About Exchange (Swap Shop)
Exchange events will be in the Garden Room and feature different types of items each time, eg Clothes, Toys, Bikes & Buggies or Books etc.
The type of items will be advertised several weeks in advance and will be stated here on this website, as well as in the Goring Gap News, Genie and social media. The first one on 1 February will be a ‘Clothes and accessories Exchange’.
Why exchange events are important - Exchanging (swapping) is a well-established and sustainable way of acquiring good quality pre-used products. Like repairing things, this avoids unnecessary consumption and carbon emissions produced in the manufacture and transportation of new products.
By exchanging clothes, for instance, you can refresh your wardrobe, save money, avoid waste and reduce demand for finite raw materials. Globally, the fashion/textiles industry is the second most polluting sector after the oil and gas sector and responsible for 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, about 10% of the total emissions.
Every year the UK consumes 2.16 million tonnes of clothing and spends approximately £38.4 billion on them and yet it is estimated that around 2.4 billion items of clothing are sitting in our wardrobes unused or virtually unused. There are many statistics on clothing waste and another is about 350,000 tonnes (around £140 million worth) of used, but perfectly reusable, clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year.
For more information of the clothing and textile industry see one of the many reports by the Waste and Resources Action Programme NGO.
To read Textiles 2030 and the UK Sustainable Textiles Action Plan, Click here
The Goring Repair Cafe, and now these exchange events, are important environmental projects run by the local charity, Goring Gap Environmental Organisation (GGEO), to reduce waste, reduce climate change and increase sustainability. Exchanging and repairing both avoid the consumption of replacement products, conserves natural, unreplaceable resources and the greenhouse gas emissions manufacturing and shipping generates.
So now there are 2 ways people can decrease waste and increase sustainability on the same day in the same place.
If you bring along items for repair or take away items at the exchange event, we welcome any voluntary donations to cover the cost of the hall hire and other expenses. If you don’t have anything to be fixed or items to exchange at this time, you are still very welcome to pop in to have a look at what happens in the village hall every other month – and you can enjoy having a chat and a sit down with a coffee or tea and sample some wonderful homemade cake.
The type of items will be advertised several weeks in advance and will be stated here on this website, as well as in the Goring Gap News, Genie and social media. The first one on 1 February will be a ‘Clothes and accessories Exchange’.
Why exchange events are important - Exchanging (swapping) is a well-established and sustainable way of acquiring good quality pre-used products. Like repairing things, this avoids unnecessary consumption and carbon emissions produced in the manufacture and transportation of new products.
By exchanging clothes, for instance, you can refresh your wardrobe, save money, avoid waste and reduce demand for finite raw materials. Globally, the fashion/textiles industry is the second most polluting sector after the oil and gas sector and responsible for 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, about 10% of the total emissions.
Every year the UK consumes 2.16 million tonnes of clothing and spends approximately £38.4 billion on them and yet it is estimated that around 2.4 billion items of clothing are sitting in our wardrobes unused or virtually unused. There are many statistics on clothing waste and another is about 350,000 tonnes (around £140 million worth) of used, but perfectly reusable, clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year.
For more information of the clothing and textile industry see one of the many reports by the Waste and Resources Action Programme NGO.
To read Textiles 2030 and the UK Sustainable Textiles Action Plan, Click here
The Goring Repair Cafe, and now these exchange events, are important environmental projects run by the local charity, Goring Gap Environmental Organisation (GGEO), to reduce waste, reduce climate change and increase sustainability. Exchanging and repairing both avoid the consumption of replacement products, conserves natural, unreplaceable resources and the greenhouse gas emissions manufacturing and shipping generates.
So now there are 2 ways people can decrease waste and increase sustainability on the same day in the same place.
If you bring along items for repair or take away items at the exchange event, we welcome any voluntary donations to cover the cost of the hall hire and other expenses. If you don’t have anything to be fixed or items to exchange at this time, you are still very welcome to pop in to have a look at what happens in the village hall every other month – and you can enjoy having a chat and a sit down with a coffee or tea and sample some wonderful homemade cake.
FAQ's – Clothes Exchange (Garden Room)
Q How does the clothes exchange work?
Bring clean, good quality clothes and accessories that you no longer want to the Exchange Reception desk (Usually at the back of the Bellême Room). We will give you one token for each item which you can use to swap for a different item of your choice. On arrival you will be asked to sign a simple registration form.
Q How many items can I bring?
1-5 items per household.
Q What times can I bring in clothes to donate?
The main period we would like donations is between 09.15 - 09.45am on the day. This is necessary to have enough time to register, label and display the items before opening to the public at 10.00am. Donations may be accepted after opening time if they are of interest, but not after 11am.
Q What clothing and accessories will you accept?
We will accept women’s, men’s, teen/young adult’s and children’s clothing and accessories (e.g. shoes, belts and handbags). These should be in good/excellent condition and clean.
Q What clothing will you not accept?
We will only accept clothing and accessories which are in good condition, clean and presentable.
We will not accept any of the following: Bulk donations, Dirty items or which smell of cigarette smoke, Items with excessive wear or damage, Jewellery or beauty products, Underwear, including bras and socks, Baby grows or baby body suits, Swimwear, Pyjamas, Adult dressing-up clothes or costumes, Work, military or safety clothing, shoes or accessories.
Q What will happen if I bring items that you do not accept?
You will be asked to take these away with you.
Q Do you want us to bring clothes hangers for items which need hanging up on rails etc?
Yes please, definitely. For us to display items properly and make them look attractive, you will need to bring a hanger (any suitable type), for each garment. (You can collect the hangers at the end, 12.30pm, if you wish).
Q Do we need to let you know the sizes of each garment and/or pair of shoes we bring in?
Yes, dress sizes, jacket & trouser sizes and shoe sizes etc are important to know so we can display them clearly.
Q I have a big bag of clothes, can I bring them?
We will not accept bulk donations of clothes. The exchange idea only generally works on a one-in, one-out basis. You can donate these bags to the various places listed below*.
Q Can I come and buy clothes if I do not bring any to exchange?
We do not sell clothes or anything else but anyone is welcome to come in at 12.15pm or just after (15 minutes before we close) to take any remaining items but are asked to consider a donation of £1-£5/item depending on their relative value.
Q What will you do with my donated items if they are left over at the end?
We may ask that you take away your donated items if you have not found anything to exchange them for, as we have no storage facility. If we have excess items at the end of the event, we will recycle them at one of the donation/recycling options listed below*.
Q What happens if I don’t find anything that I like?
You are welcome to return later (up to 12.15pm) to look again. Please hand in your token(s) and as we will have your registration details so that we can give you a new token(s) when you return.
Q Can I keep my token for another event?
No. Please hand in your token(s) as you leave the event.
Q Can I bring children?
Yes, but children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Q Can I try on clothes?
Yes, there are toilets next to the Garden Room where you can try on clothes if you wish.
Q What happens if I do not like the items I have taken or they do not fit?
You are welcome to return items during the event if they are not suitable. You will be issued with a new token to exchange for other items. After the event, items cannot be returned.
Q What happens if I notice items I have taken look worn or damaged?
You are advised to check the condition of the items before you take them. But you are welcome to come back and return items during the event if you feel they are not in a good condition. You will be issued with a new token to exchange for other items. After the event, items cannot be returned.
Q Do I have to pay anything to exchange clothes?
No, this is a free event organised and run by volunteers. We however welcome any voluntary donations to cover the cost of the hall hire and other expenses: cash preferably, but we can accept cards.
Q Can I come and have a look if I don’t have anything to exchange?
Yes. If you don’t have anything to be repaired or clothes or accessories to exchange at this time, you are still very welcome to pop in to have a look at what happens in the village hall every other month – and you can enjoy having a chat and a sit down with a coffee or tea and some wonderful homemade cake.
Q Will you run another clothes exchange?
We are planning to run a series of different exchange events in parallel with all Repair Cafe events. Future events may be focussed on other items that can have a useful second life, eg toys, bikes & buggies and books etc.
Q I have a question that is not covered here.
If you have any questions, that are not on the website or have any suggestions for this or future exchange events, please Contact Ron Bridle
Q I think this is a great idea and would like to help with this or future events.
If you would like to help at these new exchange events, we always welcome volunteers so please Contact Ron Bridle
Bring clean, good quality clothes and accessories that you no longer want to the Exchange Reception desk (Usually at the back of the Bellême Room). We will give you one token for each item which you can use to swap for a different item of your choice. On arrival you will be asked to sign a simple registration form.
Q How many items can I bring?
1-5 items per household.
Q What times can I bring in clothes to donate?
The main period we would like donations is between 09.15 - 09.45am on the day. This is necessary to have enough time to register, label and display the items before opening to the public at 10.00am. Donations may be accepted after opening time if they are of interest, but not after 11am.
Q What clothing and accessories will you accept?
We will accept women’s, men’s, teen/young adult’s and children’s clothing and accessories (e.g. shoes, belts and handbags). These should be in good/excellent condition and clean.
Q What clothing will you not accept?
We will only accept clothing and accessories which are in good condition, clean and presentable.
We will not accept any of the following: Bulk donations, Dirty items or which smell of cigarette smoke, Items with excessive wear or damage, Jewellery or beauty products, Underwear, including bras and socks, Baby grows or baby body suits, Swimwear, Pyjamas, Adult dressing-up clothes or costumes, Work, military or safety clothing, shoes or accessories.
Q What will happen if I bring items that you do not accept?
You will be asked to take these away with you.
Q Do you want us to bring clothes hangers for items which need hanging up on rails etc?
Yes please, definitely. For us to display items properly and make them look attractive, you will need to bring a hanger (any suitable type), for each garment. (You can collect the hangers at the end, 12.30pm, if you wish).
Q Do we need to let you know the sizes of each garment and/or pair of shoes we bring in?
Yes, dress sizes, jacket & trouser sizes and shoe sizes etc are important to know so we can display them clearly.
Q I have a big bag of clothes, can I bring them?
We will not accept bulk donations of clothes. The exchange idea only generally works on a one-in, one-out basis. You can donate these bags to the various places listed below*.
Q Can I come and buy clothes if I do not bring any to exchange?
We do not sell clothes or anything else but anyone is welcome to come in at 12.15pm or just after (15 minutes before we close) to take any remaining items but are asked to consider a donation of £1-£5/item depending on their relative value.
Q What will you do with my donated items if they are left over at the end?
We may ask that you take away your donated items if you have not found anything to exchange them for, as we have no storage facility. If we have excess items at the end of the event, we will recycle them at one of the donation/recycling options listed below*.
Q What happens if I don’t find anything that I like?
You are welcome to return later (up to 12.15pm) to look again. Please hand in your token(s) and as we will have your registration details so that we can give you a new token(s) when you return.
Q Can I keep my token for another event?
No. Please hand in your token(s) as you leave the event.
Q Can I bring children?
Yes, but children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Q Can I try on clothes?
Yes, there are toilets next to the Garden Room where you can try on clothes if you wish.
Q What happens if I do not like the items I have taken or they do not fit?
You are welcome to return items during the event if they are not suitable. You will be issued with a new token to exchange for other items. After the event, items cannot be returned.
Q What happens if I notice items I have taken look worn or damaged?
You are advised to check the condition of the items before you take them. But you are welcome to come back and return items during the event if you feel they are not in a good condition. You will be issued with a new token to exchange for other items. After the event, items cannot be returned.
Q Do I have to pay anything to exchange clothes?
No, this is a free event organised and run by volunteers. We however welcome any voluntary donations to cover the cost of the hall hire and other expenses: cash preferably, but we can accept cards.
Q Can I come and have a look if I don’t have anything to exchange?
Yes. If you don’t have anything to be repaired or clothes or accessories to exchange at this time, you are still very welcome to pop in to have a look at what happens in the village hall every other month – and you can enjoy having a chat and a sit down with a coffee or tea and some wonderful homemade cake.
Q Will you run another clothes exchange?
We are planning to run a series of different exchange events in parallel with all Repair Cafe events. Future events may be focussed on other items that can have a useful second life, eg toys, bikes & buggies and books etc.
Q I have a question that is not covered here.
If you have any questions, that are not on the website or have any suggestions for this or future exchange events, please Contact Ron Bridle
Q I think this is a great idea and would like to help with this or future events.
If you would like to help at these new exchange events, we always welcome volunteers so please Contact Ron Bridle
*Places to donate/recycle clothes
Charity shops in Wallingford or Pangbourne
Oakley Wood Household Recycling Centre accepts Textile and clothes
Firefighters charity clothing bank at Goring Fire Station
Put these in bags in the bins outside the Fire Station. They accept: Adult and children’s clothing, Socks & Coats, aired shoes, Handbags & Linen
South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and West Berkshire Council (WBC) accept textiles for recycling as part of your bin collection
Oakley Wood Household Recycling Centre accepts Textile and clothes
Firefighters charity clothing bank at Goring Fire Station
Put these in bags in the bins outside the Fire Station. They accept: Adult and children’s clothing, Socks & Coats, aired shoes, Handbags & Linen
South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and West Berkshire Council (WBC) accept textiles for recycling as part of your bin collection
House Rules for Exchange Events
ALL USERS OF THIS SERVICE ARE POLITELY ASKED
TO READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE THIS NOTICE
This free facility exists to benefit the local community and the environment generally. By exchanging items which might otherwise be discarded, it reduces waste and the production of greenhouse gas emissions when a replacement item is purchased.
Everyone involved here is an unpaid volunteer and available to offer practical help and advice.
There are certain quality, cleanliness (and safety where appropriate) standards of items we accept for exchange. Any item you go away with should be to what we believe is an acceptably good standard for a used item.
Users and visitors attend Exchange events at their own risk. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to their property offered as donations or personal injury, direct or consequential, resulting from the activities of this Exchange event.
Children must be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to play on the premises.
Exchange events are run free of charge. However, voluntary donations would be most welcome and greatly appreciated to help towards operating costs, including the hire of this venue, and will help enable these Exchange events to continue as a free service.
Using our Bellême Café service also helps to offset our expenses.
TO READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE THIS NOTICE
This free facility exists to benefit the local community and the environment generally. By exchanging items which might otherwise be discarded, it reduces waste and the production of greenhouse gas emissions when a replacement item is purchased.
Everyone involved here is an unpaid volunteer and available to offer practical help and advice.
There are certain quality, cleanliness (and safety where appropriate) standards of items we accept for exchange. Any item you go away with should be to what we believe is an acceptably good standard for a used item.
Users and visitors attend Exchange events at their own risk. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to their property offered as donations or personal injury, direct or consequential, resulting from the activities of this Exchange event.
Children must be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to play on the premises.
Exchange events are run free of charge. However, voluntary donations would be most welcome and greatly appreciated to help towards operating costs, including the hire of this venue, and will help enable these Exchange events to continue as a free service.
Using our Bellême Café service also helps to offset our expenses.
THANK YOU FOR COMING TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN.