HF celebrates its new Fairtrade status

---

 

Local residents and visitors of Hammersmith and Fulham are invited to help the borough celebrate its new Fairtrade status with a day of festivities in Lyric Square on Saturday 4 March.

The event, which has been organised by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, the Local Agenda 21 forum, and local volunteers, will mark this important achievement, as well as giving people the chance to try Fairtrade products for themselves. It will also lead smoothly into Fair Trade Fortnight (6-19 March) when there will be other events held around the borough to publicise this important movement.

Between 11am and 3pm there will be lots to see and do, including live music from a local choir and drumming group, a Fairtrade quiz, face painting, free Fairtrade tea and coffee, and Fairtrade food sampling. At midday Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Burke, will welcome
everyone to the event and explain the importance of Fairtrade to Hammersmith & Fulham. Councillor Charlie Treloggan, Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham will then be officially presented with the borough's Fairtrade status by Clay Brown from the Fairtrade Foundation.

Councillor Charlie Treloggan said: "Fairtrade has huge and obvious advantages for farmers in the developing world and I'm delighted that Hammersmith & Fulham has worked so hard to
spread our positive influence beyond our borough boundaries. This achievement also demonstrates how effectively different groups in our community can work together with a single aim in mind, and the Fairtrade status has been a true community achievement, involving the council, community groups, schools and local retailers. I hope everyone will come along to join in the fun on Saturday 4, and see for themselves just what a great alternative Fairtrade products can be."

A Fairtrade banner which has been decorated by pupils from Flora Gardens Primary School and the local Woodcraft Folk group will be displayed on the day, and at other Fairtrade events in the future. Prizes for the Fairtrade Quiz, to be held throughout the day, include Fairtrade footballs signed by players from Queens Park Rangers and Fulham Football club, and a gift hamper.

A new leaflet will be available on the day, showing where Fairtrade products can be purchased across the borough, and these will also be available in local libraries, council offices and other public places. FAIRTRADE Mark products are bought direct from farmers in the developing
world at guaranteed fair prices, which means they are able to are earn a good living and are less vulnerable to fluctuations in the world market.

1) The full programme for the day is as follows:

11:00 - Event starts
11.00 - Face painting (until 1pm) and Fairtrade quiz available
11.00 - Karamoko drumming group (performances throughout the day)
11:45 - Raised Voices performance (local choir)
12:00 - Fairtrade status ceremony and presentation of first quiz prize
12:20 - Raised Voices performance
14:30 - Presentation of more quiz prizes
15:00 - Event ends

 

February 26, 2006