Here’s the latest request on Manchester’s Freecycle group:

Subject: [manchesterfreecycle] WANTED: CAROL VORDERMAN: M5

I know this is a really bizarre request and will probably tax Freecycle to its limit but….

Does anyone have a Life Sized Cardboard Ex Shop Display Picture of Carol Vorderman, or something similar, going spare? Or even someone who looks like Carol Vorderman but must be wearing clothes!

Its for some work related challenge for a relative and at some point funds raised, if any, will go to some charities. So any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I am happy to travel anywhere within about 50 miles from Manchester so it does give some scope and hopefully increases the chance of success.

Let the fun begin!

I’ll keep you up-to-date with with the poster’s progress…

Forget the expression ‘you don’t get something for nothing’; Freecycle proves exactly the opposite to be the case.

Where else can you find an upright piano, an old iMac, wings, even the proverbial kitchen sink in your locality? About 50 such items are ‘offered’ each day, and the majority are taken within 24 hours.

All you need to do is pay attention, reply quickly and arrange to collect the items. Oh, and stick to your word - no one likes someone who asks for something they don’t actually want. The community, thankfully, is fully moderated.

I’ve recommended Freecycle Manchester to a few friends and everyone who has subsequently joined has raved about it the following week. If you have access to email at least daily, try it out.

And don’t forget: if you’re about to scrap something of possible value, Freecycle it instead.

* not strictly true - but almost

One of just three UK music festivals I give serious consideration to attending each year, I took the plunge and went to All Tomorrow’s Parties a couple of weekends ago.

My system of going every other year (because the ones in-between are always rubbish) worked once again. read more »