During turbulent financial times such as these, where many feel a pinch on the purse, and Christmas being only around the corner, a much talked about local event is set to make an explosive return this winter.

After the huge success of Bude Clothes and Toy Swap last year, due to popular demand it is back for 2011, even bigger and better than before. Being held at The Parkhouse Centre, Bude on Thursday 1st December, 7.30-10pm, the event being sponsored by The Music Train is already gaining momentum.

Entrance is £5 and you must take along a minimum of five items to swap, but you may take home as much as you wish! Items required are baby, children’s and adult’s clothing, shoes, handbags, books, games, cd’s/dvds, household items, kitchenware, computer games etc New or used but all must be in good, clean condition and ready to go (see www.facebook.com/budeswap)

Local mum and business owner Hayley Ayres says “The event was too successful last year not to repeat.” She adds “ It is the perfect opportunity to have a clear out and is truly recycling at its best whilst enjoying a great social evening amongst friends and raising money for two extremely worthwhile charities.”

This year all profits from the swap will be equally shared between the Bude charity Sound Waves South West who heal through music therapy as well as running their popular instrument loan scheme. The second to benefit is the nationwide charity SANDS (stillbirth and neonatal death society) who help anyone affected by the death of a baby and promote research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.

Speaking of last year’s event Hayley says” It was great to see so many people from different walks of life. From parents who bring their children to my music classes, local business owners, school teachers – it really was a great turnout especially considering it was the first local event of its kind.” The live music, wine and nibbles definitely set a great tone for the evening and this year, Bude’s very own Gary McCausland will be providing some great toe tapping vibes for all to enjoy.  Also new for 2011 is Nats Nappy Cakes with her eye catching and ever expanding range of novelty gifts plus The Body Shop At Home will be giving makeovers, hand massages and facials all at £3 (donating all money back to the charities). Body Shop will also be selling their products and they have some fantastic Christmas offers which you won’t see in the shops so well worth taking advantage of. 10% of all sales will be donated to the charities. Nought 2 Four, the new baby shop in Bude have also generously donated a Haulk travel cot rrp £79.99 which will be auctioned on the night.

A big thank you to all who have generously donated raffle prizes :- Coastal Carpentry, Pengenna Pasties, Seventh Wave Gallery, Plymouth Theatre Royal, The Eden Project, For Your Child, Trelawny Tearoom, Fat Face & Fudgie Wudgy Cupcakey. The 2 main prizes are a radio donated from Gilbert & Vanstone along with signed photographs from BBC Radio 2 (Chris Evans, Graham Norton, Simon Mayo etc) and a 3 night luxury yurt break donated by East Thorne Cornwall.    

Feel free to start sorting now as Bude Self Storage have donated a container free of charge for us to use. To arrange collection or drop off items prior to the event please contact Hayley on 01288 321181

Here's a proper poster for the Swap

and you can catch up with progress on facebook www.facebook.com/budeswap

Here's a link to The Music Train site