Fairtrade Leighton-Linslade

Fairtrade Fortnight

22 February to 7 March 2010 

The Leighton Linslade Fairtrade group is set to take part in the national Fairtrade Fortnight campaign - which this year has the theme of ‘The Big Swap’. Chair of the Steering Group, Nicola Wiseman said “we want everyone in to get busy swapping for Fairtrade. Swap your usual sugar for Fairtrade sugar, your usual socks for Fairtrade socks and your usual cuppa for a Fairtrade cuppa. Each swap will help show how people in Leighton Linslade want producers in the developing world to get a fairer deal. Fairtrade has come a long way in 15 years, but there is still a long way to go. Buying Fairtrade products shows that we want trade to work in favour of producers in developing countries. Although Fairtrade products are much more widely available these days, buying them is still not yet the norm for everyone. So, for Fairtrade Fortnight, 22 February to 7 March, let’s get swapping to build on the progress we have made so far “.

This year’s campaign focus is tea and we are asking local residents to Swap Your Cuppa in as many creative ways as possible, a Fairtrade Flask Mob, Extreme Tea Parties, Teddy Bears’ Fairtrade Picnic, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Cuppathons, etc. Growers and pluckers are the most vulnerable in the tea supply chain. They get low prices for their output (receiving only a fraction of the international price their tea fetches) and it is tough manual work. Workers are often exposed to harmful pesticides and wages are notoriously low. Fairtrade certification is open to both large tea estates and small farmer organisations. The Fairtrade premium allows farmers to invest in their businesses and provide education, health care and other improvements. No need to stick with tea because we want as many people as possible to host a ‘Swapathon’. The idea is for people to bring along a favourite Fairtrade product and then swap with someone else giving them a fun chance to try new Fairtrade products. You could hold a Swapathon at your local church, school, office or factory.

The Fairtrade Foundation will be totting up the swaps, aiming for more than ONE MILLION AND ONE swaps during the Fortnight. It is really important to register your swap at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap/about_the_big_swap/

Tea is big business. Over 1 billion cups of tea are supped every day, 165 million of them here in the UK. Globally, the tea trade is worth nearly $4 billion and over 15 million people in the developing world rely on it for a living. We need to put pressure on the big tea companies to change to Fairtrade. Our nation of tea drinkers alone can really make a massive difference. You can make a difference by signing up to a campaign headed up by Traidcraft and the WI called “Make it Fair” – Leave a tea stain on your table, not your conscience. Contact Traidcraft on 0191 491 0591,or online at http://www.makeitfair.org.uk ,  

The Fairtrade Steering Group is organising A Big Swap Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The White House on Saturday 20 February at 3 p.m.for local organisations and supporting businesses. Bring along a favourite recipe using Fairtrade ingredients swap with friends and record your swaps on The Big Swap website http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap/ Places are limited but if you are interested in coming please contact:  contact@fairtradell.co.uk .

The group will be in the town centre on Saturday 27 February “causing a stir” with the Big Tea Give Away. Watch out for our large inflatable tea mug! Local businesses and coffee shops will be supporting Fairtrade Fortnight in various ways. The Big Swap arrives at the Oxfam Shop. Swap of bag of quality donated items for a box of Cafe Direct Fairtrade Everyday Tea (one per customer while stocks last). Nature’s Harvest product tasting and window display.

Check out Room No.9’s special “Fairtrade Meal Deal”, order a bottle of Fairtrade wine at Leighton’s newest cafe, Cafe Rendez Vous, a Fairtrade High Tea is offered by Green Tea Ask about Fairtrade at the Library Cafe. Whilst enjoying Fairtrade tea and coffee at Barista Bay Expresso Bar, complete a “Make it Fair” tea campaign letter to the major tea companies asking them to change to Fairtrade.

Pop down to Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre and treat yourself to Fairtrade coffee and cake at the much praised Coffee Bay. Coffee Bay were placed fourth in the LBO’s Leighton’s favourite shop vote. Fairtrade Fortnight closes with our Big Swap Jazz Evening at Grove Lock, the canal side pub, on Sunday 7 March. Everyone is welcome, it’s a free event, so come along with friends and enjoy a glass of Fairtrade wine, coffee,tea, cookies, or chocolate, or try one of the regular beers on offer. Relax listening to swing, jazz, and blues with Lou’s Sextet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a raffle for a Fairtrade hamper. If you wish to eat please book a table on 01525 380940, full menu available until 8 p.m