EXTINCTION Rebellion proved a highlight of the first Eco-Jumble in Keighley. A workshop about the climate-change movement attracted a roomful of residents.

Eco-Jumble was an event combining a traditional jumble sale with activities and stalls by environment-themed organisations and businesses. Residents had 18 stalls selling jumble at the event in the Marley Sports Hall.

Plastic Free Communities had representatives from its groups in East Morton, Oakworth, Keighley and Silsden. Among those hosting stalls was Be The Change Events, a small events company with a passion for sustainable, eco-friendly living.

Mel Francis, Development Coordinator with Trees for Cities, showcased Edible Playgrounds which is offering a £25,000 investment in school grounds and support to intergrate local food into school kitchens. Richard Dillon highlighted the work of ethical cooperative Fairmondo UK, whose website will soon promote social enterprise, sustainable produce and ethical goods available in Keighley.

Some of those involved in the Eco-Jumble met later at Keighley Green Drinks, a regular environment-themed social and discussion group, to talk about the success of the first Eco-Jumble.

As well as networking, they decided to hold another Eco-Jumble in 2020, possibly as a market in style event during the summer. They also considered using a more central location so they could tap into passing trade, and include food stalls selling locally-produced items.

Eco-Jumble was organised by Keighley Big Local, a regeneration group operating in neighbourhoods along the lower River Worth, and Be The Change Events. Big Local coordinator Shaun O'Hare said: "Events like this bring communities together and instill a sense of pride and strengthen relationships.

"There are some amazing traders in and around Keighley providing sustainably produced and ethically sourced products. Eco-Jumble will be hopefully become an annual event, an established date in the diary which puts folk in the shop window and helps stimulate growth of enterprise in Keighley. And not forgetting a great opportunity for residents to make some cash out of pre-loved items.

Pictures by Matt Ingham-Dempster.