A group who trade goods and services without the need for cash have enjoyed their first meeting of 2021.

Dorchester and South Dorset LETS (Local Exchange Trading Scheme) has now grown to encompass North Dorset after another group folded a few years ago.

The group started in the 90s, with the idea of replicating the success of other LETS groups around the world. Groups use their own currency – this group uses the Mart as it started in Martinstown – and trade with the help of a committee to manage their accounts.
So for example, one member could use another’s help to tidy their garden, sending them Marts through the group’s accounting system, then earn those Marts back by baking another member a cake.

The system works well – there’s a core cluster of members who regularly trade and others who are less active. The range of services on offer is incredible – everything from tuition to kayak hire, sewing to hypnotherapy is on offer. Members meet monthly for a shared supper, with gorgeous food and trade items such as books, clothes and even furniture. Lockdown has been long and difficult for the group, but they are now gearing up to trade again.

LETS member David Milner said: “A small number of LETS members met on a cold Saturday for the first social together for over a year. Everyone enjoyed the fine view over Weymouth Bay and its cruise ships. Shared food made for a lovely lunch and it was great to see old friends, even if only a few of them.”

“There are LETS groups all over Britain enabling people to trade goods and services without using cash or credit cards. It is HRMC approved. “Recent trades have included osteopathy, gardening, books, coal and seedlings. The group is not only for business activities. In pre-covid times regular social events took place – walks, harvest and new year’s parties, games afternoons, crafting etc and will do again once permitted.”

Membership is £5 per year per family, or £3 for the unwaged. Go to dorchester-lets.co.uk for more information and to join.

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