Rummagers’ delight as crowdsourced jumble sale comes back to Clapton

Flog it: Clapton residents sell their wares at the jumble trail. Photograph: Megan Davis

Bargain-hunters were out in their droves yesterday hoping that one man’s trash would become their treasure at a sprawling jumble sale across Clapton.

Stallholders pitched up outside their homes stretching from Stoke Newington over to Hackney Marshes for the Clapton Jumble Trail, a ‘community led’ car boot sale but on your street.

Barbeques blazed, bunting hung in trees and eager shoppers rummaged through bundles of clothing, kids toys and the usual unidentifiable junk, with equal delight.

Lorena Payne who was running a stall stocked with records, a vintage scarf collection and multiple pairs of wellies, said: “Everyone has old tat that needs to go but it’s so hard to get round to parting with it.

“The trail makes this daunting process really fun and easy as it’s literally on your doorstep. We’ve even got a tiny bit of sun!”

Clapton Juble Trail. Photograph: Megan Davis

Jumble Trail started three years ago when Martina Randles embarked on a community project that combined her passion for reusing unwanted goods with an opportunity to integrate with her neighbours.

Martina said: “We wanted to incorporate as many people as possible [in the event] and because it’s in people’s front gardens there’s a different psychology.

“You’re almost welcoming your neighbours into your home. You’re sharing the space so you’ve got an excuse to speak to each other. It is about grassroots and activism but it’s not anti anything, it’s more pro-community.”

With more than 350 stalls peppering the streets of Clapton yesterday, it is fair to say that her hard work has paid off. Martina now works with her partner Matthew West on a model that allows anyone to set up a trail of their own.

Photograph: Megan Davis

A ‘champion’ in any area can register a proposed event on the Jumble Trail website and the community is then invited to sign up their stalls. On the future of Jumble Trail, Martina said: “Well it would be nice to have world domination and trails spring up all over the place.”

Another trail in Clapton is planned for September.

For information click here.