Welcome to ABC LETS
The ABC LETS (Attenborough, Beeston and Chilwell Local Exchange Scheme) was set up in 2001 to renew the kind of neighbourly exchange that used to take place before our lives became too busy and complicated.
If I had a piece of equipment in my garage that I used once a year, such as a long handled pole for pruning trees, why shouldn't my neighbour borrow it the other days? Or if I had a skill such as sorting out a computer, or making up flat-pack furniture, whilst someone else had the time to look after my cat when I am on holiday or give me a lift somewhere, wasn't there some way we could all help each other without having to pay £10, or £20 an-hour? This makes sense not only for helping my neighbour but also from an environmental point of view. The important thing is that everyone has something to offer, even if they don't think so at first.
We now have over 60 members living locally, which is good for the environment and helps build the community. We have a directory that lists the skills that members are offering and their wants. This is on our web site and members can access their own wants and offers and update them at any time.
We don't deal in ‘real' money, but in ‘Bees' except where there are real costs such as petrol. Everyone has a cheque book to pay for services, or they can be in-putted directly via the web site, where members can also see their current balance of Bees.
Those not on computer, get a paper directory.
When you need a service, you ring the member offering it, agree a time and price and off you go. We also hold regular socials where members can trade such things as unwanted goods and home produce directly and get to know each other, This helps find out each other’s skills and interests and you are more likely to ask someone for something if you can put a face to their name.
Membership is currently free.
Richard Eddleston 2-3-2010