• 18 June 2021

Community Book Swap in Ballyholme

There were tables laden with literature in the grounds of St Columbanus, Ballyholme on Saturday 12 June as parishioners and locals joined in with a Community Book Swap.

The congregation were first to take part, donating books which were quarantined for 72 hours before being set out for anyone to browse and take away. Those who came along on 12th also brought books which have been put into quarantine for the next time.

Following a leaflet drop and an announcement on the ‘Love Ballyholme’ Facebook page, a steady stream of local people lent their support and made the afternoon a great success. £214 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support into the bargain.

“This was one of those ideas everyone loved,” said Revd Jan Stevenson Community Pastor for Ballyholme Parish. “With the local library closed because of the pandemic, one of my neighbours was delighted to be able give away the many books they had bought and read. It was also a lovely opportunity for us as a church to meet new people and chat socially distanced outdoors.”

The folk at Ballyholme Parish have also held a popular Community Litter Picking event and will be repeating it again on Saturday 19 June.