Newcastle, Carlisle and Brampton have already been awarded Fairtrade status. Now, Hexham and Haltwhistle are bidding to join them.
"When they succeed – and we’re sure they will – it will create a unique chain of Fairtrade communities from the Tyne to the Solway," said John Marshall, chair of the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership.
"Given the strength of fair trade in the UK, we’re confident it will prove as enduring and as powerful as the Wall that links us all."
And to publicise the move, groups from all five communities will meet in the centre of Haltwhistle, on Tuesday, for a special hand over of an international symbol of fair trade.
The banner of the Global Journey has travelled through almost 50 countries to draw attention to the fight for greater fairness and justice in world trade.
On its way around Britain, it is passing through Newcastle and on to Carlisle. At the ceremony outside the Centre of Britain Hotel, on Tuesday, the colourful banner will be handed over by the Newcastle Partnership to their counterparts in Carlisle.
Earlier, it will be paraded through Hexham to the Market Place to win support for the town’s bid for Fairtrade status.
Timetable: Tuesday 3rd April:
9:0 – 9:30: Banner displayed from Newcastle Civic Centre tower: Press invited.
10:15: Banner arrives at Wentworth carpark, Hexham and is marched up to the Market Place: Press invited.
11:15 Banner leaves Hexham for Haltwhistle town centre.
11:45 Hand-over of banner to Carlisle followed by buffet lunch: Press invited.
13:30 Leave for Steel Rigg for photo call on Roman Wall.
14:15 Disperse.
For more information contact:
- John Marshall (Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership): 07752158488
- Anna Templeton (Carlisle One World Centre): 01228 550385
- Nigel Theobald (Haltwhistle): 01434 321621
- Christine Lloyd (Brampton): 016977 46698
- Penny Grennan (Hexham): 01434 609300
Notes to editors:
Launched in one of the poorest districts in the Indian city of Mumbai in 2004, the Global Journey is travelling the world, uniting people in almost 50 countries in the fight for greater equity in international trade.
Its banner is also the badge of IFAT, the global network of fair trade organisations, whose 300 members include producers, importers, retailers and labelling organisations, united in their common mission to work and speak out for justice in world trade. UK members of IFAT include Traidcraft, Shared Interest and the British Association of One World Shops.
