SAAFT Minutes 25-02-09

Stafford Area Action for Fairtrade meeting
Wednesday 25 February 2009, 4:30pm
Lucy Shotton Room, SBC

Present: Sebastian Pearce, John Boyle (Midlands Co-op), Paul Thomas (Lichfield Diocese), Nicola Wilson (Staffordshire County Council)
Apologies: Ruth Parsons, Becky Moseley, Maureen Alecock, Julie Thompson-Edwards, Karen Davies
Banana Film: A short film was played about the value and benefits of Fairtrade to a banana producing co-operative in the Dominican Republic. The film was from a DVD produced by Fairtrade Foundation. SP has two copies to be lent out. The DVD has several short films on Fairtrade producers, a promotional film for FT in the workplace (also shown) and interviews conducted by George Alagiah.
ACTION: Contact SD to borrow DVD for events or just to watch.
Fairtrade Borough Status:
Stafford Borough is now proud to be a Fairtrade Borough. The group celebrated the success with a glass of Co-op Fairtrade South African sparkling wine! A press release combining the news with a call to join in with the 'Go Bananas' world record has been organised (photo call Thursday 26 March). The response from FT Foundation made note of several of our successes, particularly the amount of small and independent FT outlets and the strength of SAAFT, but also noted ways to move forward. The status will need to be renewed in February 2010 and then every two years. We now have a new logo to use too - see top of page.
The Group discussed ways to celebrate receiving FT Borough status. It was suggested that SAAFT participate in the Mayor's Parade with a float. A SAAFT party may also be held. It was also noted that it is SAAFT's 10^th Anniversary!
ACTION: SP to draft a new Resolution for the Council that reiterates their support for FT and recognises FT Borough status.
ACTION: SP to investigate Mayor's Parade.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 (23 Feb - 8 March)
- National Promotion: SP gave out some national materials and reminded the group that these were available through FTF on-line.
- Local Events: SP has had no reply from John Webb about Stafford Market.
  The group discussed 'Go Bananas' events. It was suggested that organisers collect names and pass on numbers to FTF and that a 'verifier' box could be included on any forms/ slips.
  SCC are holding an event in Stafford Market Square on Thursday 26 February using the SCC 'Caravan'. NW borrowed FTF DVD and will pass on to PT.
  Stafford College will be having an FT stall from 2 - 4 February. David Kidney, MP, will be visiting on the Monday.
  There will be several events on 28 February including Weston Methodist Church, Trinity Church and Eccleshall Co-op (with Woodcraft Folk).
  ACTION: ALL add events to national on-line calendar at www.fairtrade.org.uk and/or to the 'Go Bananas' list.
- Schools and Faith Groups: St Chad's will be holding a 'Go Bananas' event on Saturday 7 March from 9am - 11:30am. SCC Watchdog volunteers will be helping out.
  ACTION: PT to contact newspapers, JB to provide marquee in case of rain.
  Blesses Mother Teresa's and Doxey Primary School will both be holding 'Go Bananas' events on Friday 6 March.
- SBC Promotion:
  A 'Go Bananas' event, 'Thank Fairtrade it's Banana Friday', will be held at Stafford Borough Council. Staff will also be encouraged to drink FT beverages, bring in FT cakes and dress in yellow!
  ACTION: SP to organise and publicise.
- SCC Events: Staffordshire County Council will be holding a 'Go Bananas' event. NW to collect names.
Stafford Half Marathon/ Fun Run - Team SAAFT:
- SCC Watchdog Volunteers will come along to help out alongside SAAFT members. The event runs from aprox 9:30am - 1:30pm.
  ACTION: ALL - please come along and help give out bananas
- SP has found that FT Cotton T-shirts cannot be obtained in children's sizes. Non FT ones will be sourced.
  ACTION: SP to order children's sized T-shirts printed with FT and SAAFT logos.
- Team SAAFT seems rather small this year! Please encourage anyone who is running to join up and wear one of our T-shirts.
- ACTION: ALL - please join in with the races or encourage others.
Links with Schools.
The last Eco-Schools meeting was postponed due to weather. FT School status will be raised at the meeting on 5 March. Co-op will be launching their new FT in schools pack this week.
World Fairtrade Day (9 May)
SP has yet to hear back from Jon Webb to confirm that we can have stalls at Farmers' Market. SCC would like to have a stall. Displays should be interactive where possible. Please contact SP if you would like to participate.
SAAFT Action Plan (2009/10)
SP presented a draft Action Plan for 2009/10 (see attached). The plan should guide SAAFT's work and encourage us all to participate more throughout the year. The plan includes some specific actions as well as targets. It was suggested that as this is the first time we have had an annual action plan that targets should be achievable. The Action Plan also needs volunteers to take on roles to help achieve the Actions:- PT agreed to be FT School Status liaison for Doxey School and JB for Blessed Mother Teresa's and St. Austin's.
ACTION: Send any comments, ideas, objections etc to SP.
ACTION: Please contact SP if you can contribute to any of the actions.
Any Other Business and Good News:
Derrington: At a meeting on 25 February Derrington Village will be discussing a series of community led sustainability projects. One project they may decide to take on is to go for FT Village Status.
Birmingham Great Trade Debate (2 March): There will be a debate around FT issues in Birmingham. Speakers will include Chief Officer of Cadbury's, someone from the International Fairtrade Labelling Organisation, a Government Minister and a Conservative representative. JB offered a lift back for anyone attending from Stafford.
Next Meeting:
4:30pm Thursday 9 April, Lucy Shotton Room, SBC

Besty of luck with all your events and promotions
Please let us know how you get on or
post photos to the SAAFT Flickr group
www.flickr.com/groups/saaft/

To join SAAFT or for more information contact the Sustainable Development Team or come along to our next meeting.

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