T-shirts and more to make your event a huge success.

Do you already use Fairtrade Coffee/Tea/Sugar and Communion Wine at your Church?

Please let us know – we can add you to our website and into our online directory.
Did you know that your church can register to be an Official Fairtrade Church and receive a pack and certificates to help you promote and celebrate your achievement? Visit this link to find out more: Become a Fairtrade Church. There are also links to Worship resources and creative ideas to include Fairtrade in your church below.
Since our last Church e-newsletter in the October 2008 it is exciting to hear that more churches in our area have registered with the Fairtrade Foundation. Great stuff. We know there are many more churches which use Fairtrade – just register with the Fairtrade Foundation and let us know too!
Registered Churches:
St Saviour's C of E
St Mary's
St Luke's
Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church
Crowstone St Georges URC
Cornerstone URC
Southchurch Park URC
Bridgewater Drive URC
Avenue Baptist
St Mary the Virgin
St Stephen's Church
Whittingham Avenue Methodist Church
Christ Church C of E
Leigh Road Baptist Church
West Leigh Baptist Church
Eastwood Baptist Church

Shhhh! NO Don't keep it quiet.
Publicise your events that use Fairtrade
If you have any events coming up where Fairtrade products will be served, used or sold – please let us know. We can help your church with promoting the event via our website www.leighfairtrade.org.uk just email info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk with your news and events. That goes for all of Southend too!

Traidcraft worship resources
Download the new worship resources from Traidcraft - and find out how Fairtrade is making it happen for mango farmers in India. Packed with prayers, reflections, sermon material, event ideas, children's activities, a PowerPoint presentation, and a DVD featuring the farmers' story, the pack has all you need to get your congregation really involved in Fairtrade Fortnight.
You can find more prayers and download lectionary readings for Fairtrade Fortnight on www.fairtrade.org.uk/faiths

Fairtrade and Trade Justic
You buy Fairtrade products, why not go one step further?
We need to change the unfair trade rules that keep them in poverty. The European Union is now pushing for unfair trade deals with over 100 countries which will put big business above the interests of people in developing countries.
Find out more and order briefings and postcards to ask the new EU trade commissioner to stop pushing unfair trade deals on poor countries here.

TV: Film Black Gold showing Tuesday 3 February, 10:00 PM on More 4

2009-02-03T12:06:00.006Z

BLACK GOLD UK TV Screening
Tuesday 03 February, 10:00 PM on More 4

"EXCELLENT - angry, good-humoured and essential" - The Observer

The award-winning film BLACK GOLD will be shown on Tuesday 03 February, 10:00 PM on More 4

As the screening is the result of a last minute change of schedule, it may not appear in media listings.

Black Gold is an eye-opening expose of the multi-billion dollar coffee industry and traces one man's fight for a fair price. More info can be found at http://www.blackgold.channel4.com/ and the Film's website http://www.blackgoldmovie.com/.

Please let your friends and those interested know.

Event: Good For Leigh Fair 7th February 2009, 11-4pm

2009-02-02T11:23:00.002Z

Leigh-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea Fairtrade Campaigns will be present at the Good For Leigh Fair on Saturday 7th February 2009, 11-4pm at Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea.

There will be Fair Trade Tearcraft gift items available as well as Fair Trade goods from local business www.ambanature.co.uk

There will also be details on Fairtrade and how you can get involved and support the campaign.

It's an event not to be missed! Pop in and say hello.

NEWS: LEIGH SALON FIRST TO JOIN FAIR CUT CAMPAIGN

2009-01-31T14:34:00.001Z

By Greg Taylor

A NEW Fairtrade scheme has been launched called the “Fair Cut Campaign.” It is aimed at hairdressers and beauticians around the Borough of Southend.

The scheme has been set up to encourage salons to serve Fairtrade coffee or tea to their customers while they are waiting. If the salon agrees to commit to serving Fairtrade products they will be awarded an exclusive poster to display, showing they are fully participating in the campaign.

They will also be encouraged to provide leaflets on their magazine tables to help inform customers about the Fairtrade movement.

Hair (221-223, Leigh Road, SS9 1JA, 01702 472472) a unisex salon established for over 30 years who serve, adults and children with their 15 stylists were the first to sign up to the Fair Cut Campaign in September 2008.

Terry Abbot owner of Hair said, “At Hair we are proud to be associated with the Fair Cut Campaign, by offering our clients Fairtrade coffee and tea. It’s easy for us to do and it makes such a difference.” He went on to say: “Our customers think it tastes great too!”.

It is estimated that there are over 120 hair and beauty salons in the borough, Hair has hopefully started a trend leading to more salons joining the scheme. If you need more info on converting your salon please visit www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk or email info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk. If your salon is outside of Leigh-on-Sea you can take part too - please email info@southendfairtradenetwork.org.uk for more info.

We can help you find suppliers of Fairtrade products and together start making a real difference.

Profile: Leigh-on-Sea's My Kitchen is interviewed about their commitment to Fairtrade

2009-01-31T14:05:00.001Z

Name: Stuart Hann - Owner
Name of business: My Kitchen, 80 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1BZ
Bookings: 01702 719222, www.mykitchen.org.uk
Opening times: Tuesday 10am – 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 10pm, Sunday 10 – 4pm. Booking is always advisable.

Can you tell us a bit about your business?
We opened on the 11 October 2008 and are a fully licensed vegetarian restaurant. Where possible we source fresh local produce, organic and Fairtrade. We offer freshly cooked to order wholesome vegetarian food.

When did you start selling Fairtrade and what products do you sell?
We have been selling and serving Fairtrade products from the first day we opened. We serve Fairtrade Coffee, Tea and use Fairtrade Sugar and ingredients where possible. Our My Kitchen t-shirt uniforms are also made from Fairtrade Cotton.

Why is it important to you to sell Fairtrade products?
My Kitchen wants to have impact – not only with tremendous food and dining for our customers but also in the way we run our business. We try our best to make ethical decisions in our purchasing. We know that choosing Fairtrade products is one way of doing this as well as sourcing from local suppliers. We don’t want our profit to be at someone else’s loss.

How has your business changed as a result of selling Fairtrade?
This is something that we have always done and always will do. It may in some instances cost us a little more – but the effect it has for the Third World producers makes it so worth the extra cost. We also hope that these choices we make on behalf of our customers adds to the My Kitchen experience of good honest vegetarian food.

Have you seen an increase in the number of people buying Fairtrade?
We have been asked if our Coffee and Tea is Fairtrade and it is always pleasing to be able to report back in the positive. We certainly have noticed an increase in availability of Fairtrade ingredients, this must be due to people power demanding Fairtrade products and then voting with their wallets.

How did you get involved and what standards/goals to you have to meet to be able to sell Fairtrade?
When shopping for ingredients for the My Kitchen menu we actively search out the Fairtrade Mark. We were excited to hear about the campaign to make Leigh on Sea and now Southend official Fairtrade Towns and will continue to support at special events and promotion within the our restaurant wherever possible.

What other ways do you support Fairtrade – fundraising etc?
We will place the official Fairtrade ‘Open/Close’ door swinger in our window. And promote Fairtrade on our menu and through information available in the restaurant.

Have you had a lot of support from the local community/council etc?
It is good to see the website www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk is updated with wholesale suppliers of Fairtrade products. This proves really useful for sourcing Fairtrade items at the right price and where certain ingredients are hard to find.

Media Coverage: Baptist Focus Magazine documents Leigh Road Baptist Church's involvement in Fairtrade

2009-01-22T15:49:00.000Z

Focus the Eastern Baptist Association magazine features a small piece of news about Leigh Road Baptist Church's involvement in the November 2008 Fairtrade Fair. Well done LRBC for raising awarensss with other churches across the Region.

Fairtrade event for those who commute to London from Southend

2009-01-14T17:08:00.003Z

Fairtrade Fortnight Lunch Talk Monday 23rd February @ 1pm
Venue; Christian Aid, Interchurch House, Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RT
Nearest tube :Waterloo

Cocoa Farmers celebrating ten years of success with the support of Christian Aid
Come and meet two cocoa farmers from Ghana, who are members of the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative which co-owns Divine Chocolate.

Two farmers from Kuapa Kokoo are flying over to the UK to help Divine celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight and to spread the message about Fairtrade – and Christian Aid is an important stopover on their tour. This is your opportunity to meet, talk with, and hear the stories of cocoa farmers first hand. It is these encounters that really bring home the significant impact Fairtrade can have and the power we have as consumers to really make change happen.

Christian Aid helped start the Divine Chocolate company and has been a great support from the beginning. Ten years ago tens of thousands of Christian Aid supporters played a crucial part in getting Divine Fairtrade chocolate stocked all over the country – a major boost that set it on its way to being the success it is today.

It’s a fantastic achievement – but it is just the beginning and the challenges are still great, especially in today’s economic climate. So Christian Aid supporters are once again using their consumer power in a new ‘stock the choc’ campaign in 2009.

As well as speaking, Divine will be offering free samples of chocolate to everyone who attends.

More about the farmers
Mr James Mensah, aged 41, is Kuapa Kokoo’s Area President for the Enchi region. He is also a Recorder; a highly respected role which is of vital importance to the structure and organisation of Kuapa Kokoo. Only those who are trusted across the community and are fellow farmers are elected to take on the role of a Recorder which involves accurately weighing the cocoa and paying farmers the correct price accordingly. Mr Mensah is married with two children.
Mr James Adiyiah, aged 62, is the Recorder for the Kokofu community. He is married with seven children. He and his family have benefited greatly from Kuapa and Fairtrade – he has been able to educate his children, several of whom are now studying at university. His community has also seen some real benefits. A number of local women have received financial loans via Kuapa which they have invested in soap-making and tie-dye cottage industries. Encouraging women’s empowerment through investing in diversification schemes such as these remain key to Kuapa Kokoo’s ethos.

Starbucks Coffee Company announces that by the end of 2009, all of its espresso coffee drinks in the UK and Ireland will be both Fairtrade certified

2008-12-01T14:21:00.003Z

Today, Wednesday 26 November, Starbucks Coffee Company announced that by the end of 2009, all of its espresso coffee drinks in the UK and Ireland will be both Fairtrade certified and sourced to their own Shared Planet quality and sustainability criteria.

This announcement follows on from the news that Starbucks is doubling its global purchases of Fairtrade Certified coffee in 2009, from around 20 million pounds (in weight) this year, to 40 million in 2009. This commitment is likely to benefit around 100,000 small scale farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Starbucks first began to source Fairtrade coffee in 2000, and first offered Fairtrade certified coffee in the UK in March 2002. More recently this has been available as a filter brewed option under the Cafe Estima Blend, which will also continue to be served in Starbucks coffee shops. The big difference is that all those lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, which constitute the vast majority of the coffees they serve, will also be Fairtrade before the end of next year.

All of the coffee involved in this development will come from small scale farmer co-operatives. For some, this will increase the volumes of Fairtrade certified coffee producers are already selling to Starbucks. It may also mean that existing Fairtrade certified co-operatives will have the opportunity to start selling to Starbucks, and also to join the Shared Planet programme. There may also be small farmer organisations selling to Starbucks but not yet in the system who will have the opportunity to become Fairtrade certified.

This means that Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International is now a formal partner in the Starbucks Shared Planet programme, reinforcing their ethical sourcing commitment with our robust standards, independent certification and producer support programmes - and of course the independent guarantee of the FAIRTRADE Mark. On the ground, it also means that more Fairtrade farmers' groups will be able to access the services of Starbucks farmer support centres, including two new ones being established in Rwanda and Ethiopia.

To find out more, please visit www.fairtrade.org.uk

We'd also like to share with you a comment on this development from a Fairtrade partner. Carlos Vargas Leiton is the Finance Manager of Coopetarrazu in Costa Rica, a Fairtrade certified co-op of 2,600 farmers including 457 women who are the sole providers for their families.

"This initiative gives us peace of mind, because it includes a long-term commitment to purchase significant volumes of our coffee with guaranteed minimum prices and Fairtrade premiums. Now we can plan for the future with more confidence, investing in environmental and social programmes to improve the wellbeing of our members and communities, such as health, education and other initiatives to benefit women and farm workers, with a direct impact on more than 50,000 people."

Please do pass this news on to your friends, neighbors and networks. We will continue to keep you informed on this partnership as it develops.

Photos from First Fairtrade Fair November 1st 2008

2008-11-24T21:28:00.003Z

Although a little wet due to the weather outside the first Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Fair was great fun with so much to see, do, taste, paint, wear, watch, and discover about Fairtrade. Thank you to all the people that volunteered their time and those companies that sponsored stalls, The Co-operative Membership, The Co-operative Food, www.fairtradevending.co.uk, Christian Aid, Tearcraft, Tradecraft, www.ambanature.co.uk, Leigh Road Baptist Church, Belfairs Media College & Gwen Cook Cakes.

Take a scroll through the photos above to see what happened.

Media: Evening Echo Reports Plenty of fun at Leigh fair promoting Fairtrade goods

2008-11-04T17:38:00.003Z

FAIRTRADE Fashion was just one of the treats on offer at a fair in Leigh on 1st November.

Visitors were able to take part in a selection of games, shop at stalls and take advantage of facepainting at the Fairtrade Fair held at Leigh Community Centre, in Elm Road.

A range of Fairtrade food was also on sale as well as items to taste and sip.

The event was held to raise awareness of Fairtrade products, which guarantees a better deal for third world producers.

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/3815359.Plenty_of_fun_at_Leigh_fair_promoting_Fairtrade_goods/

FAIRTRADE FAIR - SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2008

2008-10-30T14:44:00.002Z

Join Us!

1-4pm, LEIGH COMMUNITY CENTRE, ELM ROAD, LEIGH

A group of volunteers from Leigh on Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign have organised a fun Fairtrade Fair on Saturday 1st November from 1-4pm. It will be great event and we hope to have many activities - from a Fairtrade ‘Cotton on the Catwalk’ Mini Fashion Show – with Kids Garments For Sale, Fairtrade Cakes, Un-Fair Games, Wine Tasting, Fairtrade Product sampling, Poster Exhibition, Fairtrade Produce for sale, Face painting, Mini Fairtrade Cinema, Exhibition Stands, Tearfund Stall, Christian Aid Stall, Christmas Gifts, Doy Bags, The Co-operative, Fairtrade Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream, Fairtrade Vending and much more…

Help us to raise awareness of the Fairtrade Mark that guarantees a better deal for Third World producers. This event is part of a campaign to convert Leigh-on-Sea and the Borough of Southend into official Fairtrade areas. Help us MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Wholesale Cotton: Quail - Ethical, Fairtrade and organic ladies fashion designed and made in the UK.

2008-10-30T14:00:00.001Z

The Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign is always on the look out for wholesale suppliers that provide attractive Fairtrade clothing – that we think would appeal to the many independent boutiques we have in our town.

We know that you need to buy at wholesale prices to make supplying Fairtrade products to your customers cost effective,

We have recently been talking with Quail who provide beautiful Ethical, Fairtrade and organic ladies fashion designed and made in the UK.

Take a look at the downloadable look book to see what’s on offer and contact Shauna below for more info.

Shauna Chapman
Founder, Quail
Mobile: 07966 876539
www.quailbymail.co.uk
Ethical, Fairtrade and organic ladies fashion designed and made in the UK.

Media: Discussion about Fairtrade on Southend Radio (105.1 fm) tomorrow at 11am

2008-10-21T11:10:00.001+01:00

Dave Levy of Southend Borough Council is being interviewed about Fairtrade in Southend and Leigh, by Tracie Young on 22/10/2008. Please listen in if you can!
You can also listen online at www.southendradio.com
PS Don't forget the Fairtrade Fair on 1st November at Leigh Community Centre, 1-4pm.

Poster for Fairtrade Fair 1st Nov 08 - Help us publicise the event

2008-10-17T15:32:00.004+01:00

Click image to download the poster

Help us get as many people along to our fantastic Fairtrade Fair, 1^st November 2008, Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, Leigh from 1-4pm.

Please print off and display this poster everywhere you can – in shop windows, in your business staff room, on your church notice board.

Add information into your in-house newsletters and events diaries – spread the word. It’s going to be a great event with, activities for all ages and things to do and buy.

Help us raise awareness of Fairtrade, guaranteeing a better deal for Third World producers.

Church: October 2008 Newsletter

2008-10-17T14:41:00.003+01:00

Fairtrade Saturday Morning event at Belfairs Methodist Church

Did you know there was a Leigh & Southend Fairtrade Town/Borough campaign?
The campaign to promote the Fairtrade cause through converting Leigh-on-Sea to an official Fairtrade Town has been rolling for about 2 years and we have made some fantastic headway. The great news is that Southend Borough has now been re-invigorated to join in and is now also campaigning to become a Fairtrade Borough. Find out more about Fairtrade by visiting www.fairtrade.org.uk and www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk

Fairtrade Fair 1st November 2008
Please tell you congregations about our Fairtrade Fair event taking place 1st November 2008 at Leigh Community Centre Road
A group of volunteers from Leigh on Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign have organised a fun Fairtrade Fair on Saturday 1st November from 1-4pm. Please will you help us to publicise this on your notice boards, and including details in your news sheets and in your announced notices on Sunday?
It will be great event and we hope to have many activities - from a Fairtrade ‘Cotton on the Catwalk’ Mini Fashion Show, Fairtrade Cakes, Un-Fair Games, Wine Tasting, Fairtrade Product sampling, Poster Exhibition, Fairtrade Produce for sale, Face painting, Mini Fairtrade Cinema, Exhibition Stands, Fairtrade Smoothies, Tearfund Stall, Christmas Gifts, Doy Bags and much more…
Visit www.fairtradeleigh.org.uk for more information.

Do you already use Fairtrade Coffee/Tea/Sugar and Communion Wine at your Church?
Please let us know – we can add you to our website and into our online directory.
Did you know that your church can register to be an Official Fairtrade Church and receive a pack and certificates to help you promote and celebrate your achievement. Visit this link to find out more: Become a Fairtrade Church.

Those Churches that we know of that have already registered with Fairtrade Foundation:
Leigh Road Baptist Church, Leigh

We know there are many more churches which use Fairtrade – just register with the Fairtrade Foundation and let us know too!
Publicise your events that use FairtradeIf you have any events coming up where Fairtrade products will be served, used or sold – please let us know. We can help your church with promoting the event via our website www.leighfairtrade.org.uk just email info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk with your news and events.

Book the date in your diary! November 1st 2008

2008-09-17T20:33:00.002+01:00

Book the date in your diary - 1st November 2008 - Leigh Community Center. We will be holding a mini Fairtrade Festival from 1pm to 4pm. All are welcome. Please check back soon for details of what fun can be expected on the day - whilst supporting Fairtrade.

Fairtrade Leigh Campaign at Good For Leigh Trader Launch Night

2008-09-17T20:24:00.004+01:00

A new campaign for businesses and residents to take pride in Leigh will be launched in the new year called 'Good For Leigh'. However before that there is a traders evening on 10th October to launch the scheme to businesses in Leigh.

Leigh on Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign will be there with a stall. We will be asking traders what Fairtrade products they already sell and if not asking them to sign up to stock some - or convert their workplace. If you are attend in the launch - be sure to come and say hello to us on our stall.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 dates announced.

2008-09-17T20:21:00.001+01:00

The dates for Fairtrade Fortnight next year are 23 February - 9 March 2009. Watch this space for special events in Leigh and across the Borough.

Fairtrade Cotton Designer Bag for Leigh

2008-06-16T12:39:00.005+01:00

A bag similar to this will be created - but not this one.

The Evening Echo newspaper announced today our plans to launch a designer Fairtrade Cotton shopping bag for Leigh Shoppers. We are on the look out for shops/businesses or organisations who have committed to the Fairtrade Town Campaign by using or stocking at least two different items that carry the Fairtrade Mark. This could be Coffee/Tea and Fruit Juices in your staff room or by carrying products on your shelves.

Those that qualify are invited to sponsor a square with their company logo on one side of the bag to help fund the cost of production. The reverse side of the bag will have a funky attractive design - a must have for those stylish people living in Leigh. The bag will then be available in outlets across Leigh that carry Fairtrade items for purchase at a minimal cost. Funds raised will help support the campaign.

If you are a business who would like to help with this idea or have their logo featured on the bag - please email us on info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk It is also great publicity for your business/retail outlet!

To read the Echo Article please vist the link below:

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/leigh/leighnews/display.var.2329751.0.buy_a_designer_bag.php

Southend moves towards Fairtrade status

2008-05-23T18:50:00.002+01:00

The Evening Echo newspaper reports Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s desire to achieve Fairtrade status for the borough. This is great news, and hopefully by working together we can achieve this. To read the article visit http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local/display.var.2288183.0.0.php

Wholesaler directory for Fairtrade products

2008-05-08T10:44:00.006+01:00

Recently Maureen and Helen from the Fairtrade Leigh campaign visited businesses and shops along the Leigh Road. They did this to see which Fairtrade products were already stocked and to raise awareness of the campaign.

Those businesses that currently stocked two or more Fairtrade mark products will be awarded official Leigh on Sea Fairtrade status. They will be added to our on line directory of official stockists and awarded the prestigious Fairtrade Leigh open/closed door sign to display. They will also be included in press releases celebrating their commitment to the Fairtrade cause.

As we visited the shops the response was fantastic, however many were not sure where they could source wholesale Fairtrade goods from. Never fear help is here.

Click on the links below to be taken to our on line directory of wholesalers who supply Fairtrade products.

Catering products

Recipes

Retail products

Wholesale suppliers

It's Fairtrade Fortnight - Roll Up! Roll Up!

2008-02-25T13:10:00.005Z

So it's the first day of Fairtrade Fortnight. Let us know your Fairtrade happenings and reports from your events. Or even the responses you get from shop keepers when you request Fairtrade products. Use the email address info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk to contact us of the comments box on this post.

Hey! for those of you Leigh people that commute to London every day - did you check out the Fairtrade Fornight Fun Fair. It would be great to hear what it was like. Did you visit with your friends, work colleagues or families. Why not write a review in the comments box below or email us.

Fairtrade Fortnight Coming Soon!

2008-02-17T01:09:00.003Z

Fairtrade Fortnight is close approaching. From 25 Feb - 9 March we hope to be joining with people across the UK in raising awareness of the Fairtrade cause.

Look out for special offers and events in your local Co-Operative Food Store. Find them on the Leigh Road, Broadway and London Road Leigh. Also check out the offers in other local shops and stores.

Remember to ask for Fairtrade products when buying things like, coffee, tea, sugar etc in any of Leigh's wonderful coffee shops, cafes and restaurants.

If you are business based in Leigh why not ask if the Staff room can become a Fairtrade zone where only Fairtrade coffee and teas is available.

Let us know of any events/activities/offers that your organisation is up to. We can publicise any Fairtrade happenings on this website. email info@fairtradeleigh.org.uk with your news.

Happy Fairtrade Christmas

2007-12-18T01:24:00.000Z

Happy Fairtrade Christmas

Thank you for your continuedsupport for Fairtrade. Lets make 2007 when Leigh -on-Sea becomes and official Fairtrade Town!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

From the Leigh Fairtrade Action Group

Event: Visit us at Leigh Lights Switch-on

2007-11-20T14:35:00.000Z

You will find us and our stand at the Leigh Lights Switch-on. We will have info on Fairtrade, samples from The Co-Operative Food - Leigh Broadway and will be sharing our patch with the Salvation Army Leigh Corps who will be giving away Fairtrade Coffee and Tea.

So come along enjoy the fun and festivities and pledge your support to convert our town to Fairtrade.

Date: Friday 30th November
Time: 4.30 - 7.30pm
Venue: The Bus Stop on Broadway West, Leigh.

See you there! Have a Fairtrade Christmas Leigh!

Fairtrade Leigh at church gathering

2007-10-23T18:11:00.000+01:00

Fairtrade Leigh campaign recently attended an evening called 'An evening with Tony Anthony' hosted by Leigh Road Baptist Church. After the event which motivated Christians to get involved and make a difference in their community there was an exhibition of stalls of community issues of which we were one.

It was a great evening and we were able to give out details on converting churches to a Fairtrade status. If your church was one of them let us know how you get on and we will add you to our site.

LRBC Church Pre-School Fairtrade Coffee Morning Success

2007-07-20T12:32:00.000+01:00

Leigh Road Baptist Church Pre-School recently raised awareness of Fairtrade products with the Mums of the children at their Pre-school.

Christina Hayhurst and Lorrain organised a coffee morning get together for parents and pre-school workers. The gathering allowed relationships between the staff and parents to be developed and to offer advice on parenting etc. Products used at the event were kindly donated by The Co-operative Food and all were labelled with the Fairtrade mark.

Visitors were also able to read about and engage with information on Fairtrade provided by the FAIRTRADE LEIGH campaign.

Around 40 parents and workers attended and commented "they had a lovely time, which also raised their interest in Fairtrade, and they were surprised at how delicious the food tasted" Many pledged their support for the Fairtrade Leigh campaign.

Thansk also go to local school girl Gabrielle Hayhurst who gave up her time to design the invites and serve coffee and tea on the day.

If you are interested in holding and even. Do let us know about it and if we can help in anyway by providing a stand or ways of getting funding for some Fairtrade goodies. Email us by contact above.

ABOUT THE FAIRTRADE TOWNS INITIATIVE

2007-06-22T23:42:00.000+01:00

The Fairtrade Towns Initiative aims to bring together people from all sectors of the community to promote Fairtrade and the FAIRTRADE Mark.

It was initiated by a group of supporters who declared Garstang in Lancashire the first Fairtrade Town in 2000. The campaign caught the imagination of local campaigners, politicians and businesses. It secured media coverage across North West England and ensured that many more people could recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark and understand its purpose.

There are Five Goals that towns must meet to be awarded Fairtrade Town status. The goals aim to increase the presence of the FAIRTRADE Mark and Fairtrade products throughout the local community, including the local council, faith groups, businesses and schools.

FIVE GOALS TO ACHIEVE 'FAIRTRADE TOWN' STATUS:

The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and committing to serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens (LOS: Completed. March 2007, motion passed at Leigh Town Council meeting)
A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population size) (There are currently cafe's serving Fairtrade beverages and goods in Leigh-on-Sea. Oasis The Coffee House, The Book Inn, Rhubarb Cafe (Sugar only). There is also Greens Health Foods, and various Cooperative: Food that stock Fairtrade goods)
Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc) (does your work place, business, organisation currently use Fairtrade goods? If so let us know by email or by posting a comment)
The council must attract popular support for the campaign
A Fairtrade Steering Group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status (LOS: Completed, March 2007. Email us if you would like to join, offer a service for support)

There are many Fairtrade Towns (including boroughs, cities, islands, counties, zones and villages) across the UK. Check out the full list at www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved_fairtrade_towns.htm.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE & HERE'S HOW

2007-06-22T23:35:00.000+01:00

Everyday in the UK, we drink over 3 million Fairtrade hot drinks and eat almost half a million Fairtrade bananas – why not join the growing trend? And by doing so help us to convert Leigh-on-Sea into a Fairtrade Town.

Actions for individuals

Get a 'Fairtrade Fix'

Buy a cup of Fairtrade coffee when you are out shopping or ask your workplace to provide Fairtrade tea and coffee
Buy products with the FAIRTRADE Mark when you shop

There are now over 1,000 products available through retail and catering outlets in the UK so thereis plenty of choice when you shop. If your local store does not stock Fairtrade then why not request that they do?

Actions for businesses

Become 'Fairtrade Friendly'
Speak to your catering manager about offering Fairtrade food and drink to staff
You may be able to source from your existing supplier or you can find a new supplier from the Out of Home/Catering Directory
Display Fairtrade posters and leaflets and make samples available in your workplace kitchen and/or canteen.

Further ideas can be found on the Fairtrade website [ click here ]

RESOURCES
Out of Home/Catering Directory [ click here ]
Fairtrade products [ click here ]
Wholesalers [ click here ]
How to start a Fairtrade Town Campaign [ click here ]
Fairtrade website [ click here ]

Events: Meet us at the Leigh Folk Festival

2007-06-22T16:07:00.000+01:00

The Leigh-on-Sea Fairtrade Town Campaign will have a stall at:

Event: Leigh Folk Festival
When: 23 June 2007
Time: 11am - 5pm
Where: Leigh Library Gardens, Broadways West

Come along and sign up to support the cause, pick up info on converting your school, church, business, work place or shop. We'd love to see you.

Event: Church's Fairtrade bid

2007-03-01T16:36:00.000Z

A church will promote the concept of Fairtrade during a special free event. Leigh Road Baptist Church will hold the event at the Stables, Chalkwell Park Drive, Leigh, on Saturday, March 10, from 7pm to 9pm, as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, to celebrate the initiative that pays farmers in developing countries more for their produce. It will be a chance for people to try out some free samples and find out more about what Fairtrade achieves. There will also be a talk, quizzes and information stands.

David Elcock, an event organiser and member of Leigh Road Baptist Church, added: "Leigh Road Baptist Church has recently become an official Fairtrade church and we are delighted to work with the Co-operative Group to raise awareness of Fairtrade in the town."
The event is being organised together with The Cooperative, which stocks a lot of Fairtrade products. Co-op spokeswoman Julia Fuller said: "Our members are enthusiastically supporting this year's Fairtrade Fortnight campaign and this event promises to be a fun and informative evening."

For information or to book places, ring 01908 843207/8 or e-mail membership.central&eastern@co- op.co.uk.