The Fourth Plinth project: One person. One hour. One & Other

Have you heard about the Fourth Plinth project? The famous sculptor, Antony Gormley (most well known for his iconic sculpture, The Angel of the North) invites you to help create a living monument. He is asking the people of the UK to occupy the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London. Every hour, 24 hours a day, for 100 days without a break beginning on 6th July, a different person will make the Plinth their own - an uninterrupted succession of 2400 volunteers creating a unique portrait of the UK in the 21st century. I think it sounds like a very cool idea! Anyone aged 16 or over who lives in or is staying in the UK can participate. After you register, participants will be chosen at random. Everything you want to know about the project Edited to add this update: Housewife becomes the first woman on the fourth plinth - 6 July 2009 A housewife with two young children has become the first 'living sculpture' on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth . Rachel Wardell , 35, from Lincolnshire, begun her stint at 9am after a short delay while an anti-tobacco protester was removed from the statue. (link via thelondonpaper)

Spring Forward: British Summer Time starts today!

Today - Sunday, 29th March - the clocks move forward one hour at 1am ("Spring Forward"). The UK is now on BST (British Summer Time) which is GMT plus 1 hour.

Did you remember to change your clocks?

Government reneges on promise for free bus pass in England for the over-60s

Last year - in April - I wrote about this offer in a post on my old blog: Free bus travel for over 60s anywhere in England As of April 1st. 2008 everyone aged over 60, or eligible as disabled, can get free off-peak* bus travel on local buses anywhere in England. (Over 60s in Scotland and Wales already get free national bus travel at any time of the day) *Off-peak is travel between 9.30am and 11pm weekdays and anytime during the weekend. It was good news but it didn't last long. This is the news about the scheme today: End of the road for free go-anywhere bus pass for the over-60s Are you 60 or over and do you fancy a free trip to the seaside? Grab your coat because this weekend is your last opportunity to take advantage of a benefit that the Government is quietly withdrawing. From next Wednesday - April Fool's Day - bus passes issued to the elderly and disabled will no longer be valid on hundreds of services. A year ago, ministers trumpeted the Government's generosity in giving 11 million people free travel on all local buses and coaches in England. Now pass holders will once again have to pay on coaches, park-and-ride buses, open-top bus tours and any services intended “primarily for tourism”. (link via timesonline.co.uk) Charming! And I bet the offer hasn't been changed in Scotland and Wales! Why is it we always get short-changed in England?! I thought it was bad enough that the offer was limited to off-peak bus travel in England - considering that over 60s in Scotland and Wales already were getting free national bus travel at any time of the day - but now most of the offer for over 60s in England has been withdrawn. I think this is outrageous! I am fed up with this Labour government! Edited to add a link from DirectGov (the website of the UK government for its citizens, providing information and online services for the public all in one place): There hasn't been any mention in the news about the free bus service being withdrawn or changed anywhere else in the UK apart from England so I assume this information from the goverment is still correct: Bus passes and coach travel for over 60s Local bus travel in Wales In Wales, if you're over 60, you're entitled to a free bus pass from your local authority. You can use it at any time of the day and are entitled to travel on all local bus services in Wales. The pass can also be used on some long-distance services. Local bus travel in Scotland In Scotland everyone 60 or over is entitled to free local bus and scheduled long-distance coach services within Scotland at any time of the day, including the morning rush hour. This scheme is run by Transport Scotland and you need to apply for a National Entitlement Card to travel for free.

Should Twitter be taught in primary schools?

The British government is proposing that Twitter, blogging, podcasts and Wikipedia be taught in primary schools (ages 4 to 11)in England: Pupils to study Twitter and blogs in primary schools shake-up Children will no longer have to study the Victorians or the second world war under proposals to overhaul the primary school curriculum, the Guardian has learned. However, the draft plans will require children to master Twitter and Wikipedia and give teachers far more freedom to decide what youngsters should be concentrating on in classes. The proposed curriculum, which would mark the biggest change to primary schooling in a decade, strips away hundreds of specifications about the scientific, geographical and historical knowledge pupils must accumulate before they are 11 to allow schools greater flexibility in what they teach. (link via guardian.co.uk) I'm all for keeping up with technology but not at the expense of learning about history! I hope these proposals will be rejected by the National Union of Teachers. I think a greater flexibility in the curriculum sounds good but I don't understand why it's necessary for young children - ages 4 to 11 - to learn about blogging and Twitter. What do you think about the idea? If you are a teacher, what are your thoughts about the proposals?

Daniel Hannan, MEP EU Speech: "The devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government"

Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP (Member of the European Parliament) for South East England, has made a scathing speech in the Euro parliament - delivered to Prime Minister Gordon Brown - which has become a surprise hit on the internet:

Daniel Hannan - Telegraph Blogs UK Office of the European Parliament The speech didn't get any attention in the media in the UK until it became a viral hit via YouTube. I'm not surprised it has become so popular - it's a fantastic speech. Well said, Daniel!

Big Garden Birdwatch results: Which birds made the 'top ten'?

The Big Garden Birdwatch results are in: For the first time in the survey's 30-year history, the long-tailed tit has flown into the Big Garden Birdwatch top ten. The 2009 garden top ten looks like this: Position Species Average per garden 1 house sparrow 3.70 2 starling 3.21 3 blackbird 2.84 4 blue tit 2.45 5 chaffinch 2.01 6 woodpigeon 1.85 7 collared dove 1.44 8 great tit 1.40 9 robin 1.36 10 long-tailed tit 1.34 (link via rspb.org.uk) Related post from my blog: RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (UK)

Britain's Database State: Quarter of databases are 'illegal' and should be scrapped

One in four government databases illegal One in four Government databases are illegal under human rights or data protection and should be scrapped immediately, a panel of experts have warned. Another six in ten have "significant problems and may be unlawful" while just one in eight are given a clean bill of health. The UK has become the "most invasive surveillance state, and the worst at protecting privacy, of any Western democracy", the most detailed study yet on data collection reveals. Systems including the DNA database, National Identity Register, the children's ContactPoint index and the NHS Detailed Care Record are "fundamentally flawed", they conclude. The scathing report says a quarter of public sector databases are either disproportionate, run without consent, have no legal basis or have major privacy or operational problems. (link via telegraph.co.uk) It is a report that should make a difference but sadly I don't think the government will take any notice especially after reading the response from a Ministry of Justice spokesman in an article from BBC News, Call to scrap 'illegal databases': But the government says the report contains "no substantive evidence" on which to base its conclusions. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the government was "never losing sight" of its obligations under the data protection and human rights acts. "It takes its responsibilities seriously and will consider any concerns carefully, adapting existing safeguards where necessary," he added.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day in the UK. The United Kingdom and Ireland celebrate Mother's Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which means that Mother's Day will fall on different dates each year and sometimes even fall in different months (Mother's Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States). My sons gave me beautiful flowers and cards plus these lovely gifts: the soundtrack to the movie, French Kiss (it's one of my favourite movies and I recently said how much I would like to get the soundtrack) and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day on DVD. The nicest gift for me though is that my eldest son came home from university for Easter break. It's simply wonderful to have both my sons at home. I would like to wish all mothers a very happy Mother's Day. I also wish to offer my deepest sympathy to those who find this day to be difficult because they have lost their mother or a child. The sad news that Jade Goody died early this morning and left behind two very young boys, and the recent tragic death of Natasha Richardson, also leaving behind two young sons, is a poignant reminder of just how fragile life is.

Free offer from Legoland for Mother's Day (UK)

Tomorrow (22 March 2009) is Mother's Day also known as Mothering Sunday in the UK. In honour of the day, there is a special offer from Legoland for a mum, female guardian or grandmother. You can get free adult entry to Legoland (usually £36 on the day) when you buy a full priced child ticket (£27). (link via moneysavingexpert.com) Mummies Day - LEGOLAND Windsor - Download voucher I'm not sure how many mothers will be interested in spending "their" day at Legoland but if you are interested, it's a way to save some money.

Video of Welsh sheep is internet hit

Welsh sheep video is internet sensation A group of Welsh sheep farmers have become internet sensations after a video went online showing sheep being herded into astonishing shapes on a mountainside. (link via telegraph.co.uk) Extreme Sheep LED Art

Google launches Street View in UK

Google Street View launches in UK Google's 'Street View' service, which gives users the ability to take a virtual tour of cities mapped from thousands of specially-taken photographs, has launched today in the UK. The service, which will initially launch in 25 British cities including Manchester, London and Belfast, was originally unveiled in May 2007, and has since been expanded to nine countries, including Japan, Australia, France and Spain, as well as the US where it launched. And although I dislike Street View because of privacy worries, I think this sounds like a fun challenge: As a cheeky sidenote to the launch, Google have hidden popular children's book character Wally from Martin Handford's Where's Wally series somewhere in today's release, challenging users of the site to find the forgetful traveller, who is wearing his trademark jumper, walking stick and red and white striped bobble hat. (link via independent.co.uk) What do you think about Street View? Do you think Street View is an invasion of privacy, or a fun and useful navigational tool? I will admit it can probably be very useful and also quite a bit of fun to take a virtual tour of just about any location. The privacy issue is a valid one however. I can see why people worry (myself included) about their privacy being invaded even though Google claims they have employed special techniques to obscure faces and number-plates in the images. Cities currently covered by Street View UK: London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bradford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Bristol, Coventry, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Swansea, York, Newcastle, Dundee, Southampton, Norwich and Scunthorpe. Walk through the UK's streets with Street View Update 20 Mar 2009: Where’s Wally found in London Internet sleuths have uncovered one of the great mysteries of Google Street View -- the location of children’s character Wally, from the Where’s Wally? series. (link via telegraph.co.uk) That was fast!

Need inspiration? Watch this video by Aimee Mullins

Aimee Mullins: How my legs give me super-powers Athlete, actor and activist Aimee Mullins talks about her prosthetic legs -- she's got a dozen amazing pairs -- and the superpowers they grant her: speed, beauty, an extra 6 inches of height ... Quite simply, she redefines what the body can be. (link via TED.com recommended by parent hacks) Read more about Aimee Mullins on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

High-heeled leather boots for toddlers

Last November, I posted my highly critical views about the fad for high heels for babies. I sincerely hoped it was just a passing fad and people would be sensible and refuse to buy the inappropriate shoes but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. In fact, the American company, Heelarious is still doing business and even worse than the high heeled shoes, has launched a new range of knee-high leather boots for toddlers. (link via telegraph.co.uk) I'm appalled at the very idea. In my opinion this trend is not only very inappropriate but quite offensive. Babies and young children should not be sexualised. What do you think about the high heeled shoes and the leather boots for toddlers? Do you agree with my views or do you think I'm overreacting and that this fashion is just harmless fun?

Happy St Patrick's Day!

To all my Irish readers:

Happy St Patrick's Day!

and in related news:

A Simpsons episode gets its world TV premiere in the UK and Ireland tonight. In the special episode, called "In The Name Of The Grandfather", the cartoon family travel to Ireland.

St Patrick's Day treat for Simpsons fans

Fans of The Simpsons are in for a special St Patrick's Day treat on Tuesday when an episode of the hit cartoon series will be premiered on this side of the Atlantic.It will be shown on Sky1 ahead of its broadcast on US network Fox for the first time in the show's 20-year history.

(link via BBC News)

I'm sure it will be a very funny episode although we won't see it because we don't subscribe to Sky. I think it's amazing though that a Simpsons episode is being shown in the UK before America! I think The Simpsons is a brilliant show. It must be the most famous cartoon family in the world.

Travel plans 'to be tracked' by UK Government

All travel plans to be tracked by Government Anyone departing the UK by land, sea or air will have their trip recorded and stored on a database for a decade. Passengers leaving every international sea port, station or airport will have to supply detailed personal information as well as their travel plans. (link via telegraph.co.uk)

This news makes me so depressed that I just want to cry. This isn't the way British society should be. What on earth has happened to our freedoms?

Mid-Suffolk best place to live in UK

The Halifax Quality of Life Survey has announced that Mid-Suffolk is the best place to live in the UK: For everything from sunshine to traffic levels, Mid Suffolk is top of the British table for quality of country life (link via independent.co.uk) Mid Suffolk sounds very nice but if I could choose anywhere to live in the UK, I would probably pick somewhere in Devon or Cornwall. I adore all the towns and villages in that part of England and I could see myself living in that area quite happily. If you could choose anywhere to live in the UK, where would it be? Or are you happy with where you live now?

Quirky Movies: 8 personal favourites

I love quirky movies especially the ones that make me laugh out loud. Here are eight personal favourites: Bringing Up Baby - a classic screwball comedy starring Katharine Hepburn, and Cary Grant. The movie is about a pet leopard called "Baby" and hilarious circumstances involving the leopard. French Kiss - a delightful romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline (as a French man!) and it's filmed in Paris, and the French countryside. It's very sweet and also very funny. It's one of my favourite movies and I love to watch it over and over again. It's that good. Meet Joe Black - a fantasy movie starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins about the meaning of life and death. It's a movie that makes me laugh and makes me cry. I simply love it. Beetlejuice - a dark comedy/fantasy/horror movie that is very quirky and extremely silly but immensly fun to watch. Michael Keaton is outstanding in his role as Beetlejuice. Millions - this is a lovely movie which is very funny but also quite sweet and definitely quirky. James Nesbitt and two very talented child actors are the charming stars. Volver - a very funny, dark comedy filmed in Spain starring Penelope Cruz. The story revolves around a group of women in Madrid. In fact, it's a film almost totally without men and shows how women support each other. The title of the film - Volver - means "Coming Back," which throughout the course of the film applies to a number of scenarios. Grosse Pointe Blank - about Martin Blank (John Cusack) who has found a lucrative career as a hitman. He then returns to his home town of Grosse Pointe, Michigan to attend his High School 10 year reunion. The film is set in the 80s and the wonderful soundtrack reflects that music era. Keeping Mum - a very funny black comedy. It stars Rowan Atkinson as an absent-minded vicar of a rural parish in England and Kristin Scott Thomas as his bored wife. Maggie Smith is their charming new housekeeper with a very unusual way of solving their problems! What quirky movies have you enjoyed watching?

Short-legged pony sparks 999 calls

'Sausage-pony' prompts 999 calls A pony with short legs and a long body has caused numerous people to call the emergency services in the mistaken belief she is stuck in the mud. (link via BBC News) When I read about this story, I laughed because from looking at the picture, the pony does indeed look like a horse that has sunk into the mud! It's a funny story but a real shame that the animal rescue team are losing so much time on call-outs for this short-but-healthy pony. And then I thought of an easy solution which I notice is actually mentioned in the article - that is to erect signs to let people know it's just a very short-legged pony and not stuck in the mud!

Women make history as Chelsea Pensioners

Female army veterans become first women Chelsea pensioners Royal Hospital, Chelsea, takes new step after 300 years One of the army's oldest institutions took the arrival of two pioneers from what some – but not old soldiers – might think of as the monstrous regiment of women in its stride today, as two female veterans became the first women Chelsea pensioners. It has taken the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, founded by Charles II in 1682 for "the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war", more than 300 years to accept women army veterans; though Dorothy Hughes and Winifred Phillips, both in their 80s, looked very far from broken as they posed in their new uniforms. (link via guardian.co.uk) This is wonderful news. Congratulations Dorothy and Winifred! Well done! Related link on the web: The Royal Hospital Chelsea - The Home of The Chelsea Pensioner

De-Lurking Day

I can't help but notice there are a number of people who are reading my blog but never leave any comments so I have declared today "De-Lurking Day" on my blog! I got the idea from this post by AriWriter. I think it's a great idea and I'm hoping this will encourage people to de-lurk. So come on people, don't be shy! Please stop lurking and post a comment. Tell me who you are and what you want to read about! Did you visit my blog looking for some specific information? How did you find my blog? I would appreciate it if you just said hello. And feel free to tell me a bit about yourself and your own blog.

Former Woolworths manager opens ‘Wellworths’ in Dorchester, Dorset

I love this story! It just goes to show what one person can do: New store fills Woolie gap A former Woolworths manager has opened a new store to fill the gap left by the demise of the national chain. Wellworths, in Dorchester, Dorset, is the brain child of Claire Robertson, who re-hired 20 of her former colleagues to run the shop. The 34-year-old had previously worked for the high street chain for 18 years before it was one of the 815 that closed after the chain went into administration. (link via itv.com) Claire Robertson is a perfect example of an enterprising businesswoman and she deserves a lot of recognition for her idea that has defied the recession. I also love the clever name change - Wellworths - nicknamed ‘Wellies’ (Woolworths was called 'Woolies') which also enhances the attraction of the store. Well done, Claire!

Should Chocolate Be Taxed?

Should we tax chocolate to tackle obesity? Dr David Walker has called for chocolate to be taxed in the same way as alcohol and cigarettes to tackle increasing levels of obesity. The Scottish GP, who will put his proposal to colleagues at an upcoming BMA conference, said chocolate used to be seen as a treat but has become a harmful addiction for some. Do you agree with his idea? (link via guardian.co.uk) My view is that we have enough items taxed in this country and I don't think taxing chocolate would discourage people from eating too much of it. For example, there is a huge tax on tobacco but people still smoke. And what about the people who control their cravings and don't eat too much chocolate? Why should they have to pay more for their chocolate treat just because some people can't control the urge to eat too much chocolate? What do you think?

Blogs by famous people

I was reading the review of a play - 33 Variations - on Broadway in New York, starring Jane Fonda and noticed a link to her blog. I've read a few posts and think her blog is quite nice - very friendly and chatty: Jane Fonda I would love to see Jane Fonda in her play. I hope the rumours are true that she may be bound for the West End in London. I would definitely go to see her play. Here are a few more blogs by other celebrities that I enjoy reading: Neil Gaiman Stephen Fry Jamie Oliver If you are in New York, have you seen 33 Variations yet or are you planning to? Do you read any blogs by celebrities? Which ones would you recommend?

20 silly questions asked by tourists

20 of the most inexplicably simple queries fielded by tourism officials. My favourites: "Are there any lakes in the Lake District?" "In what month is the May Day demonstration?" "Why on earth did they build Windsor Castle on the flight path of Heathrow?" "Is this where Sharon and Ozzie actually live?" Asked a visitor to Osborne House, Isle of Wight "Can you tell me who performs at the circus in Piccadilly?" "Why did they build so many ruined castles and abbeys in England?" (link via telegraph.co.uk)

London pedestrians will have to walk faster

London pedestrians will have to walk faster under Boris Johnson plan Pedestrians will be encouraged to walk faster across junctions by new digital signs that count down the seconds until vehicles get a green light. The signs are part of a plan by Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, to give more green time to traffic by taking it away from pedestrians. He hopes that pedestrians will either speed up as they see the countdown approaching zero or, if they are slow walkers, wait at the kerb for the beginning of the next green man phase. (link via timesonline.co.uk) I think this plan is disgraceful. Why should pedestrians in London have to speed up just so the drivers won't be slowed down? I can understand the need to smooth the flow of traffic but not at the expense of pedestrians. The plan is very unfair - particularly for the elderly, the disabled, and parents with children in pushchairs - and liable to result in more accidents and quite possibly some fatalities. I hope the Department for Transport refuses permission to install these pedestrian countdown signs. What do you think? Is this a good idea? Should pedestrian crossing times be decreased? Do pedestrians have enough time to cross roads? Drivers - do you think pedestrians have enough time to cross the road?

Great Theatre Giveaway from TimeOut London & OffWestEnd

Time Out's Great Theatre Giveaway TimeOut London have teamed up with OffWestEnd.com: to bring you the Great Theatre Giveaway, a day of free theatre at some of London’s best independent venues taking place on March 25. We’ve got over 1000 tickets to give away for some of London’s best and most unusual dramas and comedies. Simply apply for a pair tickets for your chosen performance and we’ll let you know by March 20 if you’re a lucky winner.

English village up for sale - for just £22.5 million!

Last year an island was up for sale and this year an entire village in England is up for sale! An entire village, complete with two blacksmiths, a shop and a cricket club, has been put up for sale for a cool £22.5 million. Nestling in the rolling countryside of the North Wessex Downs, Linkenholt is the archetypal English village. Now, for a cool £22.5 million, it could all be yours, as the entire village – including every house in it – goes up for sale. The historic village of 22 houses and cottages is part of a 2,000 acre estate which will go on the market later this month. (link via telegraph.co.uk) Here's a selection of various photos of Linkenholt (via geograph.org): Linkenholt - Post Office & Village Shop Linkenholt - St Peters Church Cottages in Linkenholt Farmland near Linkenholt It looks very picturesque. I would love to buy the village... although there's the small matter of drumming up £22.5. Oh well. I'm sure there are still some very wealthy people around, even in these tough times so it will probably be snapped up quickly. Edited to add: A link to a map showing Hampshire which is on the south coast of England, south west of London. (Linkenholt is a tiny, remote village near Andover): Map of Hampshire

Comfort foods: What's your favourite?

Recipe swap: comfort food It's time for all of us to exchange tips, ideas, and recipes to banish melancholy and spare the budget. What's yours? (link via Word of Mouth blog in the Guardian) These are some of my favourites: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes Shepherd's Pie (substitute lamb with beef to make Cottage Pie) Spaghetti and meatballs Lasagne plus garlic bread and a salad Hamburger, french fries and a chocolate malt Scones with jam and clotted cream plus a pot of tea Chicken soup Scrambled eggs and toast Cinnamon rolls A Bacon Sandwich

Apple Pie

What are your favourite comfort foods? If you decide to post a list on your blog, be sure and post a link to it in my comments.

Write an essay about the natural world for a chance to win a cool prize!

The BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year Award

If you enjoy writing, here is an opportunity to enter a nature writing competition with a very cool prize! The prize is the publication of your story in the Summer 2009 issue of BBC Wildlife (on sale 9 July) and a place on one of three Earthwatch expeditions (flights included), each providing the chance to carry out genuine conservation work. Competitions are open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, except BBC employees and anyone connected with the competitions. The closing date for entries is 30 April 2009. Download your entry form: NATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2009 Good Luck!

The most powerful women in British theatre

Judi Dench and Helen Mirren ranked among powers of theatre The veteran actresses are among a clutch of stars including Rachel Weisz and Rosamund Pike to appear in a list of the 20 most powerful women in British theatre. The American actress Gillian Anderson, who has been described as an "honorary Brit", also makes the power list compiled by Harper's Bazaar and the jeweller Tiffany & Co. (link via telegraph.co.uk)

Spring forward: Clocks change today in USA & Canada

Daylight Saving Time in (most of) the USA and Canada starts today, Sunday 8 March 2009 The United Kingdom is currently on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). British Summer Time (BST) starts on Sunday 29th March 2009 so that's when we will set our clocks forward by one hour ("spring forward").

English Channel water sold to Americans

English Channel water sold as blocked nose remedy to Americans Pharmaceutical experts are charging £10 for the water which is sourced from the busy shipping lane several kilometres off the coast of Saint Malo in northern France. Drugs company Shering-Plough launched its Afrin PureSea Hydrating Nasal Rinse as 'the only nasal rinse product made of 100 per cent purified seawater.' If I didn't know the date today, I would swear this news was an April Fool's joke!

Foreign drivers in UK face £900 roadside fines

Foreign drivers face £900 roadside fines to halt rise in crashes Foreign drivers will have to pay on-the-spot fines of up to £900 for flouting traffic laws under new legislation to be introduced next month. If they do not have enough cash or a working credit card their vehicles will be clamped until they pay — and they will face an additional £80 release fee. (link timesonline.co.uk) I think it's about time foreign drivers be held accountable for their driving offences in the UK! Currently, drivers from outside the UK are rarely prosecuted because police cannot pursue them if they don't respond to a summons. Why should foreign drivers be able to break British laws (and potentially put other motorists and pedestrians in danger) and get away with it? I hope this new law will be used vigourously. What are your thoughts about the new law?

Happy St David's Day!

St David is the Patron Saint of Wales and today, March 1st, is St David's Day. I would like to wish all my Welsh readers:

Happy St David's Day

Visit Wales - official tourism site

Fairtrade Fortnight 2009

In case you haven't noticed, we are in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight: FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 23 February - 8 March There are events across the UK to mark Fairtrade Fortnight and to highlight the importance of buying fairtrade products.

The theme is Make it Happen. Choose Fairtrade. Did you know seven in ten households are now buying Fairtrade in the UK?

In July 2006, the small town I reside in was awarded Fairtrade Town status by the Fairtrade Foundation of Great Britain.

What is Fairtrade Town Status?

This status is awarded to towns that meet the following five criteria:

• The local council must support Fairtrade and use Fairtrade goods itself
• Fairtrade goods must be sold in a number of the town's shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes
• A number of employers and other organizations in the town must use Fairtrade products
• The town's media must give coverage and support to the Fairtrade campaign
• There must be a local Fairtrade steering committee to ensure continuing town commitment to fair-trade.

The Fairtrade Foundation - Fairtrade Fortnight 2009