June 18, 2013 8:22 AM BST
Its a good idea, but there are several (big) hurdles that need to be jumped over if it is to work.
The question of logistics springs to mind. Primarily to do with location, organization and volunteers.
Where are all these clothes going to be swapped? There is little free space available either in the Park or on Canal Street. Let's assume there is space in the Park, then it would need need to be organized via the Sparkle Committee - so that there would be a stall with changing facilities and equally as important with someone taking responsibility for running it and finding the volunteers to "man" it.
And given that there is a big size range in trannies, and wildly different tastes where would all the clothes be stored and what will happen to those that are left? The person responsible will have to ensure that at the end of the day's "swap shop" all the clothes left are taken somewhere.
Given Julie Hawkwood's blog on the lack of volunteers in the TG community, your timing is apposite as, if it is to work ( and it could) then it needs a group of volunteers to translate it from an idea to reality. I suspect its too late for this years Sparkle - most of the organization has been done as Sparkle is now only 3 weeks away (it gets underway on Thursday 11 July with some events).
Pauline xx
June 18, 2013 8:50 PM BST
Great idea but ... food for thought from Pauline xxx
June 19, 2013 11:57 AM BST
it is a great idea dont think i will have chance to help this year have a bit to do on stage maybe a good idea to sort for next year a stall in the park nearest to via so i can get a pint lol xxx
July 1, 2013 10:42 PM BST
very good idea that would be good
July 1, 2013 11:13 PM BST
It`s a great idea but would need the forward planning and volunteers to run it, one for 2014 then
Given the fact sparkle is a charity - there are some great reductions available to charity's that open shops - maybe there's an idea there?
Next year let us do a Transtastic stall - it could be a swap shop and a way of promoting the site xx
aw yeah can i be keith chegwin oops i mean maggie philbin lol xxx
How about turning up as Keith Philbin if you can remember how they dressed!
Well it looks like I have some organising to do between now and next Sparkle. Once I've sorted things out a bit more I'll be back. The one thing I don't want to do is have to turn up to Sparkle with a van full of clothes, do the swapping and drive away with the van still full!
