Town makes progress towards Fairtrade status (From Penarth Times)

Town makes progress towards Fairtrade status

ON NOVEMBER 9, the Penarth Fairtrade Forum met once again to continue working towards its goal of achieving Fairtrade Town status for Penarth by May 2006.

A constructive meeting was held when members dealt with the necessary task of finalising the detail of its constitution.

Until the constitution is finalised, the forum is unable to apply for much-needed funding which will enable it to produce a fairtrade directory for the town.

Forum members will be canvassing businesses and workplaces in the town to establish which businesses and organisations wish to support the work of the forum by appearing in the directory.

Members of the public can expect to see the Fairtrade Foundation logo popping up in establishments, in the form of stickers all over the town, as the campaign progresses towards its goals.

The chairman of the forum, Councillor Mark Wilson, said: "It is hoped that eventually all residents and visitors to the town will recognise the Fairtrade Foundation logo and what it stands for and that people will choose and use Fairtrade products as part of their daily lives.

"With the efforts of the young people in the town, such as those at St Cyres school who run a Fairtrade stall which complements the work of the forum, the campaign to raise awareness is marching on."

A meeting in the new year will receive an address by a representative of a town that has already achieved Fair-trade Town status.

The next meeting of the forum is scheduled to take place at West House at 6pm on November 30.

Anyone wishing to support or appear in the directory or interested in the work of the forum should contact the town council offices on 029 2070 0721 and ask for Shan Bowden or email: Shan.Bowden@