Wolverhampton Fairtrade celebrated a milestone in their history on Friday as campaigners and supporters from across the city gathered to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Wolverhampton first gaining its Fairtrade city status back in 2004.
A special event was held at the Civic Mayors Parlour in the presence of Mayor Linda Leach and her Consort. Brenda Shuttleworth from the Wolverhampton Fairtraid shop paid tribute to Mavis McManus who was the first pioneering women to campaign for Fairtrade in the city. Clare Short, former MP for Ladywood and Minister of State for development of the United Kingdom remembered Lord Bilston Dennis Turner MP and his part in helping the city gain its status.
Amongst the guests and dignitaries were young people from Bilston C of E Primary School, Wolverhampton Girls High School and Barcroft Primary who showcased their Fairtrade posters and recited poetry.
Pupils from Ormiston SWB Academy Bilston entertained the guests with guitar music and singing. 12-year-old Layla Perry, from Ormiston SWB Academy the current Wolverhampton Young Fairtrade Campaigner of the year read her moving poetry, and 12-year-old Mia Bedi gave a passionate and inspiring speech about child poverty and child labour and why buying Fairtrade is so important.
Chair of Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership Julia Farrell said:
" What an incredible event we have had today. While we look back and applaud the incredible achievements over the last 21 years we also look to the future, and I am overwhelmed with the young people who came and joined us today. With young caring compassionate young people like this representing our great city the future of Wolverhampton Fairtrade is in very good hands indeed.
Here's to the next 21years of us proudly declaring 'Wolverhampton is a proud Fairtrade City'
