Garstang. The world's first Fairtrade Town

Is it possible for one place to be more Fairtrade than another?

Let me know if you have the answer to that one…but there are definitely places that show an amazing commitment to the movement.

Spurred on looking for Fairtrade things to do, we’ve been looking at Fairtrade places to go.  Fairtrade Fortnight is over for another year but let’s face it, Fairtrade is the thing to do all year round so why not try one of these?

Garstang
Pretty market town Garstang, goes down in Fairtrade history.

It all started here. The very first Fairtrade town in the world, ever. On 22 November 2001, after years of dedication, Garstang was officially recognised as a Fairtrade town by the Fairtrade foundation. Actor, Tony Robinson even unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Garstang will officially celebrate its 10th anniversary as a Fairtrade town on Saturday 24 April 2010. The occasion will be marked with a special buffet.  Harriet Lamb CBE, Chief Executive of the Fairtrade Foundation, will be the guest speaker.

Garstang boasts six Fairtrade cafes, restaurants and pubs and three Fairtrade hotels and guest houses in the Garstang Fairtrade directory. Well worth checking out.

Cardiff
Cardiff.  The first Fairtrade city for the first Fairtrade nation.

Cardiff was declared a Fairtrade city in March 2004 and now boasts an impressive 150 outlets for Fairtrade goods. Check out the Milgi Lounge at 213 City Road for an excellent Fairtrade brew or the award winning Riverside Market to pick up delicious Fairtrade and organic produce.

Cardiff’s Fairtrade partnership aims to organise at least one major Fairtrade event during each Fairtrade fortnight and this has included a 5k fun run and Fairtrade football festival in the past.  The celebrations in 2010 included a tea dance and tea tasting.

Read more about Fairtrade Wales here

Hadrian’s Wall
Yes I know, Hadrian’s Wall covers a very large area, but it also offers an array of Fairtrade options and just happens to be one of the newest members welcomed into the Fairtrade family.

This newbie was inducted to the Fairtrade movement on Monday 22 February 2010 and is the first World Heritage site, National trail and international zone to achieve Fairtrade status.

There are over 125 Fairtrade business supporting the Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade initiative and all 11 local authorities along the wall have pledged to support Fairtrade (including Dumfries and Galloway, Carlisle, Gateshead, Newcastle and North Tyneside).

Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade steering group member, Willowford Farm, is an organic farm and bed and breakfast on Hadrian’s Wall. It serves fresh local, organic and Fairtrade produce wherever possible.  With Birdoswald Roman Fort less than one mile from your doorstep, it could be the ideal choice for sampling Fairtrade Hadrians Wall.