Successful Swap Shop Will Be Repeated Say Organisers

Published on: 21 Feb, 2013
Updated on: 21 Feb, 2013

“Come to the Swap Shop at the Park Barn Community Centre” proclaimed the posters and the leaflets – and people did just that, today (Thursday, February 21).

It was another such event as those previously run elsewhere in the borough of Guildford. Supported by Guildford Borough Council, the format is that they are organised by local communities and everything there is free!

Shirley West picks up a Viz annual. Don’t think she took it – was just for purpose of taking the photo!

The main rule is: no money changes hands. Anyone can go along with items they no longer need, leave them for others while taking home a few pieces they see. In fact, you can go and take away even if you do not take anything to leave.

It’s a simple format and it works.

In Park Barn a group of women decided it would be a good idea to run a swap shop, and, depending on how this first one went, would be pleased to organisers further ones.

They weren’t disappointed as by 11am there was a throng of people waiting to get in and to take part.

Resembling something of a jumble sale, bargain hunters young and old picked their way through the items on the tables.

The shop ran until 12.30pm, and there wasn’t much left. The borough council disposed of what had not been taken and was therefore not wanted.

Swap shops are a great way of recycling items people no longer want, plus it provides a good meeting place. At the community centre there were free teas, coffees and cakes. Yes, everything is free at a swap shop. The centre’s association also gave the use of the building for free.

The swap shop was organised by Rosemary Taylor, Jeanette Novell, Karren Griffen, Helen Reigate, Kelly Sewell and Sue Garfield.

This couple came from outside Park Barn but saw a poster advertising it at Tesco. They were pleased with what they got.

Mrs Taylor said: “We thought we’d try it during half-term week as we hoped that young mums would come along.”

She added that she was really pleased with the turn out, saying: “We now plan to do about four a year, maybe on a Saturday or a Sunday. It has been brilliant.”

Guildford borough community safety wardens Tracy James and Richard Musgrove were on hand to make sure it all ran smoothly.

Community safety warden Richard Musgrove finds a book for bedtime.

David Rose (right), was there in his role as co-ordinator of the local Joining In! community project and also reported on it for the Guildford Dragon News. Here he is talking to Ray Springer, a regular reader and replier to the Where Is This? mystery picture page on the website.

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