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2 Nov 99

SHARING SKILLS IN HILLBOURNE AND WATERLOO

People from Hillbourne and Waterloo are sharing their skills following the area's latest Community Lunch.

The Local Exchange Trading Scheme (LETS) is a bartering system which helps people learn how they can work together locally to exchange skills and goods instead of using for money to pay for services.

Stephanie Herman, LETS representative, said: "To set up a local system, members register the skills they can offer such as gardening, plumbing, secretarial skills, baby sitting or pet care. Your name and services are then included in the LETS directory which is open to everyone on the scheme. Members are then able to trade by bartering "Hardy's" - the Wessex currency which is made and traded by using your skills".

Nearly 50 local people attended the event which gives residents and representatives from local schools, police, youth and health services an opportunity to exchange information, discuss current local issues and hear presentations on a range of subjects.

David Williams, Policy Director, Borough of Poole, said: "Within communities there are often many untapped skills which can be shared. The idea of bartering these skills is one way people can get involved and make a difference locally. Everyone really enjoyed the presentation and a few barters were made after the meeting!"

The next Hillbourne and Waterloo Community Lunch will take place at Hillbourne Community Centre, Cavan Crescent, Waterloo Estate, on 18 November at 12.30 pm and will include a talk by Poole Local Agenda 21. If you would like to attend, please contact Lisa Guppy on tel: (01202) 633202.

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Editor Notes:
The Community Lunch initiative is part of the Borough of Poole's Community Learning and Development Project, launched in Canford Heath in April 1998. The project has also been extended to communities in Oakdale and Alderney and will be developed across the Borough.

Anyone who would like more information on LETS can contact Lesley Dixon, Local Co-ordinator on tel: (01202) 760936.