Bearsted Beavers

I spoke with Bearsted Beavers on Thursday evening. They were learning about food and where it comes from.

GEORGE ALAGIAH STANDS DOWN AS PATRON OF FAIRTRADE FOUNDATION

GEORGE ALAGIAH STANDS DOWN AS PATRON OF FAIRTRADE FOUNDATION…………letter dated july 2009. He says the decision is not mine. My senior colleagues at the BBC have come to the conclusion that being the official Patron of the FT is no longer compatible with being a high profile jounalist in BBC News.They believe thet Fairtrade represents a potential conflict of interest which could undermine his impartiality.

Media coverage of FT Launch

Great coverage of the Fairtrade Maidstone launch. Large photos and text towards the front of both the Kent Messenger and Adscene last week.

Fairtrade Maidstone launched!

Fairtrade Maidstone was launched today following the award by the Fairtrade Foundation of Fairtrade status for the Borough. The steering committee presented the Mayor with the certificate at an event in the Town Hall attended by local councillors, press, schools and businesses. I gave a bit of speech as chair of the committee and we drank loadsa coffee.

Lots of work done to get FT status: street stalls, talks, a picnic for 200 kids etc. Plenty more work planned for 2008! First job was to get the website up and working.

Launch of Fairtrade Maidstone with the Mayor

Fairtrade Maidstone launch with Mayor at Town Hall

The launch of Fairtrade Maidstone on 25th March will include the presentation of the certificate confirming Maidstone’s Fairtrade status to the Mayor, Cllr Denise Joy. The launch, at the Town Hall in Maidstone at 1.30pm, follows three years of work by the local Fairtrade Steering Committee and the completion of five goals demonstrating Maidstone’s commitment to Fairtrade. The event will run from 1pm to 2.30pm with formalities at 1.30pm.

Maidstone had to demonstrate five achievements to be awarded Fairtrade status:

1. Maidstone Borough Council had to pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade and ensure that all tea and coffee served at meetings is Fairtrade.
2. A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products are readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés/catering establishments. Maidstone has 30 retailers and 22 cafes selling Fairtrade.
3. Fairtrade products are used by an appropriate number of local work places (offices, shops, B&Bs etc.) and community organisations (faith communities, schools, universities etc). 15 companies serve Fairtrade in their canteens and meetings, 21 faith groups, 44 schools an 3 community groups.
4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
5. Convene a local steering committee.

Fairtrade Status Achieved!

Maidstone has been awarded Fairtrade Borough status by the Fairtrade Foundation for its commitment to Fairtrade. Maidstone’s Fairtrade Steering Committee has been actively promoting Fairtrade across the Borough since its inception 3 years ago. In order to achieve Fairtrade status Maidstone has had to achieve five goals: 1. A resolution by the Borough Council to support Fairtrade, 2. A range of Fairtrade products sold and served in Maidstone (30 cafes and 21 shops sell Fairtrade in Maidstone), 3. Fairtrade used by businesses and community groups (15 businesses, 22 churches, 44 schools, 2 community groups), 4. Media coverage, and 5. Convening a steering group.

Stuart Jeffery, chair of Maidstone Fairtrade Steering Committee: “We are very pleased that Maidstone has earned Fairtrade Borough status, this is a real testament to the hard work by the members of Fairtrade Committee and by the many supporters of Fairtrade in Maidstone. Achieving Fairtrade Borough status is a great honour and demonstrates that the people of Maidstone care about the wider world.

“The Fairtrade label means that both small farmers and workers on farms and in factories get a fair pay for their work. It also ensure that factories meet health and safety standards, minimum environmental standards and allow workers to join unions. Buying Fairtrade is an excellent way of showing respect for others.

“We will continue to promote Fairtrade across the Borough and look forward to Fairtrade becoming the only way to trade!”