Witney Renews its Fairtrade Status

WAFTAG recently heard that the town has had its Fairtrade status renewed successfully by the Fairtrade Foundation.  In June 2011, Witney became the 1000th International Fairtrade Town and for Fairtrade Town status to be maintained it must be renewed one year from the date of declaration.

The group produced a 6 page document providing a brief update on what’s happened since status was first achieved and a two year action plan detailing what the Steering Group (and its partners) intend to achieve in the next two years. Further renewals will be required every two years and focus on how far the group has met the targets and ambitions they set in the previous renewal action plan.

Part of the process involves outlining how the group build on the relationship with the Council, developing action and support on the commitments made in the original resolution. They were pleased to report that a Fairtrade drinks machine has been installed at the Langdale Hall and that the Mayor opened the Fair Trade Market in March.

Future plans include holding a Fairtrade Fashion Show next spring, in collaboration with Abingdon and Witney College.

The group's priority at the moment is to update its list of businesses and community groups in the area which support Fairtrade, and they will then produce an updated list.

They would like to thank all those who have supported them over the past year.