Fantastic Progress Wins Fairtrade Renewal

Chesham - the first Fairtrade Town in Bucks!

As the first Fairtrade Town in Bucks and now in its sixth year, Chesham has successfully won a two-year renewal of its status until January 2013, demonstrating a significant increase in awareness and wider availability of Fairtrade products in various ways throughout the town.

The Fairtrade Foundation, which awards the accolade, commented in its assessment: "It has been a pleasure to hear about all the fantastic progress that has been made." Fairtrade brings benefits to some 7 million people in developing countries, and thanks to businesses, schools and local shoppers, Chesham is contributing to their sustainable independence.

To be a Fairtrade Town, there are five goals with specific targets that have to be met. Chesham passed all these with flying colours, and is continuing to innovate to make Fairtrade even more widely supported and understood. One of the goals was to maintain the support of the Town Council and the Fairtrade Foundation commented, "It is clear from the progress around this goal that the support of Chesham Town Council has played an invaluable part in enabling such an active and effective campaign to develop."

Colin Cartwright, Chairman of the Chesham4Fairtrade Steering Group said: "Thank-you to everyone involved in supporting local Fairtrade, whether as a business, or simply by making Fairtrade choices in the shop, the cafe or the supermarket. Chesham now has 11 retail outlets, from farm shops to supermarkets - selling Fairtrade goods and 10 catering outlets offering Fairtrade refreshments. So, whether you want to fill your shopping trolley or take a coffee break, as a Chesham shopper you have plenty of Fairtrade choice."

Looking ahead, Chesham4Fairtrade has further initiatives under way, including encouraging local businesses to adopt a Fairtrade workplace policy. All are welcome at their Annual General Meeting on Friday 11th March, and during Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February to 13th March) there will be a display in the library as well as events around the town, some organised by the local churches.

Colin added, "Fairtrade is a valuable concept for many products produced in developing countries - it's not just about coffee and chocolate. Did you know clothes, toys, and even flowers carry the FAIRTRADE Mark? You'll be able to find out more at events around Chesham throughout 2011, starting with Fairtrade Fortnight in February, so watch this space!"

To find out more about Fairtrade in Chesham, or to view the Fairtrade Foundation's feedback on Chesham's renewal application, visit Chesham4Fairtrade's web site.