Newsletter August 2018

A note from the editor

We would welcome any articles for the next Letsbuzz newsletter. Have you had any interesting, unusual or unique trades or skills that you could tell the membership about?

Our Letsbuzz works because we do things for each other, we trade with each other; if you have a large surplus you could look through the on-line “Requests” to see what others could do for you to both reduce your surplus and help other to gain Buzzards or reduce their commitment – you could look through members to see who has high commitment and help them to reduce it!

New email group for trading

One of the issues to come out of the survey and feedback at open meetings is that, although Cyclos has been a great success for buzzard banking, many members have had difficulty using it for offers and wants. This appears to have led to a reduction in trading and at the AGM we agreed to set up a new email group to make it easier for members to post offers and wants.

We contacted all members in June to find out who would like to be included in this group and 33 members agreed. The email group has now been set up and circulated to those members. If you haven't received the email group and would like your email address to be included please contact Jean (email jeanvharding@gmail.com)

Cyclos is still available for any members who prefer to post offers and wants there.

Members Interview

At the July open meeting we were discussing ways in which members could introduce themselves to the group and publicise their offers and wants. Bob suggested one way of doing this would be for two members to interview each other. Jane (118) and Jean (82) agreed to do this and here are the results:

When did you join Letsbuzz?

Jane: In 1999, I already knew about Lets organisations but didn’t know that there was one in Leighton Buzzard. I saw a small article in the Leighton Buzzard Observer saying that Letsbuzz would have a stall in the market the following Saturday so I went along and signed up.

Jean: In 1998, I had been in a Lets scheme in London but didn’t expect to find one here. However, I went to the May Fayre, saw the Letsbuzz stall and signed up.

What do you like about being in Letsbuzz?

Jane: All the friends I have made and the sense of community.

Jean: That’s exactly how I feel – Letsbuzz creates a community.

What would you like to change?

Jane: I'd let to get to know the members that I don't yet know, and for people to feel part of the Letsbuzz community

Jean: I would like more members to get involved.

What is your most frequent trade?

Jane: at present - Circle dance, in the past - hiring a lawnmower

Jean: Garden watering (both watering gardens and having my garden watered).

What has been your most unusual trade?

Jane: Possibly beads for my bead curtain or lolly sticks!

Jean: Either garden shed assembly or cupboard hinge repair.

What are your interests?

Jane: Circle dance, reading, gardening, all forms of art and craft

Jean: Circle dance, reading, cooking, travel, gardening and trawling charity shops!

What are your current offers and wants?

Jane: I offer pears and grapes in the autumn; circle dance sessions, annual wreath making workshop; and sometimes eggs, but not at present (foxes got the chickens...)

My wants include vegetables, plants, wood off cuts and other bits and pieces for 3-5 years olds to create and play with.

Jean: My offers include: books, plants, garden watering (if the garden is nearby – I don’t have a car). My wants include: lifts and home grown fruit and vegetables.

What's the best way for members to contact you?

Jane: Email is best but happy for people to phone me.

Jean: Email is best

Jean Jane

jeanvharding@gmail.com stringallj@yahoo.com

Monday 17^th September, Open Meeting, 8pm at Sue’s house, 483 Bideford Green

Sunday 23rd September, Plant and produce trading event

If you have spare plants and produce available, and/or have gaps needing new plants then come along to a plant and garden trading day on Sunday 23 September, 2.00pm - 4.00pm at 20 Springfield Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2QS

Bring anything garden related: plants, seedlings, seeds, surplus fruit and veg, cut flowers, pots, tools, gardening books, etc etc

Tea, coffee and soft drinks provided. Hope to see you there!

Jean (82)

Wednesday 17 October, Open Meeting, 8pm at Jean's house, 20 Springfield Road

Saturday 24th November, 7.30-11.00pm Quiz challenging other local lets groups (Milton Keynes Letnet and Hemplets). Venue: TBC. Tea and cake will be provided!

December - Jane will offer her usual wreath-making workshop in early December - date to be confirmed later.

Past Events

Garage Sale: On 8^th July I (Valerie) hosted a Garage Sale, I am grateful to Sue for coming along with her bits for sale and also to several Letsbuzz members who came along. It was a hot day with little custom so without Letsbuzz members it would have been a bit of a disaster, so I am very grateful for the support given and we did manage some useful trading!

Diary Dates:

Monday 17^th September, 8pm, Open Meeting at Sue’s house, 483 Bideford Green

Sunday 23rd September, Plant and produce trading

Wednesday 17 October, 8.00pm, Open Meeting at Jean's house, 20 Springfield Road

Saturday 24th November, Quiz

December, date TBA, wreath making workshop

Summary of Trading 11.06.18 – 24.07.18

Description	Period 11.06.18 to 24.07.18
Total Number of Trades during periods shown	86
Value of ALL Trades during periods shown	453 Buzzards

Number of trades, non-membership / officer fees	28
Value of non-membership / officer trades	353 Buzzards

Value of membership fee transfers	49 Buzzards
Value of trades for Facebook / Hosts / Minute Takers	51 Buzzards
Number of trades for Facebook / Hosts / Minute Takers	9

Balance of Organisation Account	-7406 Buzzards