How Fairtrade benefits Ghanaian cocoa farmers

Worldwide demand for cocoa to make chocolate products may be growing; but that does not necessarily point to increased income for cocoa farmers.

In an article in Africa News Christiana Ohene-Agyare, President of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union, the co-operative explains the crucial role Fairtrade has played in helping farmers improve their livelihoods.

"Fairtrade has delivered significant additional income to Kuapa Kokoo and through our democratic processes we have allocated that money. A significant part has been paid directly to our farmer members and to projects that directly benefit them. Without the support and extra income which Fairtrade and our Fairtrade partners deliver, we wouldn’t be here today and cocoa farmers would still have no say in their own futures,” she stated.

read the full article 
http://www.africanews.com/site/How_Fairtrade_benefits_Ghanaian_cocoa_farmers/list_messages/42654

Ammanford - The first Fair Trade town in Wales

There is an excellent article about establishing Ammanford as the First Fairtrade Town in Wales and how we are going about renewing our status.

please go and read it for yourself at 
 
http://www.cynnalcymru.com/casestudy/wales-africa-first-fair-trade-town-wales-ammanford

Now that Wales is the first Fair Trade Nation in the world - it achieved this status in June 2008 - it's difficult to appreciate that just five years ago not a single place in Wales had Fair Trade status.

Tref Masnach Deg Cyntaf Cymru

Mae yna erthygl arbennig am hanes Rhydaman fel Tref Masnach Deg cyntaf Cymru ar safle Cynnal Cymru

Ewch i'w darllen -
 http://www.cynnalcymru.com/casestudy/wales-africa-first-fair-trade-town-wales-ammanford

AMMANFORD FAIRTRADE DIRECTORY

With the increasing rise in the number of Fairtrade goods available in Ammanford, the need for a Fairtrade directory is much less than it was when we produced our first directory in 2002, when you really did have to hunt around to find Fairtrade products. Now, several of the most popular chocolate bars are Fairtrade, and all the supermarkets at least have the basics of Fairtrade tea, coffee, etc.

This guide does not include those who have become Fairtrade stockists by default due to Cadbury's, Nestle or Mars converting some of their ranges to Fairtrade. (For example, the cafes list could have been longer if we included those using Cadbury's hot chocolate, and every newsagent could have been included for stocking Maltesers or Kit Kat or Dairy Milk). This guide advertises those who have made more of a conscious effort to stock and support Fairtrade.

SUPERMARKETS AND LARGER STORES :

Boots : For Fairtrade in Boots, look for the EXTRACTS range of fairtrade health and beauty care products. Also coffee and cookie and hot chocolate fairtrade gift packs. 

Co-Operative : Ammanford's biggest range of Fairtrade foods, and more. While you expect to find fairtrade coffee and bananas in most supermarkets nowadays, the Co-Op also has fairtrade cotton wool and barbecues! Sugar, Wines and chocolate (all their own brand chocolate), or muesli, fruit juice and dried mangoes... Something to suit any diet! Rowse honey, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and a big range of fairtrade nuts and healthy snack packs are other highlights. A real choice of Fairtrade teas, coffees and hot chocolate too. And fairtrade cotton bags to put it all in!

The store also has lots of information about Fairtrade, in the form of large photo-panels, and a community noticeboard where we advertise Ammanford Fairtrade Group meetings. They also supply bananas for our famous annual Fairtrade Banana Split!

Lidl : For Fairtrade in LIDL, look for the FAIRGLOBE range which features bananas, chocolate, juice, coffee and sugar. They also have fairtrade cotton bags to put your fairtrade shopping in!

Tesco : All the Fairtrade basics of drinks, sugars, and chocolates are available.

 INDEPENDENT STORES :

Bertram's, College Street Arcade : A lovely selection of Fair Trade crafts and gifts, specialising in musical instruments.

Flowercraft, College Street Arcade : A range of Fairtrade flowers and gifts available to order through Interflora.

Harmony, Wind Street : A great range of attractive Fair Trade crafts, gifts and homeware. Also clothing, bags and scarves. Also operates as an holistic centre and teaching venue.

Jelf's, Wind Street : A variety of fairtrade herbal, green and fruit teas, healthy snacks and Goodlife’s Fairtrade range of Nut Cutlets and Spicy Bean Quarter Pounders. And mollasses too!

CAFES :

i-smooth, College Street : A community cafe, operating as a social enterprise. All hot drinks are Fairtrade. 

Gregg's, Quay Street : All Gregg's tea, coffee and hot chocolate is fairtrade, as is their orange juice.

No. 6, High Street : Fairtrade coffee and hot chocolate, and yummy home made fairtrade malteser crunch biscuits!

 

LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE A FAIRTRADE SHOPPER OR STOCKIST SOMEWHERE NOT MENTIONED ABOVE!

 

CYFEIRLYFR DIWEDDARAF

CYFEIRLYFR MASNACH DEG RHYDAMAN

Gyda nifer gynyddol o nwyddau Masnach De gar gael yn Rhydaman mae’r angen am gyfeirlyfr yn llawer llai nag yr oedd yn 2002 pan gyhoeddwyd yr un cyntaf. Adeg hynny roed dyn rhaid i chi chwilio’n ofalus am nwyddau masnach deg. Nawr, mae nifer o’r barriau siocled mwyaf poblogaid dyn rhai masnach deg, ac mae’r archfarchnadoedd i gyd yn cadw o leiaf y nwyddau sylfaenol fel te a choffi masnach deg.

Nid yw’r cyfeirlyf hwn yn cynnwys y siopau sy’n gwerthu nwyddau masnach deg drwy siawns oherwydd y ffaith bod Cadbury's, Nestle neu Mars wedi newid i fod yn fasnach deg. Er enghraifft byddai’r rhestr caffis llawer hirach os bidden ni yn cynwnsy y rhai sydd yn gweerthu siocled twym Cadbury’s a byddai pob siop bapur newydd yn cael ei gynnwys oherwydd Kit Kat, maltesers neu Dairy milk. 

Mae’r cyfeirlyfr felly yn hysbysebu y rhai sydd wedi gwneud ymderech i stocio nwyddau Masnach Deg.

 

ARCHFARCHNADOEDD A SIOPAU MAWR :

Boots : Ar gyfer  masnach Deg yn Boots, edrychwch am y nwyddau    EXTRACTS. Hefyd anrhegion coffi, cookie a siocled twym.

Co-Operative :Amrediad mwyaf o nwyddau masnach deg yn Rhydaman.  Tra eich bod yn disgwyl ffeindio bananas a choffi masnach deg yn y rhan fwyaf o archfarchnadoedd heddiw, mae’r Co-Op hefyd yn gwerthu gwlan cotwm masnach deg a barbeciw! Siwgr, gwin a siocled (brand nhw eu hunain) neu muesli, sudd  a mangos wedi sychu .. rhywbeth at bawb! Mel Rowse, Hufen ia Ben & Jerry’s, ac amrediad mawr o nwyddau iechyd da a chnau masnach deg yw’r pethau eraill. Gwir ddewis o de a chiffui masnach deg a siocled twym hefyd. A bagiau cotwm masnach deg i’w rhoi nhw ynddynt.

Mae gan y siop lawer o wybodaeth am fasnach deg, mewn dull paneli mawr ac hysbysfwrdd cymunedol ble rydym yn hysbysu cyfarfodydd grwp masnach deg Rhydaman. Y nhw sydd hefyd yn rhoi y bananas I ni ar gyfer ein banana Sblit enfawr.

Lidl : Ar gyfer masnach deg yn LIDL, edrychwch am nwyddau FAIRGLOBE sydd yn cynnwys bananas, siocled, sudd, coffi a siwgr. Hefyd mae ganddynt fagiau cotwm masnach de gar gyfer gosod eich siopa.

Tesco : Y diodydd cyffredin i gyd yn fasnach deg, siwgr, a siocled ar gael.

 

SIOPAU ANNIBYNOL :

Bertram's, Arcade Stryd y Coleg: Dewsi da o grefftau a nwyddau masnach deg, gan arbenigo mewn offerynnau cerdd.

Flowercraft, Arcade Stryd y Coleg: Amrediad o flodau ac anrhegion masnach de gar gael I’w archebu drwy Interflora.

Harmony, Stryd y Gwynt: Amrediad da iawn o grefftau, anrhegion masnach deg. Hefyd dillad, bagiau a sgarff. Hefyd yn rhedeg canolfan addysgiadol holistig.

Jelf's, Stryd y gwynt: Amrediad o de herbal, gwyrdd a ffrwythau. Cynnyrch masnach deg Goodlife’s fel cutlet cnau a byrgers llysieuol. A molasses hefyd!

 

CAFFIS:

i-smooth, Stryd y Coleg: Caffi cymunedol, sy’n rhedeg fel busens cymunedol. Pob diod yn rhai masnach deg.

Gregg's, Stryd y Cei: Mae te, coffi a siocled poeth Gregg's i gyd yn rhai masnach deg, yn ogystal a’u sudd oren.

No. 6, Stryd Fawr: Coffi a siolced twym masnach deg, a bisgedi malteser crunch ffantastig!

 

GADEWCH I NI WYBOD OS YDYCH YN SIOPWR NEU GYFLENWR MASNACH DEG SYDD HEB EI GYNNWYS UCHOD!

International Fair Trade Towns Conference

 The Ammanford Fairtrade Group  met at Ammanford Church Hall on Wind Street on Thursday, October 25 and those present signed a postcard of solidarity to be sent to the 6th International Fair Trade Towns Conference in Poland.

 

The City of Poznan and The Polish Fair Trade Association, member of the World Fair Trade Organisation,are inviting  all Fair Trade Town representatives, campaigners, WFTO members, and retailer networks to the 6th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, to be held in Poznan on 10th through 11th November 2012. 

 

Although no Fair Trade Towns yet exist in Poland, there are budding campaigns in Poznan, Gdansk, and at the universities in Warsaw, Katowice, and Gdansk where students have already launched or are attempting to start Fair Trade University campaigns. Poznan is delighted to host this international event in Poland where there is still relatively little recognition of Fair Trade.

Cynhadledd Rhyngwladol Trefi Masnach Deg

Yn ystod cyfarfod Grwp Masnach Deg Rhydaman yn neuadd Eglwys Efengylaidd, Stryd y Gwynt ar Nos Iau, Hydref 25 wnaeth pawb oedd yn bresennol arwyddo cerdyn post i'w hanfon i'r 6ed Gynhaldedd Rhyngwladol Trefi Masnach Deg yng Ngwlad Pwyl.

 

Mae Dinas Poznan a Cymdeithas Masnach Deg Pwylaidd yn aeold o Sefydliad Masnach Deg y Byd. Cynhelir y Gynhaldedd yn Poznan ar 10-11 Tachwedd 2012.

 

Er nasd oes ynha dref Masnach Deg yng ngwlad Pwyl hyd yn hyn mae yna ymgyrchoedd ar droed yn Poznan, gdansk a'r prifysgolion yn  Warsaw, Katowice, a Gdansk.

Ammanford Fairtrade Group meeting

Hello Ammanford Fairtraders!

We will be having an Ammanford Fairtrade Group meeting at Ammanford Evangelical Church Hall in Wind Street (opposite Sunderban and Salvation Army Charity Shop) on Thursday 25th October at 7.30pm.

We will be discussing the renewal of our Fairtrade Town status, Christmas activities, Fairtrade Fortnight and the possibility of getting "Welcome to Ammanford - The first Fairtrade Town in Wales" road signs... and anything else you want to discuss :)

Hope you can make it.

Please pass on this message to anyone you think might be interested. Everyone's welcome!

Thanks,

Phil

Cyfarfod Grwp masnach Deg

Byddwn yn cynnal cyfarfod o grwp Masnach Deg Rhydaman yn Neuadd Eglwys Efengylaidd Rhydaman yn Stryd y Gwynt (gyferbyn a'r Sunderban) ar Nos Iau 25 Hydref am 7.30.

 

Byddwn yn trafod adnewyddu statws Tref Masnach Deg Rhydaman, gweithgareddau Nadolig, Pythefnos Masnach Deg a'r posibilrwydd o gael arwydd "Croeso i Rhydaman - y dref Masnach Deg gyntaf yng Nghymru"  - ac unrhwy beth arall yr hoffech ei drafod.

 

Gobeithio y byddwch yn gallu bod yn bresennol Dywedwch wrth unrhyw un sydd a diddordeb. mae croeso i bawb.

 

Ymgyrch Tref Masnach Deg Sancler

Mae Sancler wedi cymryd cam enfawr tuag at ddod yn dref masnach deg.
Nawr mae angen cefnogaeth pobl y dref.
Mae'r dref wedi bod yn gweithio tuag at ennill y statws ers tair mlynedd ac yn dilyn cyflwyniad gan Masnach Deg Cymru maent wedi sefydlu pwyllgor i gasglu'r tystiolaeth anghenrheidiol.

St Clears - Fairtrade Town bid

ST Clears has moved another step forward in its bid to become a Fairtrade town — and now wants the support of residents to help it gain the title.
The town has been working on several ideas to achieve the accolade for around three years, and now, following a presentation evening held by Fairtrade Wales, it has decided to set up a committee to gather evidence.

Congratulations Neath Port Talbot

NEATH Port Talbot is celebrating after securing its status as a Fairtrade county for another two years.

It became Fairtrade in 2007 and has retained its status year on year.

Council leader Ali Thomas said: "A large number of shops in Neath Port Talbot are now stocking Fairtrade products and the authority is committed to do what it can to support Fairtrade."

A council spokeswoman said: "Buying Fairtrade products means some of the poorest people in the world get help to trade their way out of poverty and guarantees a fair and stable price has been paid to the farmers.

"The Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992 to ensure trading between the UK and the third world is carried out in a fair and decent manner.

"It aims to raise consumer awareness about how their purchasing choices can affect the lives of the farmers, food producers and pickers and their families in developing countries."

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Fairtrade-bonus-status-secured/story-16896129-detail/story.html

Fair Trade Way revisited

The Fair Trade Way pioneers are walking the route again.  They will be walking their 90 mile route up through Lancashire and Cumbria 24th-29th August 2012 with inspiring storytelling sessions along the way each day. Phil Broadhurst, one of our members will be taking along solidarity greetings from Wales Fair Trade walkers when he joins them for the Bowness to Grasmere section on Tuesday. Go to www.oxfam.org.uk/fairtradeway for more details.

Phil Broadhurst, 23.8.12

Taith gerdded y Ffordd Masnach Deg Oxfam

Mae sefydlwyr gwreiddiol y Daith Gerdded Ffordd Masanch Deg yn ei cherdded eto wythnos nesaf.  Taith o 90 milltir ar draws Swydd Caerhirfryn a Cumbria . Maent yn dechrau ar dydd Gwener 24 Awst a gorffen dydd Mercher gyda nifer o storiau diddorol ac ysbrydoledig ar y ffordd. Mae Phil Broadhurst, un o'n haelodau ni yn mynd a’n cyfarchion oddi wrth gerddwyr Masanch Deg Cymru iddynt pan fydd yn ymuno a’r daith o Bowness i Grasmere dydd Mawrth. Am fwy o wybodaeth ewch i www.oxfam.org.uk/fairtradeway

 

Phil Broadhurst, 23.8.12

Amman Valley's Big Day Out

We will be having the Fair Trade Wales information tent at Amman Valley Big Day Out this Saturday (14th), so come along and say Hello and/or help out.

It is our tenth anniversary of our getting Fairtrade Town status so come along and take part in the celebrations.

Town Council Representative

Jane Potter, who has been the official Town Council representative on the Fairtrade Group since we first started ten years ago, retired from the council at the last election. Two new councillors, Julia Rees and Emma Thomas, will be taking on that role now. Jane has been brilliant over the last ten years and we really hope that she doesn't think she can retire from the Fairtrade Group as well!

Wrth i'r Fflam Olympaidd deithio drwy Gymru yr wythnos hon, y wlad Masnach Deg gyntaf yn y byd, ac yn mynd trwy 33 Tref masnach Deg Cymreig, mae'n gyfel perffaith i dynnu sylw at ymrwymiad i Fasnach Deg gan  Locog (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games).
Bydd yr holl de, coffi, siocled twym, siwgr a bananas sy'n caele i weini i'r athletwyr a gwylwyr yn rhai Masnach Deg.

Mae gwerthiant nwyddau masnach Deg ar i fyny 12% er bod gennym ddirwasgiad, sydd yn dangos bod pobl yn poeni o ble y daw eu bwyd a lels y pobl sydd yn eui gynhyrchu.

Mae ymrwymiad Locog yn cael ei adlewyrchu gan Llywodraeth Cymru sydd yn helpu gwella bywydau pobl rhai o wledydd tlotaf y byd, ond mae rhagor i'w wneud.

Wrth i lywodraeth Cymru ymgynghori ar y Bill Datblygiad Cynaladwy (sydd i'w groesawu yn fawr) byddai hi yn gyfle delfrydol i ddatblygu ein ymrwymiad a sicrhau bod Cymru yn parhau ei statws fel Gwlad Masnach Deg cyntaf y byd.  

ELEN JONES

As the Olympic Flame journeys through Wales, the world’s first Fair Trade Nation, this week and passes through 33 Welsh Fairtrade Towns, it is the perfect opportunity to recognise the commitment to Fairtrade made by Locog (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games).
All of the tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar and bananas served during the games to athletes and spectators will be Fairtrade.
Fairtrade sales are up 12% despite the recession, indicating that more and more people are regularly choosing Fairtrade products and caring more than ever about where their food comes from and the welfare of those who produce it.
This commitment by Locog matches that of the Welsh Government and helps to improve the lives of some of the world’s most deprived people, but there is much more that still needs to be done.
As the Welsh Government consults on its Sustainable Development Bill (which is greatly welcomed) wouldn’t it be the perfect opportunity to develop their commitment and ensure that Wales continues its role as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation?
ELEN JONES

World Fair Trade Day 2012

The World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that takes place on 12 May 2012. It is a worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and the economic crisis that has the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. A third of the world’s population lives on less than two dollars a day. The global crisis confirms the need for a fair and sustainable economy locally and globally. Trade must benefit the most vulnerable and deliver sustainable livelihoods by developing opportunities for small and disadvantaged producers. Millions of producers and traders, business and policy makers, supporting organizations and volunteers have contributed to the substantial growth of Fair Trad

2012 to see Scotland gain status of Fairtrade country

JUST three decades ago, it was a niche movement, supported by a small number of activists keen to help overseas communities hit by political turmoil.

Now, it is a multi-billion pound operation – supporting thousands of vulnerable manufacturers and growers worldwide.
Scotland is on track to become the world’s second Fairtrade Nation – following in the footsteps of Wales, which was granted the status in 2008.
Already boasting a large number of towns and cities with Fairtrade status, ministers and the Scottish Fairtrade Forum expect the official Fairtrade Nation status to be granted later this year.
The move will raise the awareness of Fairtrade products in Scotland, the Forum hopes, and get as many Scots involved in the initiative as possible.

LET'S HOPE THEY SUCCEED

Llwybr Masnach Deg Sir Gaerfyrddin

Cerddais ychydig o lathenni ar hyd Llwybr Masnach Deg Sir Gaerfyrddin yn ystod Pythefnos Masnach Deg, gyda Swyddogion Cefn Gwlad y Sir, cynhyrchydd cotwm Masnach Deg, perchennog B&B Masanch Deg, ymgyrchywr lleol a chenedlaethol a chynrychiolwyr o’r cyngor lleol a’r ysgol leol. Dim ond cyfle ar gyfer cyhoeddusrwydd a lluniau oedd hwn ond roedd yn dangos y posibiliadau

Phil Broadhurst

Ysgol Feithrin Rhydaman yn dathlu Masnach Deg

Gwasanaeth Masnach deg gyda Pastor Jonathan / Fairtrade assembly by Pastor Jonathan



Prynu nwyddau Masnach deg yn y Co-op / Purchasing Fairtrade produce at the Co-op

Carmarthenshire Fair Trade Way

Phil Broadhurst, Ammanford fairtrade group member walked a couple of yards of the Carmarthenshire Fair Trade Way during Fairtrade Fortnight, with the County’s Countryside Rangers, a Fairtrade cotton producer, an owner of a Fair Trade B&B, local and national campaigners, and representatives from the local council and local school. It was only a photo opportunity, but it showed the possibilities

Keep on stepping for fairtrade

Dear Fairtrade supporter,
Wow, what a Fairtrade Fortnight! Together we’ve taken over 400,000 steps for Fairtrade. Congratulations!
But we still need lots more to reach our target of 1.5 million – that’s one for every farmer and worker around the world we aim to work with this year. We may have reached the end of Fairtrade Fortnight but that’s no reason to stop stepping throughout 2012.
Each step supports people like those in Masauko’s community. He’s from Kasinthula Sugar Cane Growers Co-operative in Malawi and has been touring the UK for the past two weeks spreading the word about Fairtrade. With the little extra they receive from the Fairtrade premium, the farmers have been investing in making their houses more sturdy, four bicycle ambulances and in a project which lights up the whole community – bringing electricity to their homes for the very first time and opening up chances to study, work and socialise.
Masauko has been fired up by the support he’s seen for Fairtrade on his tour around the UK: “I am so impressed with the passion, I will be taking a step, no two steps at a time for Fairtrade when I return to Malawi”.
So what now?
Why not take another step, or get your friends to take one too? You could treat your Mum with Fairtrade flowers for Mothers Day (18 March)? There’s loads more ideas here. Remember to add your steps to our step-o-meter.
Every single step counts. What will your next one be?

Fairtrade Way Walk

Phil Broadhurst, Ammanford fairtrade group member, led The Swansea Bay Fairtrade Way Walk, on Saturday 3 March to raise awareness for fairtrade products.

The walk started at the Oxfam book shop in Swansea and ended with lunch at the Red Cafe in Mumbles.  

Phil was joined by around 20 other walkers. The walk is part of the network of Fairtrade Way walks organsied around Wales and was inspired by the first Fairtrade Way which is a long-distance footpath designed as a 6-day walk between Garstang (The World’s first Fairtrade Town) and Keswick (A very active Fairtrade Town).

for more about the walk go to the Swansea Evening Post report at  http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Fair-play-Fairtrade-walkers/story-15410302-detail/story.html

12

As part of fairtrade fortnight Ammanford's Giant fairtrade Banana Split was once again an outstanding success. This is the 4th year in a row we have held our banana split in Ammanford's Arcade. A large crowd came to join us in the celebration. At 5.30 Children from the local chapels and youth clubs came to help build the banana split.

 

 They helped cut the bananas, lay them out , add the ice cream, squirty cream and chocolate sauce before giving everyone a spoon.  The finished banana split was almost  80 feet (25 metres) in length.

 

Then Sam, the organiser, from Ammanford's Evangelical Church, counted down from 10 and we all tucked in. The work of art was devoured in a few minutes and once again it was a great event where the town could socialise and celebrate fairtrade fortnight.

 

Banana Sblit enfawr

Unwaith eto am y 4ydd flwyddyn yn olynnol roedd ein Banana Sblit Masanch Deg yn lwyddiant Ysgubol.
Daeth tyrfa fawr i'r Arcade yn Rhydaman ar Nos Wener 2 Mawrth i ymuno yn ein dathlu.

Fel y gwelwch roedd un eleni yn 80 troedfedd (25 metr) o dop yr arcade i'r gwaelod. Cafodd hwn i gyd ei orchuddio gyda bananas masnach deg, hufen ia, hufen a saws siocled ac yna ei fwyta mewn tua 10 munud!!

Sales rise for Fairtrade as shoppers buy responsibly

FAIRTRADE sales increased by 12% last year to more than £1.3bn despite the gloomy economic outlook, prompting claims today the movement chimes with the current desire for “responsible capitalism”.
The increase in sales is lower than 2010’s 40% rise, but the sector has continued to perform strongly despite tough economic times which saw the UK’s GDP grow at just 0.8% in 2011.
The new figures, coming at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, were particularly welcomed by campaigners in Wales, which has the distinction of being the world’s first Fairtrade nation.


Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/02/27/sales-rise-for-fairtrade-as-shoppers-buy-responsibly-91466-30412301/#ixzz1nc9htYp8

Giant Fairtrade Banana Split

Come along to Ammanford's  Arcade in College Street next Friday 2 March at 6.00pm to help us eat a giant 50 foot long banana split.

We will be constructing the banana split at 5,30 using fairtrade bananas, ice cream, cream and plenty of  chocolate and strawberry sauce.

Then at 6.00 everyone will be given a spoon and enjoy demolishing the work of art - by eating as much as we can.

Everyone is welcome and we hope we will see you there

Banana Split Masnach Deg

Dewch i'r Arcade yn Rhydaman, nos Wener nesaf, sef 2 Mawrth am 6 o'r gloch i fwyta Banana Split enfawr - tua 50 troedfedd o hyd. Byddwn yn adeialdu'r banana split am 5.30 gyda bocsus o fananas masnach deg, hufen ia, hufen, a digon o saws siocled a mefus. Yna bydd pawb yn cael llwy ac i ffwrdd a ni i fwyta'r cyfan. Gobeithio y byddwch yn gallu bod yn bresennol.

Take a Step for Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Cotton producers visit Ammanford

On Tuesday 6th March, a delegation of Fairtrade Cotton producers will be visiting the town to thank the people of Ammanford for their support, and to explain why the Fairtrade market has to be further expanded. They will stay on the Monday night at Fronlas Bed and Breakfast in Llandeilo which serves Fairtrade drinks and has Fairtrade cotton sheets.

Wales shows support for Fair Trade

The First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM has shown his support for Fair Trade by attending the Fair Trade Nation exhibition launch in Cardiff.

The exhibition will be on display in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay in the run up to Fair Trade Fortnight (27th February – 11th March). The inspiring images showcase the importance of Fair Trade and the difference it can make to the lives of producers and their communities.

As the world’s only Fair Trade Nation, Wales is proud to lead the world by example. Local Authorities, schools and towns across the country are gaining Fair Trade status, learning about the importance of Fair Trade and making a big difference across the globe.

The First Minister said:

"I am very proud that Wales continues to lead the way in support of Fair Trade. I encourage people to come along and see the inspiring exhibition on display and take part in the events across the country during Fair Trade Fortnight."

Fair Trade is more than tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas. With more than 4,500 products available on the market, from olive oil to beauty products, clothing to gold, it’s easier now than ever before to choose Fair Trade.

In Mali, one of the world’s poorest countries, the average school attendance is 43%. For the children from a Fairtrade co-operative the figure rises to 95%.

DIRPRWYAETH CYNYRCHWYR COTWM MASNACH DEG

Ar 6 Mawrth, bydd dirprwyaeth o gynhyrchwyr Cotwm Masnach Deg yn ymweld a Rhydaman i ddiolch i bobl y dref am eu cefnogaeth, ac i esbonio pam bod angen ymestyn y farchnad Masnach Deg ac ei bod  mor bwysig. Byddant yn aros ar y nos Lun yng Ngwesty gwely a Brecwast Fronlas yn Llandeilo, sydd yn gweini diodydd Masnach Deg a gyda llenni Masnach Deg.

Fairtrade events 2012

Massive banana split in Ammanford! Fairtrade cotton producers sleeping in cotton sheets in Llandeilo! ... and more!!

2012 looks like being a busy year for Ammanford Fairtrade Group. The year marks the tenth anniversary of the town gaining Fairtrade Town status. Group member Phil Broadhurst said : "We were the first Fairtrade Town in Wales, and the fifth in the UK. Now there are over 500 Fairtrade Towns in the UK, and Wales has become the first country in the world to gain Fairtrade Nation status. In those ten years we have seen grass roots campaigns like ours create a massive rise in recognition of the Fairtrade mark and what it stands for, and an ever increasing rise in sales of Fairtrade products. We are still a long way from having a fair trading system in the world, but the work we are doing with Fairtrade is helping people around the world work their way out of poverty. It is something worth celebrating, and so we will be marking the tenth anniversary with a series of events throughout 2012."

The first big event will be the return of Ammanford's annual Fairtrade Banana Split which will see a thirty foot long Fairtrade Banana Split being built, and quickly eaten, in the College Street arcade on Friday 2nd March at 6pm.

Digwyddiadau Masnach Deg

Banana split enfawr yn Rhydaman! Cynhyrchwyr cotwm masnach Deg yn cysgu mewn llenni cotwm yn Llandeilo!  ….. a llawer mwy!

Mae 2012 yn edrych yn flwyddyn brysur i grŵp Masnach Deg Rhydaman . Mae’r flwyddyn yn nodi deng mlynedd ers i’r dref ennill statws Masnach Deg. Yn ôl Phil Broadhurst, aleod o’r grŵp
“Ni oedd y Dref Masnach Deg gyntaf yng Nghymru, a’r pumed yn y Deyrnas Unedig. Nawr mae yna dros 500 tref Masnach Deg yn y DU, ac mae Cymru wedi dod yn wlad Masnach Deg gyntaf yn y byd. Dros y ddeng mlynedd diwethaf rydym wedi gweld ymgyrchoedd lawr gwlad fel un ni yn creu ymwybyddiaeth enfawr o’r marc Masnach Deg a beth mae’n sefyll amdano. Hefyd mae gwerthiant cynnyrch Masnach Deg wedi cynyddu’r enfawr.

Rydym yn bell o gael system masnachu deg yn y byd, ond mae’r gwaith rydym yn ei wneud yn hyrwyddo Masnach Deg yn helpu pobl o amgylch y byd i weithio eu ffordd allan o dlodi. Mae’n rhywbeth werth ei ddathlu, a felly byddwn ni yn nodi ein degfed penblwydd gyda cyfres o weithgareddau drwy 2012.”

Y digwyddiad mawr cyntaf bydd y Banana Split Enfawr blynyddol a fydd yn gweld banana split 30 troedfedd o hyd yn cael ei adeiladu a’i fwyta yn gylfym yn arcade Stryd y Coleg, Rhdyaman ar 2il Mawrth am 6pm.

Ammanford Fairtrade group Meeting

Anyone who would like to get involved in campaigning for Fairtrade in Ammanford is welcome to come along to the group's next meeting which is at Gellimanwydd / Christian Temple Hall on Tuesday 21st February at 7.30pm, or call Phil Broadhurst on 01269 596933.

FAIRTRADE SHOOL OF THE MONTH

Ammanford's year of celebration has certainly got off to a good start, with the town's Nursery School winning Fair Trade Wales' "School of the Month" award for January, recognising the range of Fairtrade awareness raising the school has done with children, parents and in the community.

Ysgol Masnach Deg y Mis

Mae blwyddyn dathlu Rhydaman wedi dechrau’n dda gyda’r ysgol Feithrin yn derbyn Gwobr “Ysgol y Mis” Masnach Deg Cymru ar gyfer Ionawr. Mae hyn yn cydnabod y gwaith mae’r ysgol wedi ei wneud i godi ymwybyddiaeth Masnach Deg gyda’r planr, rhieni a’r gymuned.

Fairtrade Ways

One of the major campaigning projects for Fairtrade campaigners in Wales this year is developing a network of Fair Trade Ways throughout Wales. Phil Broadhurst has been working with Carmarthenshire Council's Rights Of Way department on creating the first officially waymarked Fair Trade Way in Wales, which will go from Ammanford to Carmarthen, with a suggested overnight stop at Fronlas. Phil says "The idea of the Fair Trade Way walks is really taking off. There will soon be a website where people can find, or put up their own Fair Trade walks. We are also hoping more B&Bs in Carmarthenshire and throughout Wales will follow Fronlas' lead and go Fairtrade."

Llwybr Masnach Deg

Un o’r priosectau mwyaf ar gyfer ymgyrchwyr eleni fydd datblygu rhywdwaith o Lwybrau masnach Deg ar draws Cymru.

Mae Phil Broadhurst, un o brif ymgyrchwyr Grwp masnach Deg Rhydaman wedi bod yn gweithio gyda Adran Hawl Tramwy Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin i greu y Llwybr Masnach Deg cyntaf yng Nghymru, a fydd yn mynd o Rhydaman i Gaerfyrddin, gyda awgrym o aros noson yn Fronlas. Yn ol Phil –

“Mae’r syniad o lwybrau Masnach Deg yn cydio yn y dychymyg. Yn fuan bydd yna wefan ble gall pobl ffeindio gybodaeth am, a rhoi llwybr Masnach Deg eu hunain ifyny. Rydym hefyd yn gobeithio y bydd yna fwy o B&Bs yn Sir Gaerfyrddin a thrwy Gymru yn dilyn esiampl Fronlas amynd yn Fasnach Deg”.

Got a question about Fairtrade Cocoa Farming?

The Fairtrade Foundation is getting ready to give a warm welcome to cocoa farmer Kouame Alphonse Fasseri on his visit to the UK from 22 – 29 January 2012. Kouame is from the Ivory Coast and a proud member of the Fairtrade co-operative, Kavokiva, who supply cocoa for Nestle’s Fairtrade Kit Kat. Kouame will be taking a break from his busy week to answer your questions and we’ll put them and Kouame’s answers on our website, so check here at the end of January. Kavokiva have taken some great steps with Fairtrade, including investing in education and health care for the whole community, as well as making improvements to their cocoa farms. Kouame, also famous from his back-of-Kit Kat pack appearances, is keen to answer your questions.

Send him yours by emailing kouameanswers@fairtrade.org.uk by 21 January 2012.

Fairtrade Fortnight - Get Involved!

27^th February – 13^th March
Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 is fast approaching and we want this to be the best one yet – with your help we can make it happen!
Fairtrade Fortnight is a time to raise awareness of the need for a fairer way to trade, show support for farmers and producers around the world and celebrate Wales’ commitment as the world’s first Fair Trade Nation.
We are planning an exciting programme of activities and events across Wales and there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved:

Ø Volunteering:
Are you passionate about Fair Trade? Would you like to support a Fair Trade event in Ammanford? Why not join the Fair Trade fun and volunteer with us during Fairtrade Fortnight. You can choose to give an hour, a day or however long you want! Contact us on  riversidepicnic@yahoo.com

Ø Fairtrade Fortnight Internships:
Want to go one step further? You can apply for an internship with us to gain valuable experience of working with the Fair Trade movement. If you have a passion for Fair Trade and think you’ve got what it takes to support this exciting campaign over the next few months an internship with Fair Trade Wales might just be what you’re looking for. To show your interest go to https://docs.google.com/a/fairtradewales.org.uk/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dG1Sc3RyNnpidG53SWhPTENEUV9WaEE6MQ#gid=0

Pythefnos masanch Deg – Byddwch yn rhan o’r dathlu

27 Chwefror - 13 Mawrth
Mae Pythefnos Masnach Deg 2012 ar y gorwel ac rydym eisiau i hon fod yr un orau eto – gyda eich cymorth chi gallen ni wireddu hyn!
Mae Pythefnos masnach Deg yn amser i godi ymwybyddiaeth am yr angen am ffordd decach i fasnachu, cefnogi ffermwyr a chynhyrchwyr ar draws y byd a dathlu ymroddiad Cymru fel Gwlad Masnach Deg gyntaf  y Byd
Rydym wrthi’n trefnu rhaglen cyffrous o weithgareddau a digwyddiadau yma yn Rhydaman ac ar draws Cymru gyfan. Bydd digon o gyfleoedd i chi fod yn rhan ohono:

Ø Gwirfoddoli
Ydych chi’n hollol ymroddiedig dros Fasnach Deg? A hoffech gefnogi digwyddiad Masnach Deg yn eich ardal? Yna beth am ymuno yn yr hwyl a gwirfoddoli yn ystod Pythefnos Masnach Deg. Gallech roi awr, diwrnod neu beth bynnag yr ydych eisiau. Cysylltwch a ni ar riversidepicnic@yahoo.com

Ø  Internship Pythefnos Masnach Deg
Ydych chi eisiau mynd un cam ymhellach? Yna gallech chi wneud cais am internship gyda Cymru Masnach Deg a derbyn profiad gwerthfawr o weithio gyda ymgyrch Masnach Deg. Os oes gennych ymroddiad i Fasnach Deg ac yn teimlo bod gennych beth sydd angen i gefnogi ymgyrch cyffrous dros y misoedd nesaf yna gall internship Masnach Deg fod yn addas i chi. Am fwy o wybodaeth cysylltwch a https://docs.google.com/a/fairtradewales.org.uk/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dG1Sc3RyNnpidG53SWhPTENEUV9WaEE6MQ#gid=0