Oxford Fairtrade News is here

Volunteers from the Oxford City Fair Trade Coalition have been working hard to put together a special Fairtrade Fortnight Newspaper packed full of articles and info about fair trade in Oxford.

We’ve printed 4,000 copies will be distributing them all around Oxford over Fairtrade Fortnight, so look out for a copy when you are in town.

If you’ve not managed to get hold of a printed copy, you can download a copy of the newspaper here (10Mb PDF), or, if you’re quick, drop us an e-mail and we might be able to offer you some copies to distribute where you are.

 

Update/ammendments:

Thanks to Thomas Nicolaou for kindly permitting use of the I Love Oxford tours image, which in the printed copy should have been acknowledged as © Thomas Nicolaou.

Oxford Fairtrade Fortnight 2012: Be There – Be Fair!

Find the latest plans on our Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 pages

Monday 27th February to Sunday 11th March 2012.

This year the Fairtrade Foundation is asking everyone to Take a Step for Fairtrade: ”It can be a simple step like swapping your tea to Fairtrade, or a bigger step, like asking everyone in your office to do it too.” For more information, visit www.step.fairtrade.org.uk

Take your next step for Fairtrade in Oxford:

Oxford Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 Newspaper

Oxford Fairtrade Coalition is compiling a special edition Newspaper to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2012. It will contain articles about Fairtrade issues, a two page pullout map – courtesy of Daily Info – showing where you can buy Fairtrade products in Oxford, and a calendar of all the thrilling Fairtrade events that are taking place during the Fortnight. These include film screenings, producer fairs,  discussions about the ethics and impact of Fairtrade, tasting sessions and lots more.  Look out for you copy of Oxford Fairtrade News which will be widely circulated in Oxford shops, churches, libraries and community centres  mid-February. Or contact yourfairtradecity@gmail.com for a copy or if you can offer to display it in your workplace or social venue.

In the meantime, here’s a list of all the places you can buy Fairtrade in Oxford:

Where to find Fairtrade in Oxford

Media

For  the latest information on fair trade and Oxford’s Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 activities, quotes, photo opportunities etc, please contact Sabita Banerji at yourfairtradecity@gmail.com or call 07773949787.

June 25: Day of Action & Celebration to Keep Oxford Your Fairtrade City

Calling all cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, photographers, designers, tea-makers, cake-bakers, cocktail shakers, map-makers, software-programmers, Fairtrade consumers and campaigners…

 

Help create an updated Fairtrade Map of Oxford in a single day – and keep Oxford Your Fairtrade City.

 

Why? Because we need to submit a report to the Fairtrade Foundation applying for renewal of our Fairtrade City status – and to do that we need to prove that we have at least 25 shops and 13 catering outlets that sell two or more Fairtrade products. To find out if we still do – WE NEED YOUR HELP!

 

Here’s how it will work:

1. We’ll meet in the heart of Oxford for an energy-boosting fair trade coffee/breakfast,

2. Fairtrade treasurehunters will fan out across the city to discover Fairtrade treasure in as many shops, restaurants and workplace canteens as possible.
3. You send the info back by text or mobile phone photo to the OFTC “Control Room”, where other volunteers will update the Fairtrade Map of Oxford.

4. We all celebrate meeting the criteria to keep our Fairtrade City status (yes, we’re that confident!)

5. The information gathered will be fed into Oxford’s report to the Fairtrade Foundation, applying for renewal of our Fairtrade City status.

6. The map will be reproduced to provide Oxford residents and visitors with information about where to buy their fairtrade goods.

 

What can you do?

• Volunteer as a treasure hunter, map-maker,  photographer, designer, breakfast preparer or party organiser.
• Get your school, college and/or workplace involved (in the week running up to the 25th we’ll arrange for students to visit workplaces and report on their fairtrade credentials)
• Spread the word – to your friends, family, colleagues… display posters, distribute leaflets
• Publicise Your Fairtrade City Day of Action and Celebration in your school/uni/workplace/church/mosque/temple  newsletter.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Sabita Banerji at yourfairtradecity@gmail.com

Bunting Making this Thursday

Thanks to Patricia Wright, Oxford Fair Trade Coalition is linking up with the Oxford International Women’s Festival this Thursday for a shared bunting making event.

Thursday 3rd March: Wrap Oxford in Fairtrade Bunting
Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW
5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Entrance: Free (donations). All Welcome.

Learn how Fairtrade helps women to better incomes, health and education. Make Fairtrade bunting for your home, school, or church. Some fabrics provided, or BYO, including scissors, staplers and thread. Drinks and Fairtrade nibbles on offer. Collection to cover expenses.
Organiser: Oxford Fairtrade Coalition; Contact: Patricia Wright 01865 249235 or Warden 01865 557373

Fairtrade Cotton at the Botanical Gardens

During Fairtrade Fortnight the Botanic Garden is celebrating Fairtrade, ethical and organic clothing. Explore the tropical Palm House to see crops of cotton, find out the differences between a pair of Fairtrade jeans and a conventional pair, and why supporting Fairtrade cotton farmers is so important. See displays of clothes from ethical traders as well as some unusual fibres such as ‘peace silk’ and ‘naturally coloured cotton’.

Palm House open during glasshouse opening hours, 10.00am – 4.00pm. Garden open 9.00am – 5.00pm. Entry, adults £3.80, children free.

University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ, 01865 286690, www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

Six fantastic Fairtrade Fortnight events

Judith from Trading for Development has been in touch to tell us about six fantastic events taking place over the next Fortnight.

Sunday 27th Feb: Bunting Making at the Botanical Gardens (Regular group)
During our usual Knitting at the Botanical Gardens last Sunday of the Month
Sunday 27th FEB 2-4pm at the Conservatory

Sunday 27th Feb: Blackfriars (Workshop)
Bunting making at Blackfriars

All Fortnight: Find out about Fairtrade at the Botanical Gardens (Public event)
Show off your label and celebrate fairtrade cotton. Take a trail around the Palm Glasshouse to find out more about fairtrade plants and farmers. The palm Glasshouse will be covered with Bunting plus exhibition of Fairtrade fashion

Monday 1st March: More Bunting Fun at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (Workshop)
Tuesday 1st of March. Bunting making in the foyer of Kennet building. We will then decorate the canopy area outside our art building doors. Look out for pictures on the

Wednesday 2nd March: Bunting Making at the Town Hall cafe (Public Event)
Wednesday 2rd of March. 11;30 am -2:30 pm.  Cafe of the Town Hall. More bunting making plus fair trade stall.

Sunday 6th of March – 11 am – 25th Anniversary of the Twinning of the City of Oxford and Leon Nicaragua Misa Campesina
At 64 St Giles with an exhibition of fairtrade products from Nicaragua..

Saturday 12th March – Jericho Community Centre - Fairtrade fortnight Show off your label tea and cake
33 Canal St Oxford OX2 6BQ. 3-5pm

Contact Judith (judith@tradingfordevelopment.co.uk) for more details of the events below, and if you make it along – don’t forget to tell us about your experiences and share any photos you take!

Wrapping Oxford in Fair Trade Bunting for FTF2011: take part!

Can we wrap Oxford in Fair Trade Cotton bunting to celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight 2011?

We’re inviting groups across Oxford to create and decorate their own Fair Trade bunting for Fair Trade Fortnight – displaying it at schools, colleges, workplaces, places of worship, and in setting right across Oxford, before bringing all the bunting together to see how far we can reach across Oxford with flags of Fair Trade cotton.

If you want to take part then:

1) Let us know! Add a comment below or drop an e-mail to fairtrade@oxford.gov.uk.

2) Get hold of Fair Trade Cotton – the Fairtrade Foundation are offering packs of blank Fair Trade cotton bunting and pre-created bunting. Check the FTF2011 leaflets – or talk to one of our local Fairtrade shops to get large supplies.

3) During Fair Trade Fortnight (28th Feb – 13th March) host a session creating Fair Trade bunting. You could decorate Fair Trade cotton bunting from the Fair Trade Foundation, or make your own from recycled Fair Trade cotton and more.

4) At the end of Fair Trade Fortnight (date and venue to be announced) bring your bunting to a central point where we’ll be seeing how far we can reach with bunting across Oxford.

Schools? Community Groups? Faith Groups?

The Fairtrade Foundation have a wide range of resources available that you can use to turn a bunting workshop into a great learning and social opportunity.

We’re hoping to share more ideas for Fair Trade bunting events here soon – but do share your ideas as well…

Fairtrade- Food, Music and People

It was the perfect summer evening we had imagined when we started planning this event at The Perch.  The weather was lovely, the music was fabulous, and the food was outstanding.  Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate fairtrade with us at The Perch.  We look forward to seeing  you again soon!

Fairtrade items from Exclusive Roots

Chitra from Nepal, manages Gurkha Delight in Whitney and provided the delicious food.

Nepalese buffet

Chitra and Celine from The Perch- many thanks to Celine for all her help in organising and hosting the night!

World Fairtrade Day in Oxford

EVENTS:

• World Fair Trade Day, Saturday 8 May 2010
• Wednesday 12 May:  Fair Trade and Climate Change Seminar at Brookes
• Saturday 15 May:  Fair Trade Stall at Burford Levellers Day
• Thursday 24 June:  FT musical evening at the Perch, Binsey TBC
• Trading for Development at the Town Hall and Botanic Gardens

NEWS

• The Windmill Fair Trade Shop
• Fireside Coffee, St Clements
• Sindyanna of Galilee
• Fairtrade statistics

1. World Fair Trade Day, Saturday 8 May 2010

World Fair Trade Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of May.  All around the world, producers, farmers, organizers, supporters, consumers and activists do something to show their support for Fair Trade and what it does to change lives for the better.

Here in Oxford some of our Fair Trade and ethical businesses have decided to work together.  The businesses involved are Exclusive Roots in St Giles, Greens Cafe in St Giles, Fairtrade at St Michaels in Cornmarket Street , Vaults and Gardens in Radcliffe Square, Saree in Cowley Road, Fireside Coffee in St. Clements and The Windmill Fairtrade shop in Headington.
They are working together to raise awareness of all of their special places across Oxford  -  and World Fair Trade Day seems a good place to start.  The idea is to maximise the use of all our networks to let more and more people in Oxford know about Fair Trade, the wonderful things the shops and cafes offer and, of course, special offers on 8th May.

2. Wednesday 12 May: Fair Trade and Climate Change seminar with Mr S. C. Mittal, MD of Fair Trade Organisation, Pushpanjali of Agra, India

TIME: 5.00-7.00 (talk starts at 5.30)

PLACE: Room G103, Gibbs Building, Brookes University,

Gypsy Lane Site, Headington

Pushpanjali Fair Trade Organisation was founded by Mr. Mittal in 1982 with the mission of improving the livelihoods and well being of disadvantaged people by promoting Fair Trade and speaking out for greater justice in world trade.  Pushpanjali is a member of the Fair Trade Forum-India and the World Fair Trade Organisation.

Mr Mittal  will  speak about Pushpanjali’s social projects and, in particular, their project on the environment and climate change.  He will show a 12 minute video on Fair Trade and climate change.  We plan for there to be plenty of time for comments and questions.

Pushpanjali works closely with six producer groups involving 62 artisans, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions and respect for Fair Trade Standards.  Key commitments to producers are:

• To provide education & training to Producers and their families.
• To help to increase living standards
• To provide credit & advances.
• To provide equal wages to women producers.
• Profit sharing with producers.

Pushpanjali also reaches out to poor communities, providing medical support and a medical camp in the village of Khalua, and assistance with school fees for girls. 

3. Saturday 15 May:  Fair Trade stall at Burford Levellers Day

Lorna Hicks, of the OFTCoalition will run a Fair Trade Stall at Burford Levellers Day.  It’s a good excuse to enjoy a day out in this beautiful village. 

4. Thursday 24 June:  Fair Trade musical evening at the Perch, Binsey, with Nepalese Food TO BE CONFIRMED

Do pencil this into your diaries – but wait for confirmation in our next newsletter!

5. Trading for Development

2.00 – 4.00 pm last Sunday every month – knitting sessions, using FT wool, at the Botanic Gardens.

11.00 – 3.00 pm first Wednesday every month – Fair Trade stall in the Town Hall.

6. The WINDMILL Fair Trade Shop, 104 London Road, Oxford OX3 9AJ.  Telephone:  01865 236 944 opened in March.  It’s owned and run by the Headington Fairtrade Cooperative Ltd, a community co-operative whose purpose is to provide a retail outlet for fairtrade goods and to promote Fairtrade principles.  It’s a fully registered commercial company, not a charity shop!   Everyone is welcome to their AGM at 8.00pm on Monday 21 June when Patrick Gihana Mulenga, Commercial Attache at the Rwanda High Commission, London, will be talking about the far reaching benefits that Fair trade has brought to his country.

New stock includes Injabulo (Zulu for “happiness”) buttons and wallhangings from India made out of recycled saris.

7.”A new retail & coffee shop based on ethical principles, “Fireside Coffee” on St. Clements Street specialises in gourmet indulgent Fairtrade and  Organic food and drink.

8.Sindyanna of Galilee has opened a new Visitors Centre and shop in Kufr Manda

Last year we welcomed  Sindyanna of Galilee to Oxford to talk about their olive oil project.  Active in Fair Trade since 1996, Sinyanna now teaches basket weaving at their Kufr Manda centre. “The opening of the Visitors Center is the direct result of a strategic decision taken by Sindyanna since its inception: the decision that the organization first and foremost must benefit Arab women,” said Hadas Lahav, founder and manager of Sindyanna. “We decided that our initiative must serve as a model for empowering women by means of employment.”

”The opening of the Visitor Centre provides a space where buyers and weavers can meet, and at the same time facilitate fruitful social and cultural dialogue.”
The Sinyanna olive oil factory in nearby Kufr Qana produces 40 tons of olive oil a year and is managed entirely by women, both Jewish and Arab.  Sinyanna also is busy looking for markets for other products from the region: honey, za’atar (a local herb), carob syrup and almonds. They have a separate branch for packing olive oil soap from Nablus which helps the Palestinian economy.  www.sindyanna.com

9. Statistics from the Fairtrade Foundation

a. In 2009 sales of Fairtrade products in the UK grew to an estimated £800 million – a 12% increase on 2008.

b. Almost 90% of British households bought at least one Fairtrade product in 2009.

The BIG Swap!

Follow us on Twitter: oxfairtrade

The Big Swap

Did you know that here in the UK we drink 165 million cups of tea every day!

That’s the good news.  The bad news is that only 10% (but still a whopping 16 and a half million cups) is Fairtrade tea.  We want to change that.  Which is why the Fairtrade Foundation asks people to swap their tea during Fairtrade Fortnight and make a Fairtrade choice.  What’s the point?  First of all, it tastes really good.  More important still, it’s good for the tea growers.  So go on, put the kettle on and try a cup of Fairtrade tea.

Don’t just swap your tea. Try Fairtrade coffee, chocolate, sugar, wine, fruit, socks, T shirts ……. The list goes on and on.  And please register your swap so that the Fairtrade Foundation can count up how many swaps have been made.  The target is 1 million.

Joke:

“I got some Fairtrade bananas for my children  – not a bad swap that”.^[1]

Local Events for Fairtrade Fortnight 22 February to 7 March 2010

Business Breakfast: Oxford Town Hall, 24 February

Here in Oxford we have invited 100 people to join us for a FT breakfast on Wednesday 24 February in the Assembly Rooms at the Town Hall.  There are still a few vacant places so do let us know if you want to come.  It starts at 8.00am and goes on until 9.15.  Yes, we know it’s early but we thought you could fit it in before you go to work!  fairtrade@oxford.gov.uk

Stall at East Oxford Farmers’ Market (in East Oxford Primary School from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m.) Saturday 27^th, February OFTC core group member, Lorna Hicks, will be there and have lots of publicity and samples to try. The theme is The Big Swap, to encourage people to swap to fairly traded goods by giving them a taste and telling them where to buy fair-trade products.  If anybody is at able to come and help at any time during those three hours, Lorna would be most grateful. Lorna.litten@btinternet.com

Tea for two at Jericho Community Centre (watch twitter-oxfairtrade and http://www.oxfairtrade.org.uk for details)

Botanic Gardens- Fairtrade Fortnight- 22^nd Feb. to 9^th Mar.

Explore the Garden looking for the people who make our lives tastier.  Find out about farmers and plants from around the World.

Big Brew called “Living Hope” at Great Missenden on Saturday 6^th March with Traidcraft CEO Paul Chandler. More information at http://www.ccow.org.uk.

Brookes University will have Fairtrade tea parties on every campus between 23^rd and 25^th February and want to include the local community as well as the students. There will also be a public screening of “Black Gold” on 5^th March, and a FT football match. All details available by typing in “fair trade” on Brookes website. www.brookes.ac.uk or going straight to http://www.brookes.ac.uk/brookesnet/environment/sustainabilityinpractice/fairtrade/fairtrade-fortnight-2010

Host a Fairtrade party with Trading for Development

Invite your friends or family over, and Trading for Development (an Oxford local business) will bring “The World in a Box” fair-trade items and accessories from around the world.  They will talk about the items, where they come from and the producers.  Learn about the products and buy something if you fancy!  Contact Kelly@tradingfordevelopment.co.uk to book your party.

A new Fair Trade Shop opening in Headington

Headington Fairtrade Co-operative Ltd are preparing to open a fairtrade shop, ‘The Windmill’, in Headington. It will open ‘quietly’ on 25th February, with the Lord Mayor, Mary Clarkson, performing the official opening on 2nd March.

Oxford Fair Trade Coalition Meetings

The Core Group meets regularly at the Town Hall.  This week we began to plan our programme of events for the year beyond FT14. This is likely to include a fun event on World Fair Trade Day on Saturday 8 May, a summer evening get together with music and a Fair Trade Nepalese curry, several panel discussions about serious Fair Trade topics like sustainability, impact and climate change.  And at the end of the year our AGM combined with a social evening, to report on how we are doing and to check out with you what we can do together in future.  If you are interested in joining the core group, please contact Carol Wills on fairtrade@oxford.gov.uk

A Decade of Divine

Yes, Divine Chocolate is Ten Years Old!  The scrumptious chocolate made from the very best FT Ghanaian cocoa has been around for a whole ten years and is available in all major supermarkets, Fair Trade Shops and Oxfam  in a whole new range of mouth-watering flavours.   Kuapa Kokoo the farmers cooperative that owns 45% of Divine has grown to 45,000 members and is a thriving, democratically run organization.  There’s a touring photo exhibition to celebrate Divine’s birthday.  To check out where the exhibition is going, visit:

www.divinechocolate.com

(Thanks to Peter Church of Hull for the joke)

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^[1] Thanks to Peter Church of Hull for this swap joke.