Garstang renews its Fairtrade Town status
The summer of 2008 saw Garstang renew its Fairtrade Town status with a glowing report from the Fairtrade Foundation. This is the third Renewal since Garstang was officially recognised as a Fairtrade Town in 2001 and those providing the feedback comments were simply lost for words in three out of the five goals.
Under Goal four which listed no fewer than 30 events in the last year alone the feedback comment read;
“We can appreciate why Garstang has been compared to stick of rock with Fairtrade running through it and this renewal application and the level of dedications and creativity flowing through it demonstrates yet again why Garstang has – and continues to – inspire the world, from San Francisco to Copenhagan, Fair Isle to Media, USA! Our congratulations for showing the world how it’s done and our thanks for sharing the expertise, ideas, energy and enthusiasm with the world!”
The final comment concluded with even more praise when they wrote;
“It is extremely difficult if not impossible to come up with any useful suggestions for this renewal application besides those listed under Goal 1.
In the past 12 months since the last renewal the steering group have excelled themselves in increasing the number of retail and catering outlets, achieving a full complement of schools and faith groups and many other community groups and businesses. The number and variety of events and the amount of press coverage is simply amazing and it is hard to believe there is anyone left in Garstang who hasn't been touched in some way.
In coming up with the very comprehensive and ambitious strategy, they have again showed the qualities of vision and determination that gave us the first Fairtrade Town.
Congratulations Garstang, this is why you are seen as leaders, an example of what is possible, and a beacon for the rest of the world. Thank you on behalf of all the lives you have touched and all the people you have inspired.”
Worthy praise indeed for the world's first Fairtrade Town!
Read the complete feedback form for Garstang's Fairtrade Town Renewal 2008 here.