A bi-annual event at Colchester Arts Centre has been celebrating its 16th birthday this weekend, continuing its life-long goal of reducing the city’s landfill waste.
Launched by Councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell in 2008, the Frock Swap allows locals to drop off and swap unwanted clothes, in an effort to reduce the amount of clothing waste in landfill.
As well as benefitting the environment, the event also aims to help locals ‘declutter their wardrobes’ whilst offering a huge selection of second-hand clothes.
Event organiser and city mayor Ms Scott-Boutell said: “I was swapping frocks before it became the thing to do.”
“I started the event 16 years ago and it’s grown year on year.
“Two Frock Swaps are held every year to give locals a chance to swap their seasonal clothes.”
The Frock Swap events are held at the beginning of summer and winter each year.
On Saturday (November 2), the event was held at Colchester Arts Centre and saw much success, being the ‘busiest its ever been’.
The Frock Swap is run by a group of valued volunteers, who help Lesley set the Centre up ready for the doors to open to visitors at 11am.
Ms Scott-Boutell started the event with a public talk through, explaining the history and aims behind the Frock Swap.
She said: “The whole event is done on zero budget.”
“The Arts Centre kindly gives us the site free of charge for the event and there is no entry fee to visitors.
“The volunteers are amazing – they start at the crack of dawn and keep the event going.
“We want to help get rid of that stuff that’s lurking at the back of your wardrobe – whether it’s a top that’s too small or an impulse buy you forgot to send back.”
This year, the event was the ‘busiest it’s ever been’, seeing queues of locals waiting to search the clothing rails for ‘old gems’.
“After I let in the first lot, I looked round the corner and there was a whole new queue.” Lesley added.
“It went right past the Arts Centre and headed towards town!
“It’s lovely because no one takes the mick.
“If something doesn’t fit right or someone changes their mind, they’re welcome to bring the item back to us.”
Storage and equipment transport for the event is supplied by Colchester Borough Homes and Colchester Council.
“We’re really grateful to Colchester Borough Homes and the council,” said Ms Scott-Boutell.
“They help us sort the logistics of storing and moving equipment and clothes for the events.
“Nothing goes to waste.”
Although the Frock Swap is an entirely free event, a donation bucket features onsite for those ‘feeling generous’.
This year, all donations received will be go to the Mayor’s charity with the event raising £62.
Colchester’s Mayoress, Jessica Scott-Boutell attended the event.
“When I started this event, I had no idea what it would morph into.” said the mayor.
“I’m so happy it has grown, it’s a win win on many levels.
“It’s great for the environment and it helps locals save money whilst getting rid of old clothes.
“It’s a good feeling when you get rid of old stuff and find new bits to bring home.”
For more information, visit Colchester Frock Swap on Facebook
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