• Fair Shares Taking Off by Katie Rose •
A pioneering community project which aims to promote a sense of neighbourliness is up and running in Newent.
Fair Shares is based on an American scheme called Time Dollars, which has achieved great success in the U.S over the past 10 years.
Participants earn one credit for each hour's work, whether it’s childminding, home repairs, visiting and elderly neighbour or giving a music lesson.
People can spend their credits on services which they would not otherwise be able to afford or donate them to a neighbour who needs extra help.
Trudie Sheppard, champion fundraiser and provider for the disabled, is actively backing the scheme.
'Fair Shares is a wonderful idea because people get such a lot of pleasure from helping others,' she said. 'The good thing about Fair Shares is that it involves the whole community. If this takes off like Dial a Ride and Sheppard House it'll be wonderful.'
Lucy Shaw (27) is a keen member of Fair Shares. She drives local people to the supermarket and spends her credits on childcare for her son, Noah.
'The best thing about Fair Shares is that no money changes hands,' says Lucy. 'Everyone's time is worth the same. It's not like modern day life, where a lawyer charges £100 an hour and a nanny gets £2 an hour.'
John Harding, of Newent, earns credits by recording cassette tapes for the project. In return, a companion comes to sit with his wife, Rose, so John can have some time off to go to Probus or watch the rugby.
'Fair Shares brings people together as they did in the olden days. It's about helping each other, without thinking of the cost.' he said.
Joy Rogers, projects co-ordinator, said 'Fair Shares isn't about charity, it's about building a community spirit. We all have talents, knowledge or skills to share.
'Fair Shares is for everyone living in and around Newent, of all ages. We're looking for more participants for Newent Fair Shares, so why not join?'
For more information on the project contact Joy Rogers on (01452) 541337 or
Trudie Sheppard, at the Fair Shares shop in Church Street, Newent, (01531) 822441.
Copyright © 2005, Fair Shares - Created by Joe Selwyn Designs.