Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

Every second Saturday a big group of locals gather at the Denmark Scout Hall to swap excess fruit and vegetables, seedlings and flowers they have grown.

The Bobbie Batten-organised produce swap is in its sixth year and is held either at the rear of the Scout Hall or inside, depending on the weather.

“I got the idea from my daughter who had started one in Manjimup,” Bobbie said.

“Denmark’s event is far bigger due to our population and we went from zero to fabulous in just a couple of months.”

About 50 to 60 people come each time with the biggest event fielding more than 80 people.

Bobbie is always amazed at how much produce is placed on the tables and the wide array of items people bring.

“Probably one of the most unusual things were jars of tadpoles and would you believe they were the first things to be taken,” she said.

Geoff Bowley (L) and regular swapper, John Schindler.
Photo: Serena Kirby.

There are also jams and preserves, home-baked items and potted plants as well as a ‘mixed bag’ table with books, jars, egg cartons and all manner of items.

With Bobbie as the convenor, the event is run like clockwork.

People arrive between 10-10.20am to place their items on a circle of large tables and at 10.30 am Bobbie announces the start of the swap which lasts just 15 minutes before everything is gone.

“It works on an honour system where you don’t take everything, just what you need while leaving things for others,” she said.

Bobbie said the event was as much about socialising and meeting people as it was about swapping produce.

The Denmark produce swap is held every fortnight with the next event on Saturday April 23 at the Scout Hall.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 5 May 2022.