AFTER a painstaking process and having given it much thought, my first Swap Shopper decision has been made.

The first lucky (some might say extremely lucky - in fact, overwhelmingly lucky might just about do it justice) recipient of my beautiful News Shopper keyring is Bexley Archaeology Group (BAG).

To recap my plan, I'm starting a swap chain with the aim of raising £1,000 for charity. I've started it with a humdinger of a first swap item - the awesome News Shopper keyring.

I have offered the keyring for a swap, hoping to receive something better (if that is possible) in exchange for it which can then be swapped on for another even better item, and so on, until I finally land something which is worth someone offering me a grand for, which will go to the good cause of their choice.

I had 11 offers for my keyring, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.

In the bronze medal position was the jar of travel sweets offered by our poster The Real Me.

As generous as this was, I just couldn't deprive him of his confectionery, so he is now free to eat the sweets.

Silver medal goes to driving instructor Alan Whittington who very kindly offered a free driving lesson in exchange for the keyring.

It is impossible to put a price on my keyring (thus making it priceless) so money was not the main factor in my decision, but Alan's offer was the highest value swap and was very hard to pass over.

Maybe Alan might still be involved in the chain further down the line.

World of opportunity

In the end the offer which stood out the most to me was a year's membership with BAG.

I thought the archaeology theme would be apt after the 'digs' certain people have taken at my goodwill challenge.

But what really appealed was the world of opportunity which being a member of BAG offers any subsequent swapper.

A year's membership is worth twelve whole pounds but joining BAG means so much more than a simple monetary value.

For a start you get to experience a fascinating new hobby.

You get to be part of projects which could reveal amazing undiscovered clues about our heritage and ancestry.

Think of it as local history treasure hunting.

Think of it as being the new Tony Robinson.

Secondly you get to make new friends - so your social life gets a boost to boot.

And if that doesn't appeal enough for you, here is what the group's lovely PR lady Claire had to say when I asked her to sell BAG to potential swappers:

"Bexley Archaeological Group are a bunch of volunteers whose aim is to investigate, study, preserve and promote the archaeology of our local area.

"During the weekends between April and October we excavate at our ongoing site in North Cray.

"During the rest of the year, we will have finds days - where any of our finds are washed, collated, drawn and recorded.

"We also have lectures by external specialists, go out on day trips to places of historical and archaeological interest, have workshops held by specialists, an annual training excavation and an annual holiday.

"We have about 80 members - of various ages, and all whom of have an interest in archaeology and the local history."

Wow! What more could you ask for from only the second swap in this epic chain?

So now is your chance to BAG (bag ... geddit? Oh, never mind) this amazing chance to become part of such a worthwhile group.

Not only that, you could also become part of an even more exclusive club - you could be a Swap Shopper (mental note to self - must get Swap Shopper badges made up soon).

All you have to do to make your life complete is to offer me something in exchange for the year's membership of BAG.

Open to anything

Is there someone out there who has just been waiting for that little incentive they need to take the plunge and get involved in archaeology?

Is there someone who wants to be a link in this charity swap chain just for the fun of it?

Is there a business or shop out there which wants a bit of free publicity for doing something worthwhile by offering me one of their products or services as the next link in the chain?

I'm open to anything.

Send me details of what you want to exchange for the BAG membership, along with a picture of your potential swap, to sbull@london.newsquest.co.uk

  • For the very latest news on how my Swap Shopper challenge is progressing visit our Newsroom Blog