24 February 2009

Fairly-traded jewellery, crafts, baskets and cards – there’s more to Fairtrade Fortnight in Guildford than just coffee and bananas. Starting this week, just over two weeks of Fairtrade events and activities supported by Guildford Borough Council offer something for everyone across the borough.

Lead Councillor for Projects and Procurement, Cllr Nigel Manning explains: “We have supported this annual event since Guildford gained Fairtrade town status in 2005. Thanks to the efforts of Guildford’s Fairtrade steering group, local residents and organisations we now have borough status, and we are supporting and promoting a range of events that encourage people to give Fairtrade a chance”.

The focus of the celebrations is the grand Fairtrade Gala at the Guildhall in Guildford High Street this Saturday 28 February. Shoppers and visitors will be able to buy fairly-traded crafts, jewellery, baskets and cards and find out more about the Fairtrade campaign while sampling delicious, fairly-traded drinks and snacks.

Adds Cllr Manning: “Many people still only think of tea, coffee or bananas when they think of Fairtrade but there is actually a huge range of products including crafts, jewellery and clothing - so there really is something for everyone. Buying products that carry the Fairtrade mark helps farmers in developing countries to receive a fair deal for the crops they grow plus additional income to invest for the future”.

Sample Fairtrade produce and find out more about how you can give Fairtrade a chance at the following events:

• Fairtrade stall, St. John’s Centre, Epsom Road, Merrow, 9am - 3pm, Wednesday 25 February
• Fairtrade Gala, the Guildhall, Guildford High Street, 10am - 4pm, Saturday 28 February. Fairly-traded food, jewellery, crafts, baskets and cards, as well as information about Fairtrade
• Farmers Market Fairtrade stall, Guildford High Street, 10.30am – 3.30pm,
  Tuesday 3 March
• Green Week at the Electric Theatre, Guildford, 11am - 5.30pm, Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 March. A Fairtrade information stall will be available throughout the week to promote and raise awareness of Fairtrade
• Fairtrade Coffee, Cake and Conversation morning, St Mary's The Virgin, East Shalford Lane, Shalford, 10.30am - 12noon, Wednesday 4 March
• Green Day at the Electric Theatre, Guildford, 11am - 5.30pm, Saturday 7 March. Take part in the Fairtrade game and find out more about Fairtrade. Fairly-traded food and crafts also available to buy.

Being a Fairtrade borough means many local organisations, including Guildford Borough Council, make Fairtrade products available to staff or members of the public.

For details of Fairtrade Fortnight events in the borough visit our Fairtrade pages or contact Cati Smith on 01483 444509.