The Torfaen Summit 2007, an event which is the second of its kind to be organised by Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, was held on the 7th March this year during Fairtrade Fortnight.
Pontypool Active Living Centre, the venue for the day, was filled with a variety of people including community and voluntary groups from Torfaen, representatives of national charities local school children and the general public.
Wales' First Minister, Rt. Hon. Rhodri Morgan AM, gave the event its official launch, followed by the Mayor of Torfaen, Cllr. Mary Barnett. Both highlighted the importance of Fair Trade and how Wales has the opportunity to become the worlds first Fair Trade country.
Presentations covered a range of issues including ethical tourism, mobilisation of Wales to the G8 Summit in Germany this summer, the impact of privatisation on the worlds poorest nations and examples of how voluntary organisations in the USA are helping the countrys poorest people into affordable housing.
The presentations were given by Tourism Concern and TVA's Nina Finnigan, Oxfam Cymru, Christian Aid, an International organisation called Chicanos Por La Causa and Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO).
Terry Banfield, of Gwent Anarchists said "I was quite impressed with the Christian Aid person talking about the role of governments".
The afternoon session lead into the 'Market Place' area where groups, organisations and fair traders gathered.
Joy Price of the Soroptimists commented, "Is lovely to see so many people and so many stalls......Joy said "a lot of the members (Soroptimists) buy fair trade....it makes you aware of what it does to the health of those working in other countries.
Entertainment was provided by two brilliant stars of Dragon Bands, Scott Howells and Helena Williams who sung to the crowd.
TVA staff 'strutted their stuff' on the catwalk, modelling a range of Fair Trade clothing available from Fair Do's of Llandaff Road, Cardiff. People joined in the African drumming workshops, which went down a treat thanks to the dancers and drummers of 'Diamb' art, Gloucester.
Sparkle Cabaret, provided some light musical entertainment and Rachel Jones and her students wowed all with their moves as they performed a number of Egyptian and also non-traditional belly dances.
We were also joined on the catwalk by year 10 textile students, of Cowbridge Comprehensive, Cardiff, who put in a fabulous effort and modelled their collection of designs based on Fair trade and the Millennium Development Goals.
Gethin Jones, of Pontypool Pacers, and Vice Chair of TVA praised the event and said "what I think is even more delightful is now here, in the workshop area and the market place, is to see the number of children and people from outside who are coming in, this is what is really making the day for me. Hopefully we can build on that, people will hear of this event and I'm sure this is not going to be the last and I'm sure we can make next years better and better".
A big thank you to those who took part in the day's activities and made the day a huge success. TVA would like to encourage communities, groups and individuals to take action in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Contact the TVA office for information on the development of a Support Network to assist at grassroots level, just call 01495 756646 and ask to speak to Anne Evans.
Remember, if you are a member of a community/ voluntary group or organisation, you can get advice and assistance from TVA on practical matters and applications for funding etc.
Advice is also available from our Volunteer Bureau, for those interested in volunteering or offering an opportunity for a volunteer placement. To find out more about TVA visit our website at www.torfaenvoluntaryalliance.org.uk |or call the Pontypool office on 01495 756646 and arrange to pop in.