Rotary’s annual book sale is on again in Cromwell, but there’s a twist in the tale.

Rotary spokesperson Sally Angus said each year proceeds from the sale went to a worthy cause in the community. This year they had decided to support the young people in our community through the Cromwell Youth Trust.

“It was their idea to help us”, she said.

“It’s lovely to have young, energetic help with setting everything up, and the pop-up café will be a good thing for our volunteers through the weekend, as well as for people coming to the sale.”

Cromwell Lions spokesperson Russell Fowler said this year saw Rotary and Lions again working together for the good of the community.

“We’ve got our mystery garage sale on Saturday; people can come down to the Bowling Club from 8.30am to register, get their maps, check out the books, and buy hot drinks and food from the pop-up café to warm up before heading out.”

Proceeds from Saturday’s Lions garage sale registrations would be going to the Cromwell Youth Trust.

Cromwell Youth Trust manager Rhys Smith said a ‘give it back’ day had originally been planned as part of their holiday programme. When Rotary approached him with their plan to support youth in the community through donating the book sale proceeds to the trust, Rhys said he knew it was a great fit.

“The kids were keen to help and a pop-up café at the book sale venue was their idea.”

“Cromwell is a very supportive community and it’s nice that the kids see that and are happy to get involved and give back.”

Yesterday was a busy day. As one group of young people were helping with book sale set-up at the Bowling Club, another group were back at The Hangout, busily baking treats to sell at the pop-up café.

Back at The Hangout, Cooper Hancock (13), Kieran Hancock (13), Safi Foale (12) and trustee Hilary Seagrave cooked up a storm.

As yet another batch of blueberry muffins emerged from the oven, youth worker Eden Wilson said the kids had been amazing and a lot of fun had been had by all.

“They’ve taken their part in this really seriously, and at the same time managed to turn it into a fun time.”

Baker Kieran Hancock (13) said when they arrived, they had got busy baking batch after batch of chocolate chip biscuits and raisin biscuits.

“We made quite a mess.”

“Now we just need people to come down to the Bowling Club and buy them.”

Cooper George (13), another member of the baking team, said they filmed the process, making their own reality TV baking show as part of the fun.

“We made a lot of batches to sell at the book sale – we’re helping to raise funds for a van.”

“We’ve taste tested everything and it’s all really good.

“My advice is – buy the chocolate chip cookies.”

For book sale opening times, see the App's What's On Guide.

Photos supplied