Community group’s first swap shop proves a big hit
Community group Sustainable Bury held its first swap shop today and it proved such a success that organisers are already planning another one in April.
Crockery, clothes, books and toys, and even some unused but unwanted Christmas presents, were among the items people brought to St John’s Centre, in Bury St Edmunds, this morning to exchange for other goods.
Shopper Inga Palmer, 38, from Bury, said: “It’s a brilliant idea, recycling at its best. There’s something for everyone and, obviously, if there were more people, there would be more stuff and it would be even better. Everyone can find something in the house of good quality they don’t need and it’s rare that you get something for free these days.”
Susan Howard, 67, of Fornham St Martin, said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea. It’s a way of getting rid of some of your own stuff and I’ve seen one or two nice things so I’m even more pleased.”
“I hate throwing things out and I think the majority of people hate it too,” she added.
Sustainable Bury was launched in November by a group of like-minded people who wanted to respond to big issues like climate change and diminishing resources by empowering community members to set up projects focusing on key areas such as waste, food, transport and education.
Member Pippa Judd, 43, said: “I think there’s a misconception that being green means buying expensive organic products, but it can actually mean living a lot cheaper when you’re talking about swap shops and encouraging people to grow their own food.”
“With rising depression, I really believe that, for people’s well-being, having community events that bring people together and look at how we can cope together is really important,” she added.
To find out more about Sustainable Bury and the ideas its members have for future projects, including gardening schemes and art competitions, see Friday’s Bury Free Press.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
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