Frome enters 13th year as Fairtrade town

Mayor Kate Bielby with Christina Oswin, gold winner in last year’s Fairtrade Business awards

Frome has entered its 13th year as a Fairtrade town by successfully renewing its certification with the Fairtrade Foundation. 

To be awarded the status again, Fairtrade Frome had to demonstrate that the town is still aiming to supply and promote the Fairtrade mark.

Last year two local businesses were also recognised in the South West Fairtrade Business Awards. The River House gained a silver award and Christina Oswin struck gold with her use of recycled silver and Fairtrade and Fairmined gold in all her jewellery.

Christina presented Mayor Kate Bielby with the new certificate to display in the town council office. The council has to make an effort to buy and provide Fairtade refreshments in the offices and at its meetings as part of maintaining the Fairtrade town status.

If your business considers Fairtrade as part of its remit, why not enter the awards this year? Entries are accepted until 30th January. Enter online at www.bristolfairtrade .org.uk.

Or, if you are interested  in having a Fairtrade breakfast during Fairtrade fortnight, which runs from 29th February to 3rd March, register with the campaign to “Sit down for breakfast, stand up for farmers”. The Fairtrade  Foundation is this year looking for a record breaking number of breakfasts across the country to be counted as Fairtrade. See www.fairtrade.org.uk for information.