Garstang, UK
Population: 5,000
Declaration date: 22nd November 2001
www.garstangfairtrade.org.uk

The Garstang Oxfam Group ran a campaign to promote Fairtrade and the FAIRTRADE Mark ever since the Mark was established in the UK in 1994. The campaign however, was failing to involve the whole community, that is until representatives from the council, businesses, schools, churches and other community organisations were asked to attend a meal during Fairtrade Fortnight 2000. The meal was made up entirely of Fairtrade and local produce and participants were asked to sign a pledge agreeing to sell or use Fairtrade products on their premises.

Following this success (all churches, schools and 95% of businesses eventually signed the pledge) the people of Garstang voted to make their town a Fairtrade Town at the annual public meeting in April 2000. The Town Council passed a resolution to ratify the decision and agreed to use Fairtrade tea and coffee at meetings and whenever hot drinks were served. In 2001 the Fairtrade Foundation developed the five goals that made it possible for any place to become a Fairtrade Town, City, Village, Island, Borough, County or Zone and Garstang was presented with the first Fairtrade Town certificate on 22nd November 2001.

The Garstang Fairtrade Steering Group was formed and they now coordinate the campaign, but their main task is to involve the whole community. Fairtrade is brought into everyday life by working with the community and incorporating Fairtrade into annual festivals and events whenever possible.

Since their self acclaimed declaration Garstang has attracted prominent local, regional, national and international media attention Perhaps the most significant accomplishment was erecting road signs to declare Garstang’s unique status. This brought Fairtrade to the notice of residents and visitors alike; either passing through or staying in Garstang. The window stickers (and more recently the Pledge Forms) that are displayed at premises signed up to the pledge are also an important tool, as they enable different aspects of the community to proudly demonstrate their part in the campaign.

Because the five goals were not developed when Garstang became a Fairtrade Town they have not been able to celebrate achieving each goal along the way. The steering group has maintained enthusiasm and momentum of the campaign by celebrating anniversaries and relaunching the campaign in 2007. They enabled people to renew their pledge and awarded Pledge Forms that are updated each year. Another factor which has proved to be very effective is Garstang’s link with the Fairtrade cocoa farming community of New Koforidua in Ghana. This friendship has provided a personal touch that has brought the campaign to life. It has taken the campaign to another level of understanding on Fairtrade and trade justice and perhaps most importantly, joint events and regular exchange visits have made the campaign fun.

The difficulties and frustrations initially felt by the Oxfam Group have demonstrated that with perseverance and making the campaign accessible to all, success is possible. This underlying strength has gone on to inspire many other communities to follow in Garstang’s footsteps. As Joe Human of the Keswick and Cumbria campaign says; “Garstang has not demonstrated how to run an effective campaign, but the difficult birth in Garstang has inspired others to conceive”.

Find out more and read the latest news and events from Garstang Fairtrade Town

Read more about Garstang 10 years celebration here