Celebrations are in order! We have just learnt (26 November) that our Fairtrade City status has been successfully renewed. This is a process that has to be completed every two years, and we are especially grateful to our Chair Kathryn Tissiman and Councillor Linsay Cunningham-Cross for completing the large amount of paperwork. They obviously did a great job, as the letter we received from the Fairtrade Foundation said the renewal application was particularly clear and organised. The Foundation was impressed with all the events that have taken place under the auspices of York Fair Trade Forum, involving speakers from around the world and a variety of activities. See The Press article here.

Thanks to all of you, on behalf of the Forum, who have supported and helped the Fairtrade cause in York in many and varied ways. Many farmers, producers and manufacturers have a better life because of your support. We have lots more plans for raising the profile of our Fairtrade City Status over the next two years (before the next renewal is due), so watch this space, tell your friends and visit the website and/or Facebook page for regular updates. Better still, come along to our regular monthly meetings and get even more involved (see Calendar for details).