Fairtrade Bingley
Bingley achieved Fairtrade Town status in July 2006. This is great news for the people of Bingley and its surrounding villages. You can buy Fairtrade goods at a number of shops and cafés in the town and several businesses, large and small, are routinely serving Fairtrade tea & coffee to their employees. We are constantly adding to our list of local shops and businesses which serve or sell Fairtrade products - and we’re always keen to hear about new additions.
Our group organises regular activities to raise the profile of Fairtrade in Bingley. These include a stall at the Christmas Fair at Bingley Arts Centre and also at the famous Bingley Show in August. In 2008 we introduced a very popular Fairtrade baking category in the Handicrafts section; competition to win the coveted first prize is fierce! During Fairtrade fortnight every year in February we are usually found handing out samples of Fairtrade chocolate or bananas in Bingley Main Street, one year accompanied by the stirring sound of the Beckfoot School Samba Band (Beckfoot School in Bingley is Bradford’s first Fairtrade secondary school).
Some of our most popular events have combined Fairtrade with local Yorkshire produce, such as cheeses or pork pies. At these evening events, guests taste a number of products and vote for their favourites. This month we are hosting a Fairtrade Coffee and Chocolate Chillout morning where you can come along and read the Sunday newspapers while sampling a number of different Fairtrade drinks and chocolates. Sure to be popular!
Our members have given talks to local community groups such as Beavers, Women’s groups, local schools and even a nursery. We also hosted the Dreamworks theatre group at Bradford University who performed a play exploring the plight of young Ghanaian people trapped in slave labour. At every level there’s a clear message to share about the benefits of Fairtrade.
We always welcome new members – no experience required – just an interest in Fairtrade and an enthusiasm to help to make the world a fairer place. Ring 01274 560350 for more information and to find out about forthcoming events and meetings.
Christmas Craft Fair, Bingley Arts Centre
Fairtrade baking section at the Bingley Show. Entries must include at least 2 Fairtrade ingredients.
