LETS

LETS GO! Exmouth LETS to launch on Thursday 5 August

EXMOUTH LETS – an innovative cashless barter system for goods and services – is to be launched on Thursday 5 August.

The town council’s finance committee recently approved an application for start-up funding. Work has begun on an interactive website that will enable LETS members to manage their own accounts. Membership application forms will be ready soon, with a directory of goods and services to follow.

To celebrate, a launch party is to be held on 5 August at The Famous Old Barrel, Princess Street, Exmouth EX8 1JA (London Inn car park), from 8.00pm onwards. There will be live music from the Paul Strange Quartet and GSG. Entrance is free, with a fundraising collection for Exmouth LETS.

A lifeline for families struggling with the economic downturn and an effective way to rebuild local resilience, LETS (Local Exchange Trading 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 will use its own currency – the Cockle. To ensure equality, all services will be valued at the same hourly rate.

“LETS groups are working well elsewhere in the country and around the world, where thousands of communities operate similar systems,” says Delia Pemberton, Chair, Exmouth LETS. “There are over 450 LETS currently operating in the UK, and more than 40,000 people are actively involved in cash-free trading. It’s a fantastic way to source the goods and services you need by offering skills you enjoy using. It’s also brilliant for making new friends and bringing the community closer together.

“Membership is open to all Exmouth residents aged 18 or over, and organizations such as schools, churches, clubs and societies, small businesses and community groups are also welcome to join. We believe Exmouth is a great place to live, and LETS has enormous potential to benefit our town. So… LETS make it happen!”

Exmouth LETS is a non profit-making group, but members will be asked to pay a small subscription fee of £5 per year to cover administration costs. If you’re interested in joining Exmouth LETS, come along to the launch party on 5 August.

If you can’t make the launch and would like more details of Exmouth LETS, contact Delia or Paul on 01395 272959 or email exmouth.lets@yahoo.co.uk