LETs recover energy

A few years ago some of us attended a group visit to the Ardley Energy Recovery Centre. We found the visit fascinating and inspiring, and last summer did another trip for LETS members and other friends. We were all amazed at what goes on to retrieve materials from the black bin waste fot reuse, with new techniques developing all the time. We hope that soon we can visit the Severn Trent food recycling plant at Benson. The facility processes over 50,000 tonnes of solid and liquid wastes each year, generating 2.4MW of electricity and producing an excellent bio-fertiliser.

Margate holiday reunion

Jane Williams has kindly invited this year’s Margate holidaymakers to a reunion and lunch on Sunday August 30th from 12.30-2.30.
She will prepare a main dish, guests may bring a side dish, salad, drinks, or dessert to make it even more delicious, and any photos or peculiar rocks (who was collecting rocks?) to share.
 
Any thoughts for future holidays, or things which went well/badly on this holiday.

Drop in for tea

All LETs members old and new are invited to drop in for tea to Jane Williams’ pretty house and garden on Sunday August 30th between 3 and 5.  Jane will provide tea, coffee, squash etc; bring anything extra you would like (mint tea/oat milk/cake…) or just come and enjoy the company.

LETs at Cholsey show

One again this year LETs will have a table at Cholsey village show  to recruit new members and spread the word. On Saturday 22 August between 1.30 and 5pm
It went well last year, with plenty of visitors who hadn’t heard of LETs and thought it was brilliant.  Here we are last year

Bodleian tour

A slightly different outing to see the Bodleian Library, 14 of us had a guided tour and saw the amazing Divinity school and Library, with fabulous and intricate carvings and architecture, as well as ancient books chained up. Here is a virtual guided tour.
https://youtu.be/HWs65nrCJPs?si=UyGcmwNF6dEFiGUt.

Sadly Mo who requested this wasn’t able to come because she was at the dentist instead, but we found last minute substitutes and all arrived almost on time.

Core Group meeting

The next Core Group meeting will be at 10.30 at Yolande Nye’s  on October 13th 2026

All members are most welcome to join us to find out what we do and raise any questions, or to discuss in advance with one of the Core Group members or send an email via Contact Us. Members may request a copy of previous minutes.

We usually plan social events at this meeting as well as hearing about trades, and discuss 2026 and 2027 holidays. We also deal with any issues arising and raised by members.

2026 LETS holiday to Margate in June

We found an excellent house to rent in trendy Margate this year in June. Very near the sea and town, sandy beaches, and 8 en suite bedrooms.

Everyone is independent but take turns to cook in the evening, which has been a fun bonding exercise. Otherwise no-one is obllged to do anything in particular, but people often do things together.

We avoided one of the very hot weeks in Wallingford and instead had sea breezes, walks, fresh air, the Turner gallery, and loads to see and do. We visited nearby towns, Canterbury and its cathedral, Morelli ice creams, and sat on huge sandy beaches. We saw the Ramsgate tunnels where people slept during the war, RAF Manston museum, rode electric bikes round the coast, visited  the shell grotto, 2 tidal pools, Dickens House, and cooked communal suppers. We were amused and refreshed, and bonded over many cups of tea

The house was beautifully restored to its Edwardian best and had everything you could want and much more. We hope to go back either with LETs or other groups!

LETS walk

Bluebells galore

This Spring Chris hosted our regular bluebell walk around Nuffield where she lives, starting at her lovely garden with wisteria in bloom. Several new members, and friends, joined us for this walk, and most stayed for a shared lunch at Chris’s. Chris made sure the route could be adjusted for anyone less capable!

LETS get Trading!

We hope those of you who have not yet dipped your toe in the trading water, will soon give it a go. After all, that is why you joined, isn’t it?

To help people start and keep trading, we also  hold social events from time to time as we have found everyone is more likely to trade with someone they have met.

Games afternoons

Gallery

Two of our longstanding members and friends, Jane and Chris,  assisted by their pooches, have organised excellent afternoons of fun and brains at Warborough. What a great idea, we recycled some no longer wanted possessions for castles too.

We played games – nothing too strenuous- until approx tea time, then we enjoyed a Bring and Share tea.  More games from 5-7, allowing everyone to play games, eat and chat, even if unable to be there for the whole time.

“Really enjoyed the games afternoon yesterday!” Laura

South Oxfordshire's Local Exchange Trading Scheme