There are now about 500 LETS groups in the UK involving about 50,000 people and related networks have been established in 16 European countries. Transactions do not require monetary exchange but are arranged plus and minus entries in a computer account.
The accounts of all members start at zero.

LETS systems not only facilitate trade between members, but also provide opportunities for social events.

LETS credit is not the same as money. It is issued by people interest free and stays in the local economy. LETS facilitates trade in both labour and material items, including garden produce, unwanted gifts, etc.

The rules:

All credits and debits are interest free.

Only the account holder can issue LETS.

All accounts are open to members.

All balances and turnovers are published to all members on a regular basis and at least several times each year.

Members do not have to take up any particular request to trade.

The organisation is non-profitmaking.

A scheme can be organised independently by a local group.

A scheme's organising group must remain open, democratic and be constituted so as to be properly accountable to the community.

Members must be 16 or over.

The maximum credit or debit balance allowed is 100 LETS.

 

Member services:

1. Water Babies Wiltshire

 

Swindon LETS will be present at the following forthcoming events:

Green Festival - Steam (behind Outlet Village)
8th March - 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

TWIGS - 19th April

TWIGS - 21st June

The Swindon LETS scheme was launched at the Swindon Forest Festival on Saturday September 2nd 2006.

The name chosen for the new currency is the 'Sarsen' - the name of the large stones which are a common feature of the geology of the Swindon area.

The abbreviation 'sn' will be affixed to the transaction amounts and for the purpose of valuation.
1sn can be regarded as equivalent to £1.

EMail for the notification of agreed transactions:

robert@manor-photography.com

or Tel 07890 564889

Its easy to join up!

Just contact Mike Thomas and provide your contact details and a list of your skills.

Also list the current services and items you can offer and what you want to charge for them and those you would like to receive from other members.

You can think of 1sn being equivalent to £1 initially. You can send this information by post, phone, fax or EMail to:

Robert Slade
Tel/Fax 07890 564889
EMail: robert@manor-photography.com

More than 150 people enquired about joining LETS at the Forest Festival at the Lawns, Old Town on the 30th August 2008.

LETS traders sold jam, patchwork, cakes and held a friendship bracelet workshop.

The weather was fantastic and a great day had by all! Come along next year and bring things to trade and sell!

LETS members Gillian Chandler and Penny Smith helping to publicise the scheme
at Swindon's Forest Festival on 30th Aug 2008