Kingston Fairtrade Group
The Fairtrade initiative arose via the Kingston Peace and Justice Network, a loose network of local groups interested in international/development etc issues, including Kingston Peace Council, WDM (World Development Movement), and supporters of Amnesty, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Friends of the Earth, etc.
The Trade Justice Campaign has been a major focus for some years. To bring trade issues to the attention of a wider cross-section of the community, it was decided to try to make Kingston a Fairtrade Borough. However we are keen not to lose sight of the wider Trade Justice Campaign and have continued to support this, holding meetings with MPs and taking part in lobbies etc. See news section.
In April 2004 the Kingston Fairtrade Steering Group was set up to work with local people and organisations towards gaining Fairtrade status for the Borough. We were fortunate to have, from the start, a local Councillor with a personal commitment to Fairtrade and similar issues. However most of the work in gaining Fairtrade status was done by the community members of the steering group, with the exception, of course, of the Council resolution in support of the initiative.
Fairtrade Borough status was awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation in March 2005. See news.
If you would like to help support Fairtrade in Kingston, please contact us
We often need help with specific events in Fairtrade Fortnight (end February/early March), and also at other times of year. There is no need to know much about Fairtrade.
We also have volunteers checking retailers and cafes etc. to see if they sell Fairtrade items, and which ones. This information is used for our on-line directory (Where to buy Fairtrade products) and printed Kingston Fairtrade Guide.
There is no need to be an official member of the group to come along to a meeting and see how you might be interested in helping. Our steering group would like more members to help plan activities and decide on how best to support Fairtrade locally.
Contact us if you are interested.
Present members of the steering group:
- Jeannette James, Co-ordinator (WDM, Kingston Peace and Justice Network and Trade Justice Movement)
- Douglas James (Christian Aid supporter and church member)
- Councillor Bob Steed (Councillor)
- Peter Watson (member of Co-operative Society, church member active in Southwark Diocese)
- Lisa Shipp (Manager, Food for Thought shop, Kingston)
- Carlos Queremel (Council Environment Dept employee with Fairtrade responsibility)
- Hannah Smith (responsible for Fairtrade and Sustainability at Kingston University)
- Laura Chatburn (Manager, Rose Theatre cafe/bar)
- Lindsay Shepherd (Kingston Schools vocational Development Service)
- Asi Panditharatna (Catch 22, young people's charity)
Here are replies from the Group's Co-ordinator to questions about getting Fairtrade Borough status.