We were thrilled to be a part of the wonderful Oxhey Village Jumble Trail on Saturday 31 July 2021, where dozens of door-step shops popped up with more than 65 homes taking part in the event. Participants collectively raised more than £400 for Small Acts of Kindness from the sale of Jumble Trail maps and kind donations. We are hugely thankful for this support, which will help towards the cost of purchasing essential keep warm items for older people, including blankets, hats, gloves and socks.

The event was coordinated by Chloe Hancock and Rob Kirby of Oxhey Village Environment Group (OVEG), who provided almost 200 visitors with maps to explore the treasure on sale around the village.

Watford’s Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, was on hand to support the opening of the Jumble Trail, and met some of the stall holders along the route. Lynne Misner our founder and CEO and Richard Bayliss a member of our Volunteer Management Team, attended the event and had a great time, meeting visitors and joining in with all the fun!

Many of those hosting stalls took the opportunity to offer items uncovered during lockdown clear-outs, including books, clothes, computer games, and antique plates.  Alongside the second-hand goods culinary skills were put to use, with some residents baking cakes for hungry shoppers.

Rob Kirby, deputy chair of OVEG, said,  “The Jumble Trail is the perfect excuse to re-home previously loved items which, for one reason or another, have become surplus to requirement. For the visitors, it’s a chance to get out there, re-connect with neighbours, and perhaps even head home with a bargain.”

“After 18 months of restrictions on face-to-face contact, I think we’ve all become so much more aware of the challenges brought about by loneliness and isolation; something that is felt every day by many older members of the community. That’s why we chose to donate the £400 proceeds from the Jumble Trail to Small Acts of Kindness, who help thousands of vulnerable, older people each year.”

Lynne Misner commented, “We are delighted to partner with OVEG and their Jumble Trail and extend a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and supported the event. Your donations will help thousands of older people keep warm this winter.  A lack of social connections is a key factor in feeling lonely and isolated. Projects like this make such a difference to reducing loneliness and are the epitome of connecting communities with kindness.”

For more information about please visit the Oxhey Village Environment Group website.