Cooperatives Yorkshire and Humber

Holmfirth’s Upper Bridge Quarter will be the setting for a unique birthday party celebration on 12th June, as The Fair Traders Co-operative marks one year of trading fairly. Everyone is invited to join in with the music, dancing and fun in and around the shop in The Old Toll House building on Huddersfield Road.

The first thing to strike anyone approaching the shop on 12th June will be the sound of music. Local jazz band New Orleans Wigglish will be playing from 1pm, and as part of Holmfirth Arts Festival, which coincides with the birthday celebrations, a piano will be situated outside the shop for anyone to sit down and play. The piano will remain outside the shop promoting a party theme for a whole fortnight, along with four other themed pianos situated around Holmfirth.

As you would expect at a birthday party, there will be singing, presents and cake on 12th June, as well as balloons, bunting and beer. Street entertainers will add to the party atmosphere. And look a little closer and party-goers might notice something unusual about the shop’s windows. Staff and volunteers will create a ‘living window display’, to complement both the party and Holmfirth Arts Festival.

The Fair Traders Co-operative opened its doors in June 2010 through investments from individuals, community groups, businesses and other co-operatives. It sells fairly traded, ethical and sustainable products from the local area and producer groups across the world. The business now has nearly 500 members, who benefit from a loyalty reward scheme, special events and opportunities to get involved in the shop and in fair trade. An online store has also been launched during the first year, and there is an ongoing programme of workshops and events held in the shop’s stone vaulted Community Room.