Arnside
- Rachel Dutfield
- email: jim.dutfield@talk21.com
Local Information
Arnside is a coastal village on the shores of Morecambe Bay and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is characterised by a landscape of low limestone hills and crags and low-lying mosses. Arnside is a popular attraction with day-vistors, walkers and groups. It is one of the stopping points fro Cross-Bay walks and it is one of the stopping points on the Fairtrade Way between Garstang and Keswick - www.fairtradeway.org.uk
Background to Fairtrade
Arnside was granted Fairtrade Status in 2009. The village has an active group promoting Fairtrade to the local community and tourists. Activities include coffee tasting mornings. cheese and wine events, garden parties and raising awareness in local schools and organisations. Local churches , shops, cafes and restaurants have pledged their support with more and more committing to Fairtrade, including local B&Bs. Our local Girl Guides have put on 2 fashion shows in the village to help promote fairtrade cotton and clothing
An audit of all local businesses, shops, cafes and churches etc. has been carried out by the group to enable us to produce literature with relevant information for residents and visitors so they know what Fairtrade products and services are available.
Recent News
St Lucia
Arnside Fairtrade Group member, Rachel Dutfield has been visiting St Lucia for several years and on her last trip, early in 2011, her visit came shortly after the devastating hurricane which saw the banana industry wiped out
Rachel asked Joe Human if he could put her in touch with a local grower and he was able to arrange for her to visit Conrad James
Conrad was luckier than some banana farmers, where landslides completely wiped out everything, because although his banana plants were damaged and his farm was under 3 ft of water, he was able to get most of his plants back upright.
As a consequence of the hurricane, Conrad knew his crop would not be a full yield so he will be more than 6 months without income. He usually employs 2 people which rises to 7 at busy times but obviously he couldn't do that at the time of Rachel's visit. The Fairtrade premium has been used to help St Lucian farmers and there has been limited support from the government. Conrad's vegetable garden survived and has helped keep his family going. Conrad is one of 150 banana farmers who deal with Waitrose and he is confident he will get his business back with them. We can only wish him well for the future.
Coffee Tasting Morning
A highly successful Fairtrade Coffee Tasting Morning, held in Spring 2011,attracted a harge turnout of villagers and tourists.
Future Planning
The group are now planning their Autumn programme which will include greeting Cross Bay Walkers to raise awareness of Fairtrade in the village.