Forthcoming Events

Fairtrade Fortnight Activities in Southampton

Fairtrade Fortnight (28 February to 13 March, 2011) is the Fairtrade Foundation?s annual awareness raising campaign to promote the difference that Fairtrade makes to millions of people in developing countries.

This year the campaign is focusing on Fairtrade cotton, currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. People are being asked to help break the world record for the longest length of painted cotton bunting.

We list below the Fairtrade Fortnight activities of Southampton Fair Trade Group,
Southampton Fair Trade Shop and Southampton Solent University. Come and join in -
there's lots to do!

Southampton Fair Trade Group activities

Fairtrade bunting painting for children

At the Southampton Central Library, Children's Section

19th February, between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm

Bunting painting events will also run in several Southampton primary schools in the weeks before Fairtrade Fortnight.

The bunting from all these events will decorate a display about Fairtrade and the Southampton Fair Trade Group, in the Central Library throughout Fairtrade Fortnight. It will then be sent to the Fairtrade Foundation to help set a Guiness world record for the longest length of painted Fairtrade cotton bunting.

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Southampton Fair Trade Shop activities

Monday 14th February - assembly about Fairtrade at St Mark's C E Junior School followed by bunting painting activities.

Saturday 26th February 12-2pm - Bunting Decorating for all, at The Art House Gallery Café, High Street, Southampton

Monday 28th February - assembly about Fairtrade at Foundry Lane, Freemantle, followed by bunting painting activities.

Saturday 5th March - 11.00am till 3.00pm - Interactive Art Event on Shirley Precinct, Making a giant collage of the Faitrade Logo from fabric pieces, Fairtrade tastings and information

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Southampton Solent University activities

Southampton Solent University, in partnership with the Solent Students Union, is renewing its Fairtrade status and instating an updated Fairtrade Policy.

The updated Fairtrade policy, signed by Student Union President, Dan Prendergast, and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Richard Blackwell, outlines the University’s commitment to providing Fairtrade products on campus, using Fairtrade products for internal hospitality, and supporting the Fairtrade cause by raising awareness amongst staff and students through campaigns and the formation of a steering group.

In addition to having representatives on the Southampton Fair Trade Group, the University’s own Fairtrade steering group now forms part of the University’s Green Spark initiative lead by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Richard Blackwell.

Along with renewing its Fairtrade status the University and Student Union have several events planned on campus along with special offers on Fairtrade products.

Lindy Jessup, Hospitality Service Manager, said ‘We’re really excited about Fairtrade fortnight and have lots of events and offers planned. We have come along way since first becoming a Fairtrade University in 2007 and are keen to show our continued support to the Fairtrade foundation with the renewal of our Fairtrade status’.

Events during Fairtrade Fortnight at Solent

Special Offers on Fairtrade Products will be available across the campus including the Student Union shop and Campus News Newsagents.

A Fairtrade stall will also be available at the monthly Farmers/ Producers market on Thursday 3rd March, selling Fairtrade products including Student Union Hoodies

The Student Union is running a Fairtrade round in the Quiz night at Warsash on Tuesday 1st March with a Fairtrade hamper up for grabs.

Staff at the university are getting involved by reviewing how Fairtrade their work kitchens are, with the opportunity to sample flavoured Fairtrade Teas and snacks supplied by Sodexo.

Un-fair trade challenge

Student Union president, Dan Prendergast, will try to cope in the conditions non Fairtrade workers have to deal with on a daily basis.

The event, taking place on Tuesday 8th March 12-2pm, opposite campus news, will show the huge impact that Fairtrade can make to working conditions. It will also be filmed and uploaded onto the student food and cooking website www.studentcooking.tv/solent

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The New Forest Food Challenge: Eat local, grow local

Challenging individuals, families, schools, colleges and businesses in the New Forest area to find ways of using more local food produce.

The New Forest Food Challenge is a project run by the New Forest Transition Hub. It encourages people to buy local produce; get involved in growing food – in your garden, on an allotment, in a community garden; help others - schools, community groups - to learn how to grow; share your favourite seasonal food recipes; try out ways to reduce your food waste.

For dates and details of specific events relating to the Challenge, and to exchange ideas and experiences, go to the New Forest Challenge interactive website: www.newforesttransition.org/foodchallenge",

By encouraging people to take these kinds of action you can help prepare the New Forest to meet the demands that the future will bring, to reduce its lower its overall energy use and carbon emissions, and so move towards more sustainable lifestyles.

The New Forest Food Challenge is a project of the New Forest Transition Hub and is part funded by the New Forest National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.