A Calne resident is helping turn preloved fashion into a local movement, with more than 2,000 items of clothing saved from landfill across Wiltshire in 2025.
Meagan Powell, who lives in Calne, co-founded Swap Society with her friend Gracie May from Westbury. The initiative aims to make clothes swapping “cool, exciting and sustainable,” combining fashion, community and a passion for reducing waste.
This year, Swap Society has hosted four events across Wiltshire, met over 300 new faces, and partnered with three local small business venues.
“We wanted to make swapping modern and stylish,” said Meagan. “Seeing the community grow so quickly has blown us away. People showed up, swapped with intention, and helped make preloved fashion feel exciting.”
Gracie, who also manages a Dorothy House charity shop, added: “Cost definitely comes into it. If you have a £50 budget and go to Bath or Bristol, you could spend it in one shop. With pre-loved shopping, that could cover a whole day - or two - of swapping.”
Swap Society’s events have been held at venues including DoubleS UK, True Story Brewing, Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen, and Glove Factory Studios. Volunteers, many of whom have become part of what the founders call their “swap family,” help run the events and keep the movement growing.
The initiative began as a passion project. Meagan, who moved from South Africa with just two bags of belongings, and Gracie, who grew up in modest circumstances, both wanted to reduce the stigma around second-hand fashion.
“This really came from a place of fun and passion,” said Gracie. “We don’t make money from it. It was never going to be a business, we just wanted to bring people together, and I think we’ve done that.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Swap Society plans more swaps, new collaborations, and an even stronger community focus, with a hope to attract more men to second-hand fashion and save even more clothing from landfill.
As Meagan said: “To everyone who swapped, volunteered or cheered us on - thank you. You’ve turned an idea into a movement. Roll on 2026 - we can’t wait to swap with you again.”
Meagan added that if any Calne residents would like to see a clothing swap happen in our town, they'd love to hear from you with your venue ideas and suggestions. Find out more about Swap Society here.
Photos: Swap Society
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