Why Fairtrade Glossopdale and how are we doing?

The purpose of a Fairtrade Zone is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation’s aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouragingsupport for the FAIRTRADE Mark (right).

In order for Glossopdale to become a Fairtrade Zone need to meet the following targets. Once these are met, a signed and dated certificate will be presented by the Fairtrade Foundation.

1. High Peak Borough Council needs to pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings and in its offices and canteens.

Currently the local Council is serving Fairtrade tea and coffee at its meetings and has Fairtrade products in its vending machines for staff but the Council also needs to commit to promoting awareness of Fairtrade to its constituency.

2. A range of (at least two) Fairtrade products should be readily available in the area’s shops and local cafés/catering establishments.

It should be easy for local people to find Fairtrade products as they do their everyday shopping. In Glossop we need at least 5 outlets to stock a range of Fairtrade products to help us achieve this target and at least 3 cafes/catering establishments to have Fairtrade products available. To see where you can buy Fairtrade products in Glossop, click here.

3. Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc)

We have two local employers currently supporting our campaign. We currently have several Fairtrade churches and other seeking to become so. To see a list of Fairtrade Churches Churches click here. Girlguiding in Pennine Division has also pledged to serve only Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate at its Headquarters as has Glossop Labour Club.

4. Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.

• A number of articles have been featured in the Glossop Chronicle, the Glossop Advertiser and High Peak Radio.
• Letters sent to over 100 retailers, workplaces, community organisations, B&Bs and Hotels to publicise Fairtrade Fortnight
• Information and sample stalls set up at Tesco and Coop during Fairtrade Fortnight
• Several coffee mornings and events during Fairtrade Fortnight held by community associations and churches throughout Glossopdale
• Campaigners gave talk to Glossop Business Network of leading employers in area
• Campaigners gave talk to Glossop Rotary Club as part of Fairtrade Fortnight
• Information pack and offers of speakers currently being sent to all schools in area.
• A website has been created – www.fairtradeglossop.org.uk
• Flyers and information sheets produced and distributed widely
• Updates are available on www.glossop.com and meeting dates are included in on-line calendar

5. A local Fairtrade steering group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

The campaign, which originally started in the Glossopdale Churches Justice and Peace Group is being managed by a small ad hoc group but this will be widened into a formal steering group with the first meeting in June 2007.  The group will oversee the support of Fairtrade Fortnight each year.

If you are interested in helping us take the campaign further, please click here