Exmouth LETS "going from strength to strength"

EXMOUTH LETS – the town’s innovative cashless barter system – is going from strength to strength. More than 30 members have now signed up and trading has begun, with goods including homemade bread, jams and pickles, plus services such as gardening, ironing, decorating, flat-pack furniture assembly and bicycle hire.

And there’ll be more on offer at Exmouth LETS’ first trading event on Monday 25 October, along with a demonstration of the Local Exchange Trading System’s custom-built website.

Launched two months ago following grants from the Town Council and the Co-Op, the new system is going well to plan.

“It’s absolutely brilliant!” says Paul Strange, Exmouth LETS communications officer. “We’ve had pounds of windfall apples from other members – which we’ve turned into jam, jelly and chutney. In fact we had so many apples that we hired a cider press off the system to make apple juice and cider. In addition we’re getting a wonderful loaf of homemade bread every week and we’ve had rejuvenating massages. And the best thing is that – apart from material costs and an annual administration fee of £5 – we haven’t had to pay a penny for any of this! It really is a fantastic system, and it’s getting better and better as more people sign up."

A lifeline for families struggling with the economic downturn and an effective way to rebuild local resilience, LETS systems allow members to pool their skills and resources by trading goods and services without spending money. Instead of pounds and pence, the Exmouth system uses its own currency – the Cockle. To ensure equality, all services are valued at the same hourly rate.

Exmouth LETS’ first AGM is at the Telfer Centre, Exmouth Community College (Gipsy Lane site) on Monday 25 October at 7.00pm. The AGM will be followed by a demonstration of the new website, a Q&A session, LETS trading and a buffet supper. Everyone welcome. Admission to the AGM is free, supper 3 Cockles for LETS members, £3 non-members.

Exmouth LETS is a non profit-making group, but members are asked to pay a small subscription fee of £5 per year to cover administration costs. For more information call 01395 272959, or email Exmouth LETS