Haslemere Town Council, in collaboration with Haslemere Community Station and the Hills to Harbour Community Rail Partnership, hosted its first-ever Christmas Decoration Swap.

Held at Haslemere Station Hub, the initiative encouraged the community to exchange pre-loved Christmas decorations, giving them a second life while spreading festive cheer sustainably. Surplus decorations are being donated to clients at the Haslemere Food Bank this week.

Martin Wellen, the council’s Project and Amenities Officer, added: “This is for people who can’t afford Christmas decorations or don’t have any. If it helps brighten just one home and bring a bit of Christmas to children who wouldn’t otherwise have it, then it’s worthwhile.”

The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of town councillors, council staff, Ken Griffiths from Haslemere Community Station, and Lucy Lomax from the Hills to Harbour Community Rail Partnership. The council hopes to make the decoration swap an annual tradition, promoting a more sustainable and connected community.

Councillor Bayliss said: “The Christmas decoration swap aligns with the council’s aims to recycle and reduce waste while providing people with some Christmas cheer if they need it.”

Looking ahead, Haslemere Town Council is also launching a ‘Winter Warmer’ initiative in January, inviting residents to donate good-condition winter coats for distribution to anyone in need. More details will be shared via the council’s website and social media pages: www.haslemeretc.org and facebook.com/haslemeretowncouncil