Introducing the Clothes Swap at Union St

The Clothes Swap is back on Saturday 5th September so we caught up with Founder Jess from Common Thread Sheffield to learn all about the wonderful world of clothes exchanges, the concept behind them, and what you can expect to find...

Hi Jess! For the uninitiated, could you explain to us what a clothes exchange is?

“Sure! First off, it’s not our concept - this is a thing that has existed for ages. And the first community clothes exchange that I came across actually started in the Netherlands.

Volunteer crew (taken 2018!) with Jess second from the left

“But the way we do it is that we work on an honesty policy basis rather than a token system. Lots of exchanges count the amount of items in and count the amount of items out, and they keep records.

"We keep it simple, and we say bring a bag of things you don’t need anymore, and take a bag away. The items that you bring must be clean and in good condition - so no rips, tears or stains.”

Do you have to donate clothes to come along?

“We say bring a bag, take a bag, but you can drop off donations anytime. And sometimes you don’t have anything to donate when the exchange rolls around. So it’s not essential to bring a bag. 

“It is essential to pay if you just want to come as a punter, but we do want it to be accessible and there are always volunteer slots available. If the cost of the event (£5) isn’t accessible to some people, they should request to volunteer.”

What’s the thinking behind a clothes exchange?

“Well, basically fast fashion is awful - in a word! Everything is outsourced to countries where labour is cheap, inspections are virtually non-existent, and the materials are sourced as cheaply as possible and in the least sustainable way.

“But a lot of the costs of fast fashion to people and the planet are hidden, and we don’t necessarily know about them. And the fact we’ve been advertised to for so long, it means there’s a certain pressure to dress a certain way and to follow trends. At the clothes exchange we do understand that and we’re not trying to judge anyone. The idea of a clothes exchange is an accessible and fun way to introduce people to the idea of slow fashion.

“What we’re trying to say is: stop shopping, try swapping. You’ll get the same thrill and fun as you do when you go shopping, but you won’t be supporting businesses like that. Instead you’ll be supporting a co-operative way of doing things. You’ll make friends, you’ll have a good time, you can bring your Gran, you can bring your mates, you can bring your kids, it’s very inclusive, it’s non-judgmental, and you will genuinely have a great time. And in the end you’ll come away with some quality new clothes - for an absolute bargain.”

What if I don’t find something I like?

“If you can’t find something for you, go shopping for friends and family. Because there’s no limit on how much you can take it away - so treat it as a library. If you take things and you don’t end up wearing them, you can always bring them back.”

Can I repair old clothes there?

“If you have items that you want to repair or restyle then keep them on you and take them to the repair station. Our volunteers there will help you repair them if they can, or give you advice on how to get them repaired.”

What’s different for this edition?

“What we’ve decided for this one is that we’re going to spread it out over three floors rather than two, so that we can get more stuff out. And we’ve upped the amount of volunteers we’ve asked for as well. So I’m hopeful we can get a really good variety of clothes.”

Cheers Jess!

You can buy a ticket for the next Clothes Exchange right here.

And you can stay up-to-date with Common Thread Sheffield on their website and Facebook page.

National Emergency Briefing

Co-working member Gordon recently suggested we organise a screening of the National Emergency Briefing, the new 50 minute public information documentary which follows the landmark briefing where 10 scientific experts briefed over 1,000 politicians, business leaders and media figures in Westminster about climate breakdown. The film covers how the ecological crisis directly impacts British life...

Screening organisers Gordon, Bella and James

Bella, a climate scientist and co-worker who introduced the film, said: "I've studied the climate for a long time and found the briefing gave me more clarity on how we can expect climate change to change the UK."

Bella introducing the film

"Hosting the briefing was a bit of a roller coaster, but through the structure of the briefing and the discussions we had afterwards, I think more people left on a positive footing in the believe that positive change is possible."

"It's given me more insightful talking points and confidence in talking to others about the specific problems we face. Continuing to share that knowledge can help motivate more people to act."

Co-organiser James said: "I was worried that seeing the Emergency Briefing and better understanding the scale of the crisis we face would send me further into a doom spiral and make me feel powerless, but that didn't happen.

The film is well structured and shows not only the problems but also some of their solutions. I think the screenings are really important to helps us reach a social tipping point before we breach the environmental ones."

One of the aims to of the screening was to invite local decision makers to see the film so we were really pleased when four Councillors from Sheffield Green Party booked tickets, plus our Labour MP for Sheffield Central; Abtisan Mohammed.

Sheffield Central MP Abtisan Mohammed (right) in the post-film discussion with me (Matt) on the left, Councillor Richard Tinsley (Sheffield Green Party) second left and Bella

Here's the film's 1 minute trailer featuring Chris Packham;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaI-dHgh65Q

One of the 'calls to action' of the documentary was to sign the petition calling on the government to provide this briefing for the public, which will only be debated in parliament if the petition can achieve 100,000 signatures;

For more information, and to check-out the 50 minute long documentary featuring Chris Packham, check out the National Emergency Briefing website at https://www.nebriefing.org/

... and if you haven't yet done it, please sign the petition here:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767687

After-work drinks? Our beer garden guide to Sheffield city centre

Written by Ali, a co-worker at Union St.

Sheffield may be blessed with green space and great pubs, but finding this perfect union in our city centre is a trickier affair. Worry not. Union St co-workers have years of experience in summertime drinking. They’ve put in the hard yards to bring you this after-work suntrap guide, with recommendations for every kind of outdoor drinker.

Selina & Chris

A note on the methodology: we’re using the ring-road to draw the city centre boundaries, and ‘garden’ is optimistically defined as ‘any sort of outside space with seating’.

Read to the end for: results of the official Union St poll on Sheffield's best beer garden.

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Booze with views: the best scenic spots in the city

Buzzy modern spots, with cocktails and spritzes, to watch our bit of the world go by.

1. Forum

Image credit: Forum

With its tiled mosaic seating and deckchairs, Forum feels like sitting poolside when the sun comes out. The garden looks over Dev Green, with skaters, students and sunbathers all making use of the city centre’s biggest park.

You’ll like it if: being able to see grass is essential to your idea of a beer garden.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes – full sun!

2. Cambridge St. Collective’s rooftop bar

Underrated despite – or maybe because of – its attachment to the food hall. Accessing it requires an odd combination of steps, lifts and Japanese whisky bars. But it’s worth the effort. Honourable mention to Kapital’s sunny garden here too, just next door.

You’ll like it if: you’re after more than crisps to pair with your drink.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.

3. Pearl at Park Hill

Image credit: Pearl at Park Hill / India Hobson

Okay, so it’s not within the ring road, but we make the rules here and it’s just a two minute walk from the station. Besides, as Union St co-worker Nick says, it “really is a great outdoor drinking space” with easily the best views of the skyline from its sprawling terrace. An award-winning cocktail list too.

You’ll like it if: you used to live in London.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes – full sun!

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Proper pubs with proper picnic tables

And real ale, for real drinkers. These gardens shoulder the hardy, cigarette-smoking men and women of our city through the cruel winter months. Sunshine is a mere bonus.

4. The Rutland Arms

A shaded little courtyard attached to what is perhaps the city’s most celebrated boozer. Feels like a pub frozen in time, and that’s no bad thing at all. The food is a notch above too – don’t miss the Rutty Butty. “Nice and shady in the heat”, as Union St member Bella puts it.

You’ll like it if: you think no pub built post-1930 is worth your time.

In the sunshine at 5pm? No.

5. Shakespeare’s

Image credit: Our Favourite Places

A truly glorious high-walled garden, with a hodge-podge selection of seating and potted plants. A little further from the true centre of town, but can easily be combined with some excellent Kelham Island beer gardens too.

You’ll like it if: Cobbled courtyards are your manna from heaven.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.

6. The Grapes

It’s a car park. With a few old picnic tables in it. But it’s a car park attached to one of the best pubs in the city, on one corner of the Irish triangle pub crawl, alongside Fagan’s and The Dog and Partridge. Cash-only, come prepared.

You’ll like it if: you like saying ‘cash is king’.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes!

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Offbeat, industrial yards with craft beer

Did you know Sheffield has more breweries per head than any other UK city? Here’s where to head in the centre for some post-industrial chic.

7. Triple Point Brewery

Image credit: Welcome to Sheffield

Brewery and taproom specialising in gluten-free beers, and vegan beers too – though they’re happy to indulge carnivores too by serving up excellent smash burgers.

Co-worker Ryan says: “nice green space, heat lamps for when it’s a little chillier and has gradually built up over time.” Continue into the night at Sidney and Matilda, just around the corner.

You’ll like it if: you wouldn’t dream of ordering a Madri.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.

8. Perch Brewhouse

Located on the promisingly named Garden Street, Perch is the tap room of Dead Parrot brewery. There’s a pleasant courtyard, with shaded and suntrap seating – and the occasional BBQ. Ideally located near Fagan’s, The Three Tuns and Butler’s curry house.

You’ll like it if: you’re on a pre-curry pub crawl.

In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.

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So what’s the very best beer garden in Sheffield?

The Union St drinkers put it to a poll, and the winner was Shakespeare’s thanks to its brilliant courtyard. The Rutland Arms and Triple Point both came a close second.

Still thirsty for more? Our friends at The Tribune have their own best beer gardens list.

Union Street co-workers often head for a pint – and sometimes a fair few more – after work, and everyone is invited. If you’re tired of working from home alone, why not book a call with Matt to find out more about co-working with us?

Nick our resident photographer

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