Community events hosted to help with the cost of Christmas

Experience Barnsley Museum and Wentworth Castle Gardens are hosting a Community Toy Swap to help people with the cost of the festive season.

From Saturday, 30 November, until Sunday, 1 December, at Wentworth Castle Gardens, and on Saturday, 7 December, at Experience Barnsley Museum, people can come along to swap no longer used toys for new-to-you gifts.

Anyone is invited to come along between 10:30am and 2pm to bring pre-loved toys and exchange them for a special gift.

The events offer a chance for people to receive some new toys for children and trade unused teddies, games, or even gadgets for others to enjoy.

Visitors who bring a toy on the day will receive free admission to Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Last year, 150 people took part in the Community Toy Swaps, with many donations being made towards the project.

Abbie Ford, Volunteer and Community Officer at National Trust, said: "It was lovely to see so many people take part in last year's Community Toy Swap, so we decided to bring it back for 2024. The visitors, some who had never Wentworth Castle Gardens, were overwhelmingly positive about the initiative, saying how important it was to help with the cost of living and protect the environment during the festive period. By donating a pre-loved toy, visitors enjoyed their free access to the gardens and had a fun-filled day out at our site."

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are delighted to be bringing back a successful community project to two heritage attractions. Last year’s Community Toy Swap, saw visitors near and far make charitable donations to help people with the cost of Christmas. With the festive season just around the corner, it is an amazing way to get new toys that children will love and play your part in looking after the environment by reducing waste.”