Free Cardboard Collection Service For Alloa’s BID Members
Local businesses won’t have to be BOARD of paying for high commercial waste costs for much longer – thanks to a new cardboard recycling scheme being introduced by Alloa Town Centre BID and Alloa Community Enterprises (ACE).
The two organisations have come up with the idea of a free cardboard collection scheme to help save businesses and organisations money in difficult economic times.
The move came about after BID members were contacted to ask how they felt about a free weekly cardboard collection service – and there was overwhelming support for the scheme.
Malcom McArdle, Managing Director of ACE said: “We’re delighted to be working with Alloa Town Centre BID to deliver this service. The majority of commercial waste is cardboard so we’re hoping our collection service will result in less waste being put into commercial waste bins. Businesses can then save money by reducing the size of their commercial bin.”
Collections will initially be done weekly, although there is scope to increase the frequency of the service if demand dictates an additional pick up.
BID Manager Andrew Mitchell said: “These are not easy times for local businesses and anything we can do to help reduce costs has to be welcomed.
“This project will result in smaller commercial bins, which saves money, but it also has a positive knock on effect for the look and feel of the town centre.
This really is just the start of our discussions with ACE to see what we can do to help local businesses reduce waste costs.” The collection scheme is due to start in February.
If you would like further information regarding the cardboard collection please contact Andrew directly 727313
A meeting is being held in Kilncraigs (Room 1) on Monday January 30th at 6.00 p.m. Representatives from ACE and the BID will provide more information to traders who wish to sign up for the service.
Christmas Window Winners 2011
There was a fantastic response to this years Christmas window competition. A number of businesses took part in the competition, thus ensuring that visitors to Alloa Town Centre found themselves in good festive mood and hopefully helped to generate some festive spend.
2011 winner was Sense Scotland:
Click to zoom in.
Second place went to John Glass, and the third prize went to the Alloa Advertiser whose window was decorated by the primary.
African Kitchen - Savour the Flavour - Free Event
Glasgow based African Restaurant, Calabash, and Master Chef Finalist Fi Bird are bringing A Taste of Africa to Alloa this Saint Andrew's night. The African Kitchen will be based in Baxter's Restaurant on the evening of the 30th November, starting at 7pm.
All guests will Savour the Flavour of African Fairtrade products which can easily be bought from your local Co-operative store.
The African Kitchen is being held in partnership with the Co-operative and Just Trading Scotland, whose mission is to make Scotland a Fairtrade Nation. Clackmannanshire Fairtrade Group, which includes steering group members from Clackmannanshire Council and the Alloa Town Centre BID, are also supporting this event to ensure that Clackmannanshire does its bit to achieve Fairtrade status.
The relaxed, fun packed evening will start with cooking demonstrations and free tastings, which hopefully should give you the confidence and inspiration to have your own African evening at home (so feel free to put your shorts on and turn the heating up). Additional information will also be given regarding the history of the Fairtrade movement and how Fairtrade has helped farmers and families throughout the developing world.
John Lamond, Chair of Fairtrade Clackmannanshire, "Fairtrade products give you, the consumer, the chance to make a difference. Your selection of Fairtrade products in your weekly shopping means that a portion of the cost which you pay goes directly towards helping disadvantaged workers in developing countries instead of into the profits of multinational companies".
This free event is open to anybody who has an interest in Fairtrade – to reserve your free place today call 0141 304 5582 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it places are limited, so book now.
MasterChef finalist Fi Bird has joined forces with the African Kitchen and the Clackmannanshire Fairtrade group to bring an alternative St Andrew's Day event to Alloa.
A local Fairtrade steering group was set up in June 2011 with the support of the Council and the Co-operative. Fairtrade Clacks is trying to make Clackmannanshire a Fairtrade Zone and this event is part of their campaign.
Baxter's restaurant in Mill Street, Alloa, will host an African cooking demonstration using Fairtrade ingredients on Wednesday 30th November from 7pm.
The demonstration will be provided by Glasgow-based African restaurant, Calabash, and MasterChef finalist and author of Kids' Kitchen, Fi Bird.
You are invited to send a photographer to Baxter's Restaurant at 6.45pm on 30th November.
This two hour event will provide lots of useful tips and recipes, with cooking demonstrations, tastings, quiz, information and inspiration on what you can do to further Scotland's bid to become a Fair Trade Nation.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "Fairtrade provides a better deal for producers in developing countries, creating opportunities for farmers and workers to improve their lives, their communities and to protect their environment.
"The Council declared its support for Fairtrade in its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and is committed to supporting this grassroots campaign to work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status.
"This St Andrew's Day event is a great way to raise awareness about Fairtrade and the range of fairly traded products that are available, and to encourage more people to buy more fair trade products more often."
Event organiser John Lamond, said: "Fairtrade products give you, the consumer, the chance to make a difference. Your selection of Fairtrade products in your weekly shopping means that a portion of the cost which you pay goes directly towards helping disadvantaged workers in developing countries instead of into the profits of multinational companies.
"In the past 23 years, because ordinary people have made that choice, the Fairtrade campaign is now in the mainstream, with over 3,000 products bearing the Fairtrade mark and multinational companies are having to offer a Fairtrade alternative.
"Because of this small change which you the consumers have made, the worldwide spend on Fairtrade certified products is now in excess of £3bn. This directly benefits over 9 million people - farmers, workers and their families in 58 developing countries."
Entry is free, but you have to book. To book a place, contact The Co-operative Membership on 0141 304 5582 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 28 November.
