YESTERDAY not only marked the Queen’s Jubilee, but also the date, exactly one year ago, that Witney became the 1,000th International Fairtrade Town.

To achieve this, we needed to provide evidence to the Fairtrade Foundation that there was a steering group, an appropriate number of outlets and groups selling and using Fairtrade products, media coverage and the support of the town council.

The journey to reach this achievement was not always easy and involved a lot of hard work from the members and friends of WAFTAG. It would certainly not have been possible without the amazing support of the numerous retailers, community organisations and, most importantly, the people of Witney who have taken the concept of Fairtrade to their hearts.

The people of Witney should feel rightly proud that their town has so publicly demonstrated what many of us knew already: that we care passionately about people in the world who are less fortunate than ourselves.

As we renew our status, it is good to see the number of outlets continues to grow and that the council is taking steps to fulfil its commitment. On behalf of the beneficiaries of Fairtrade, we would like to say thank you, Witney.

Wendy Maddison and members of Witney Area Fair Trade Action Group, New Yatt Road, North Leigh