Well done Saint Mirren
February 2, 2010Renfrewshire’s walkers needed to climb Britain’s highest mountain
February 9, 2010
Renfrewshire is celebrating it’s first birthday as a Fairtrade county.
The campaign to make the whole area an official Fairtrade zone got the go ahead this week in 2009 and to mark the occasion the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, who ran the campaign, celebrated with a special Fairtrade birthday cake.
Members of the group, including elected members and staff from Renfrewshire Council, Paisley, Lochwinnoch, Bishopton and Erskine Fairtrade groups, local schools and churches.
Councillor Brian Lawson, chair of the steering group, said: “Everyone in Renfrewshire should be really proud of this anniversary. Supporting Fairtrade gives third world farmers and producers a fairer deal and Renfrewshire over the past two years has proven to be one of the leading areas in Scotland backing Fairtrade.
“A huge amount of time and effort has gone into the campaign to achieve Fairtrade status, mainly by people volunteering their own time and skills to raise awareness, host and staff events. That hard work has continued over the past year to progress the campaign further by encouraging new Fairtrade groups to set, for example in Erskine. We’ve also had great achievements in the past 12 months such as Houston Primary and Nursery becoming Renfrewshire’s first Fairtrade primary and nursery school.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the people in Renfrewshire who have supported Fairtrade, whether it’s by running or attending events, or choosing Fairtrade products as part of their weekly shop.”
The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group are now finalising plans for the lead up to and during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 (20 February – 7 March). Highlights of this year’s programme will include:
– A Fairtrade Tea Dance in Paisley Town Hall on Wednesday 17 February.
– A Fairtrade Tea Party in Paisley Town Hall on Saturday 27th February from 10am.
– A tour of Renfrewshire schools by Fairtrade walnut producers
– Coffee mornings in Lochwinnoch at The Junction on Wednesday 24 February, 9am – 12pm, and at the RSPB Reserve on Thursday 25 February, 11am – 1pm.
Councillor Lawson added: “Having Fairtrade status doesn’t mean the campaign is over. We will continue to work as a group to raise awareness and keep up the momentum. This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight we have a packed programme and we are confident it will be our biggest and best yet.”
