Witney goes all out for Fair Trade

Fair Trade Poster Competition winners receive their months supply of Dubble chocolate from Jude Levermore of Base 33 at the opening of the Fair Trade Market. Left to right - Fran Wright age 11, Josh Sims age 9 & Pheobe Sparks age 10. (Further pictures of the days events)

Approaching a thousand people flocked to the Witney Fair Trade Market on Saturday in the Langdale Hall, demonstrating overwhelming support for producers in poor developing countries.

The early shoppers were invited by a "human banana" to the Langdale Hall and given a free Fairtrade banana (donated by Sainsbury's) to eat before midday. It was part of an attempt at a world record for the number of people simultaneously eating Fairtrade bananas. The numbers will be fed back to Fairtrade Foundation as part of a national initiative marking the end of Fairtrade Fortnight and aimed at encouraging people to make small changes in the way they shop by choosing Fairtrade.

Fran Wright, Age 11

Other highlights of the Market included face painting and free children's magic and Punch and Judy shows (with a Fairtrade theme) by the well known entertainer Uncle Wiggy.

Children from local schools had also been invited to design a poster encouraging people to use Fairtrade . The 4 lucky winners received a month's worth of Divine Fairtrade chocolate as well as resources for their schools. Their winning entries were displayed at the Langdale Hall.

Phoebe Sparks, Age 10

Voicebox singing group serenaded the shoppers as they made their purchases.

All this was being organised by Witney Area Fair Trade Action Group (WAFTAG). It is the third year they have done this. WAFTAG's Co ordinator, Wendy Maddison, said "We are thrilled by the fantastic response by the people of Witney. Well over £4,100 was spent on fairly traded products. Here we are all feeling the effects of the credit crunch , but imagine how much worse it is for poor farmers and producers in developing countries. Just by buying fairly traded products, we really can make a considerable difference to their lives."

Evelyn White, Age 6

At the opening of the event, Jude Levermore, manager of Base 33, presented certificates to shops, cafes, businesses, schools and churches which have pledged to sell or use Fairtrade items. She said, "I have seen with my own eyes the difference paying farmers a fair price for their goods makes to their families, without it children can't go to school, and anyone who is in the familiy who is sick cannot afford medicine. All they are asking for is a fair deal not charity just a fair price for their hard work so they can provide for themselves and their communities. It is wrong to think that cheap food is the be all and end all."

Josh Simms

Three local doctors' surgeries and nearly 60 other local offices, churches, schools and businesses will soon be displaying their Fairtrade certificates.

The event was supported by Sainsbury's, the Co op and many other local businesses.

Mrs Maddison said "We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the people and businesses of Witney. " But despite a petition of over 2400 names, so far the Town Council has failed to provide the necessary support for Witney to become a Fairtrade Town.