The local Fairtrade Forums are joining together for a week of events in the Gallery at the Stamford Arts Centre to draw attention to their work, with an exhibition of interactive displays, activities and artwork by local students.
It is the first event since the Rutland and Stamford groups have merged together to collaborate on efforts across the area, and the theme for the week is: One World- Growing Together- nature, growth, collaboration.
The artwork is on display throughout the week, with an opening event taking place Tuesday night. Friday and Saturday will include stalls to buy fairly traded gifts and food.
David Lewis, Publicity Officer for the Rutland Forum said: “One World Week is an annual event which brings people together to share an understanding of some of the global issues which affect us all, and encourages actions to build a just, more equal, and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources for future generations.
Here in Stamford, we are fortunate that students from Stamford College and local primary schools always embrace the opportunity to produce an exhibition of artwork around the One World Week theme.”
Fairtrade is a certification system on products which highlights that it meets strict standards of fair pay for the makers and farmers, as well as safer working conditions and worker’s rights. The global organisation also promotes climate friendly, sustainable farming practises and runs training programmes to develop women’s leadership.
Previously the area’s two groups, Rutland and Stamford, have operated side by side, but this merger will create a more joined-up approach to their work.
Jo Kemp, Chair of the new Rutland and Stamford Fairtrade Forum, said: “The Fairtrade movement has existed for a long time now, but millions of farmers and workers continue to face unfair prices, unsafe conditions and limited opportunities, with these challenges only made worse by the impacts of climate change.
As a new enlarged group of Fairtrade supporters, the Rutland and Stamford Fairtrade Forum will continue to campaign for trade justice, based on the principle that the people who produce our food should be able to control their future and lead the dignified life everyone deserves.”
Stamford was recognised as a Fairtrade Town in 2006 for ensuring that the local council supports the scheme and uses Fairtrade tea and coffee at meetings, and that the town’s shops include a variety of Fairtrade products. A list of local cafes and shops which sell Fairtrade goods are on the forum’s website.
Meanwhile, Rutland is recognised as a Fairtrade county, only the second in the UK to be awarded the status, and they will have their own Fairtrade Christmas Market at Oakham Castle on Saturday 28th November.
The preview tonight from 6.30pm is free to attend and will include live music and Fairtrade snacks. Chris Mainstone, from Ketton Goes Nuts (a community harvest from the village’s nut trees which goes on to make nut-based products), will donate £900 from his proceeds to the Fairtrade Foundation.
The week this year will also commemorate George Hetherington, of local organisations Second Helpings and George’s Food Hub, as he was a huge part of previous events over the past 20 years. Hetherington passed away in early October.
The groups would like to hear from anyone interested in helping support their work locally, especially with website and social media maintenance- contact: rutlandfairtrade@gmail.com
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