Make a note in your diary to visit the town during Sidmouth Fairtrade Fortnight. Taking place between Friday February 24th and March 8th, there is a packed programme of events around the town. Organised by the Sidmouth Fair Trade Group, the events are to help promote the nationwide celebration. Following are a few of those planned:
There will be Fairtrade displays throughout the fortnight at Sidmouth Library, St Giles and St Nicholas Parish Church and the Catholic Church.
Friday 28 February
In the morning, two cocoa farmers from Kuapa Kokoo, Ghana, Ms Ahyia and Mr Boateng, who supply the Divine chocolate company, will be visiting Sidmouth Primary School as part of the School’s Fairtrade Conference.
Later, at 2.30pm, the farmers will give a presentation at St Teresa’s Hall about fair pay and climate change problems. Waitrose will have a display of their Fairtrade food and drink including some free samples!
Saturday 29th February
There will be a coffee morning at Sidmouth Library from 10.30am, which will include children’s story telling and refreshments.
Sunday 1st March
A Fairtrade and Local community breakfast will take place from 9.30am in the Methodist Church.
Fairtrade status
Sidmouth was awarded Fairtrade status back in 2016 thanks to the dedication of local campaigners. Sidmouth Town Council had earlier passed a resolution to promote Fairtrade to local businesses and consumers. Local retailers had to pledge to sell more than four Fairtrade products and cafes had to sell Fairtrade tea and coffee to gain certification.
Fairtrade Foundation
The Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992 by various charities to help Mexican coffee farmers. Two years later, the first certified Fairtrade products became available, which included chocolate, coffee and tea. Fairtrade fortnight began in 1995 to raise awareness around the world of the need to help small businesses struggling with exploitation. Since then, the Fairtrade campaign has continued to grow with over 6000 products now available with the familiar Fairtrade logo.