Freecycle
I WOULD LIKE to bring Freecycle to your attention. Freecycle is a yahoo based internet service where unwanted items are posted on a message board. The principle of Freecycle is that the unwanted item is being offered for free. Examples that I have seen on Freecycle include gravel, cardboard boxes, polystyrene packaging, furniture, clothes, childrens toys, music and the list can go on. You can also post a message for wanted items.
In brief, you can arrange to collect an item, or agree plans to have it posted. If you do not want a stranger coming to your home you can arrange a public place (like a supermarket car park for example) to meet and pass on your offered items. Or arrange for a friend to be present.
The Freecycle idea was started in the US but seems to have become very popular in the UK. The overall aim of Freecycle is to build a community spirit and keep things out of landfills. Freecycle is divided into regions of the UK, for example, Cambridge Freecycle (internet address = groups.yahoo.com/group/cambridgefreecycle) and Fenland Freecycle(internet address = groups.yahoo.com/group/fenlandfreecycle) cover this area.
I feel that Freecycle is a refreshing alternative to the commercial and throwaway culture that we seem to have developed. Therefore I would like to encourage you all to have a look at Freecycle when you have a spare moment. In addition to participating in Freecycle, how would you like to post offers and wants in the local village magazines. I would like to open this up to residents of Bottisham, Lode, Longmeadow, Swaffham Bulbeck, Swaffham Prior and Stowcum- Quy. If you would like more information or would like to take part, please email me on jun.thompson@tesco.net with the following details:
Your "wanted" or "offered" items; Maximum of 5 items per month, with brief details about the item.
Your name, village and contact details (e.g. phone number/e-mail).
I have not really done anything like this before - so it might fizzle out, or become a popular community scheme. I am planning on taking peoples e-mails for each magazine edition following the usual deadlines. If you don't have any response to your message, then you will need to e-mail me again for inclusion in the next edition.
I look forward to hearing from you all.