Fairtrade celebration event

Carlisle reconfirmed as a Fairtrade city

(Date of issue: Thursday 3 March 2011)

Carlisle has maintained its status as a Fairtrade City for the third time.

At a celebration event, on Thursday 10 March, the Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Mary Styth, will receive, on behalf of the city, the official certificate awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation.

This status is awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation who set rigorous criteria for achieving this status. The criteria includes:

• A resolution from the local council to support Fairtrade.
• A range of products, at least two, are readily available in the area’s shops and are served in local cafes/catering establishments.
• Fairtrade products are used by an appropriate number of local work places (offices, shops, B&Bs) and community organisations (faith communities, schools and universities).
• Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
• A local Fairtrade Steering Group is convened to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Status.

Councillor Mary Styth, The Mayor of Carlisle, said:

“I am delighted that Carlisle continues to be recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation as a Fairtrade City and we have maintained this status since 2005. We could not do this without the tremendous support from Carlisle’s shops, cafes and businesses as well as Carlisle’s residents and visitors who choose to buy Fairtrade products.”

The Mayor will also present official certificates, to representatives of organisations, as an official endorsement of their contribution to Carlisle’s status as a Fairtrade City.

There are currently 158 different organisations listed that support Fairtrade in Carlisle, ranging from workplaces, church and faith groups, community groups, schools, bed and breakfast establishments and guest houses, as well as retail and catering outlets.

In celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight (28 February – 13 March), The Mayor of Carlisle will be attending a coffee morning. This will be held on Saturday 12 March, from 10am to 12noon, at the Old Town Hall.

Organised by Carlisle Fairtrade, it will not only be an opportunity to enjoy the taste of Fairtrade tea or coffee and delicious homemade Fairtrade baking, but residents will also be able to take part in the Fairtrade Foundation’s Show Off Your Label Campaign, aiming to beat the world record for the longest string of hand design bunting. The world record currently stands at 2,696 metres of individual, hand-made bunting triangles.