The Oakham community are coming together in 2023 to swap goods and services to save money and promote community-mindedness.

Swapping culture is an old one, and dates back further than human record.

Before the introduction of currency, the population survived by swapping good for trade, labour, or other produce.

This ancient tradition is now returning with enthusiasm as Rutland residents struggle with the cost-of-living-crisis and New Year purse strings are tightened following Christmas.

As such, a host of regular and one-off 'swaps' are taking place locally.

First up is the Annual Seed Swap from Root-and-Branch-Out CIC.

Root-and-Branch-Out aim to engage communities in projects around food and the outdoors, nature and the environment. They offer Forest School, allotment/food growing projects, woodland management, sustainable crafts and surplus food Community Fridges.

They work with preschools, schools, home educating families, adults of all ages and abilities and the wider community promoting sustainability and affordability.

In early February, the Root-and-Branch-Out team are hosting their Annual Seed Swap at Oakham Castle.

All are welcome to pop down, pick up some free seed, exchange seeds, and share gardening tips.

This event will take place from 11am until 1pm on Saturday 11 February 2023.

Image courtesy of Oakham Book Swap.

A more regular event taking place each month is the Oakham Book Swap. The group have already hosted their January event in support of The Brain Tumour Charity and are planning their February Swap as we speak.

Each month the group support a different charity, and take recommendations from the local community. While books are free to swap, users are encouraged to donate if they can.

The Oakham Book Swap has been going for well over 2 years, and has recently relocated to Tyne Road, Oakham, for those wanting to drop in.

Find out more about their regular swap box and book swap events on the Oakham Book Swap Facebook page.

Do you have any more free, community-focused or community-led events to share with us? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].