Sheena Grant’s Thrifty Living

My thrifty mission for 2015 - to avoid new buys where possible - had its first major test last week.

It came in the form of football boots for my son.

Charity shops seemed a good place to start so I trawled at least 10 in the slim hope of finding a pair his size, to no avail.

In desperation, I even browsed an online auction site but, with nothing more to go on a than a brief description and a photo, was sure I’d end up buying something poorly fitting.

Feeling despondent, I was close to admitting defeat and heading for the nearest sports shop when I had a brainwave - I’d look in one of those stores that sell people’s used clothing for them, for a percentage of the proceeds.

I could hardly believe my luck when I got there. It was football boot heaven.

The boots we chose (yes, we actually had a choice) were in excellent condition and set me back £6.60 - as opposed to £20-plus for a new pair.

Okay, the quest had taken a bit of time but hey, my no new buys pledge was still intact.

The only slight downside is that although I failed to find any football boots I didn’t come away from my charity shop trawl completely empty-handed. A handbag and a jumper caught my eye and, of course, being a consumer in recovery, I found it impossible to resist.

• Thanks to Jean Clarkson, of Worlingworth, for her words of thrifty wisdom, information about a book swapping initiative at her local village hall and news of a brilliant ‘Swap or Mend’ Morning run by Greener Fram today (Jan 24) from 9.30am to 1pm at the Unitarian Meeting Hall in Framlingham.

Apparently, people can swap items they no longer want for ones they do or take along broken electronics, furniture, toys and machinery for repair.

“This time I’m going with my hand sewing machine, needles and cottons,” says Jean. “So much is thrown away for the sake of a stitch.”

I love the idea of this event and am just sad I can’t make it today. However, all is not lost as, according to Jean, it’s held once a month. You can find out more at www.greenerfram.co.uk.

• Regular readers may recall last week’s column about ways of using up waste bread crusts. I’m pleased to report my bread bin is now a crust-free zone after a weekend breakfast of French toast, served with a dribble of golden syrup.

Email sheena.grant@eadt.co.uk or tweet using #ThriftyLiving.