On Friday 6th March over a 100 children from Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Four Elms and Hever Primary Schools, and their invited guests (including councilors, clergy and the manager of the local Co-op – the Co-op sponsored Edenbridge’s Fairtrade Fortnight) joined people from all over Britain and other parts of the world in a world record breaking attempt at Fairtrade banana eating in a 24 hour period!
This was the culmination of an evening where the children displayed wonderful Fairtrade cotton banners created during Fairtrade Fortnight, along with wide ranging presentations giving a flavour of what they had been investigating. We were taken on a brisk tour through South America, Africa and Asia accompanied by song, power point, rap and hard hitting drama. We looked at chocolate, other Fairtrade foods and clothing and we even had a Fairtrade Fairy Tale where the Fairtrade Birthday Cake won the competition!
After the banana ‘eat-in’, delicious Fairtrade refreshments disappeared rapidly and some of the children took the opportunity of posing with a five foot inflatable Fairtrade banana! The message from the children of Edenbridge came over loud and clear; the future is FAIRTRADE.
Why does Edenbridge celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight?
Because we are a Fairtrade Town! It is now over three and a half years since Edenbridge became the first Fairtrade Town in Kent, one of an ever growing group (now over 400 towns and cities) which realises that, without the adoption of Fairtrade practices, those living in poorer countries will not be able to work their way out of poverty.
To achieve Fairtrade Town Status we had and have wonderful support. We have:
- A Council that uses, and encourages, the use of Fairtrade products
- Shops that sell Fairtrade goods
- Catering establishments where you can buy Fairtrade tea, coffee, chocolate and snacks
- The involvement of more and more local organisations, employers, schools and churches
- And of course the people of Edenbridge who are buying more and more Fairtrade Goods
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What is Fairtrade?
Something that is growing (even in a recession!) It is trade that provides:
- A stable and fair price for growers and small scale producers
- Safe working conditions for those employed
- A social premium that is ploughed back into the local community
The Fairtrade Town Steering Group wants to encourage as many local people to be involved as possible, not just as organisations and businesses, but as individuals. We are all making a real difference already, but can make even more if we follow the lead of our children and spread the “Buy Fairtrade” message.
Our Fairtrade Fortnight is sponsored by  which carries a large range of Fairtrade products. |
