Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum |
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Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum Chair's report 2003 - 2004 The Forum has met 11 times, including the first Annual General Meeting on 28th April 2003.There were also joint meetings with the Southampton group and planning group meetings in preparation for the celebration on March 5th. Twenty-two people have attended the meetings, several of whom were new members. This time last year I expressed my conviction that it was possible for us to achieve Fairtrade City status within twelve months and that we needed to develop an action plan towards that end. I am grateful to Neil and Ann Pugmire for the time and effort that they put into producing an action plan for us. Together, we have accomplished a great deal during the year; completing the surveys of retailers and catering establishments obtaining and distributing stickers for retailers to put in their windows to show where Fairtrade goods are available § launching our web-site § having stalls at the Lions event. Co-operative Fair and Lark in the Park § centre-spread in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business News § talking to various groups including the Guesthouse and Hoteliers Association § display in Central library § radio interviews § newspaper articles § and much more Eventually, we succeeded in achieving Fairtrade City status for Portsmouth. This was due to the incredible amount of time and hard work that our members dedicated to ensuring that we achieved our aim. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to our success and I am especially appreciative of the way in which people rallied round and took on extra duties when I went into hospital in January and then (rather thoughtlessly) accepted a job that meant working in the evenings. Thank you all, particularly Sue James, our secretary, who never ceases to amaze me with the enthusiastic efficiency with which she accomplishes all that she does. Having achieved our aim, where do we go from here? Is there still a role for Portsmouth Fairtrade Forum? I believe it has been generally agreed that the Forum should form the basis of the steering group which has to be convened to ensure Portsmouth's continued commitment to Fairtrade City status. It will be responsible for an annual assessment to monitor whether Portsmouth is continuing to meet the five goals. In conclusion, those of you who were involved in the celebrations on March 5th may have heard me say that as long as there is anyone in Portsmouth who does not know about Fairtrade our work is not finished. You will also have heard me mention my dream of a Fairtrade South coast. From Brighton to Bournemouth, I believe that we still have a task to do in encouraging and inspiring other areas to follow in our footsteps. Christine McMillan May 2004 |
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