Hot on the heels of the launch of Fairtrade Halifax, a campaign for Fairtrade Town status has been launched in Selby.  A launch event was held at the ‘All’s Fair’ Fair Trade shop in Selby’s historic Counting House on 19th November.  Students from Cawood School gave an impressive presentation detailing the work that the school has done to promote Fair Trade; the school’s Fairtrade Steering Group was the first organisation to call for Selby to become a Fairtrade Town.

The ‘All’s Fair’ shop was packed for the event and the campaign for Fairtrade Town status was officially launched by Yorkshire Euro MEP, Linda McAvan.  Joanna Pollard, owner of ‘All’s Fair’, and the Coordinator of Fairtrade Selby, gave a rousing speech to kickstart the campaign and everyone in attendance was invited to sign the petition calling on Selby Town Council to support the Fairtrade Town status.  The petition has been endorsed by the Bishop of Selby.

‘All’s Fair’ will give Selby shoppers the chance to purchase a wide range of Fairtrade and fairly traded goods, including beautiful craft products from around the globe.  Councillor Eva Lambert, of Selby Town Council, welcomed the campaign and also the opening of ‘All’s Fair’ in the historic Counting House.  The building is part of the medieval Abbot’s Staithe complex which local people hope will be restored to its former glory.

Joanna Pollard and Councillor Eva Lambert at All’s Fair

Linda McAvan MEP stated “Having a Fairtrade centre in the community helps promote the principles of Fairtrade and encourages a different attitude regarding ethically sourced products. Joanna has worked extremely hard to bridge two Fairtrade events- the opening of All’s Fair -Selby’s first Fairtrade shop and the launch of Selby’s bid for Faitrade Town status.”

Coordinator of Fairtrade Yorkshire, Mark Dawson also attended the launch and commented ‘Selby is a fantastic place and I wholeheartedly welcome their campaign to become a Fairtrade Town.  All’s Fair provides the people of Selby with a convenient and exciting way to buy products that offer producers a fair deal.’

Visit All’s Fair at the Counting House, 79 Micklegate, Selby and pick up the perfect gift for Christmas.

See the All’s Fair website.

Photos courtesy of Robin Stokes.

SHARED INTEREST SOCIETY: SHARING IN A FAIRER WORLD TO FINANCE A BETTER FUTURE.

Shared Interest Society is an ethical investment organisation, using investment from people living in the UK to provide fair finance to small holder farmers and handcraft makers in 65 countries.

We are owned and controlled by 8,940 members who collectively invest over £31 million. Together we form the vital link between UK social investors and fair trade organisations needing finance to improve their livelihoods.

In 2013, our finance reached 375 fair trade organisations globally and we made payments of £46.8m to fair trade producers and buyers across the world. As one loan is repaid, these funds are lent out again to another organisation seeking fair finance.

Shared Interest have been financing Kenyan women’s handcraft producers Namayiana for six years now. The group began over 20 years ago. Most women could not read or write, but wished to use the skills they had to care for their children and the community around them. Starting with just 16 members, they have grown their membership to 112. Patterns in their beautiful, traditional beadwork tell a story about a person’s life.

Shared Interest Society is supporting them in their journey by providing much-needed finance to bring this beadwork to customers around the world. The biggest impact of their finance has been a loan which enabled the group to install electricity in the village for the whole community.

Catherine Mututua, Project Manager, said: “Maasai women face many challenges, generally brought about by lack of education. The women are proud they have their own project. They can earn a living and take care of their families.”

Investing in Shared Interest is easy. Anyone over the age of 16 with a UK bank account can open a Share Account with us for as little as £100. You can find out more about investing at: www.shared-interest.com

Shared Interest relies on a network of volunteers who promote the organisation at events across the UK. If you would like to invite an ambassador to talk at a meeting, hold a Shared Interest stall, or answer any questions you might have please contact us at volunteers@shared-interest.com or call us on 0191 233 9103

The Beehive in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, is a small business run by volunteers selling Fair Trade products to our local communities and providing information on Fair Trade and related issues.

The shop runs on a not for profit basis. Any surplus money is given to fair trade charities – mainly Traidcraft Exchange. The shop aims to run with consideration for the environment and in an ethical manner.

They sell tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate (lots!), rice, pasta, sugar, dried fruit, nuts, muesli, preserves, biscuits, cards, crafts, jewellery, gifts, and much more.

They also provide customised packs for stalls on a Sale or Return basis for coffee mornings, fairs, church or school events – this means you can have a fair trade stall without having to pay for goods upfront and what you don’t sell they will take back. They may also be available to run a stall at an event you have.

Find out more and get in touch with them at http://www.thebeehiveshop.org.uk/.

A group of organisations including the The Holmfirth Fair Traders Co-operative have produced a pamphlet  entitled “Food Chain Issues”. It’s a good in-depth introduction to the huge subject of the ethics of food – from buying and growing local, to animal welfare and of course Fair Trade. It’s focussed on the Holme Valley but sets out some challenges for us all to think about and proposes a number of promises we could make, for a more positive impact on our planet and society.

Read the document in PDF form below:

Aimeth (centre) with Ian and Judy at Fair Grounds.

Sheffield has gained a dedicated Fair Trade shop in the shape of Fair Grounds at 195 Whitham Road, close to the University and hospital.

Fair Grounds sells a wide range of Fairtrade foodstuffs and fairly traded crafts,  toys, jewellery and accessories.

The new shop opened just in time for Fairtrade Fortnight and the visit of Columbian banana farmer, Aimeth Angulo, who enjoyed a long browse and a chat with staff members, Ian and Judy.

Fair Grounds website

Fair Grounds on Facebook

Postcode: S10 2SN

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Charlie Bridge of Fairer World in the new look shop

Fairer World, the renowned Fair Trade shop at 84 Gillygate, in the centre of York, has a bright new look.  Following a refurb earlier in the year, the emporium is sporting a fresh, modern style worthy of a TV makeover.

Fairer World has York’s largest range of Fairtrade and fairly traded products including: food, beverages, crafts, gifts, jewellery, clothing and accessories.  Well worth a visit next time you’re in York.

Read more on Fairer World’s website, www.fairerworldyork.co.uk.

Peruvian Kids are specialists in unique items of ethically produced children’s toys and clothing which are all hand crafted by artisans in Peru.  Their colourful children’s cardigans, called arpillera jackets are based on the traditional South American art of tapestry making.  They are all hand finished in Peru by local artisans, so no two garments are the same.

Visit the online shop

or visit them at York’s Newgate Market – every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Based in North Yorkshire, From The Source import and sell fair trade and ethical fashion and accessories online and at special markets, events and festivals. In an age of fast fashion, throwaway products and faceless high street shops, from the Source aim to connect their customers with the people that make the products they sell, and promote trade that can help make the world a better place.

Fiona of From The Source having a go at weaving whilst visiting fair trade producers in rural Laos.

From The Source was set up in 2007 when, whilst living and working in Laos, Paul and Fiona were inspired by the rich heritage of traditional crafts, particularly textile production. They made some great contacts, returned to the UK, and started to import textiles and crafts from Laos, providing an opportunity for a range of producers to get their products into international markets, and export to the UK, for the first time.

From the Source specialise in high quality, handwoven, natural textiles – silk and organic cotton scarves and handwoven cotton clothing – gorgeous handmade fabrics that are a joy to wear and admire. From the Source actively support organic cotton farming, the use of natural, botanical dyes, and work directly with organisations that provide training, resources and a sustainable livelihood for the people in some of the poorest countries in the world.

Check out the fabulous From The Source website:

From The Source

Casa Espresso, based in Shipley, West Yorkshire is a commercial coffee bean and machine supplier. We supply coffee beans to a whole host of Yorkshire based café’s, restaurant and bars offering them a variety of bean options including the Fairtrade Blend.

Demand for Fairtrade Coffee is certainly rising as retailers are becoming more aware of the positive benefits that being part of this friendlier supply chain can have on the world.

You can see more information on our Fairtrade Coffee on our website at http://www.casaespresso.co.uk/espresso-coffee/espresso-coffee-beans/