The LETS scheme: Have you tried it? Does it work?

[Tigermoth]

Prompted by my urgent gardening needs, I've just joined a LETS scheme. I've offered my skills and in exchange will, I hope, find the answers to all my problems(!) by referring to the LETS directory.

I must admit I'm apprehensive of letting strangers into my house or garden - I was not vetted at all when I enrolled, though I suppose they check my name on the electorial list and I do get an identity card with my picture on it.

However, I do like the thought of meeting local people and swapping skills without money changing hands.

Any advice?

I wish there was one in my area, its always seemed very appealing to me too. Good luck Tigermoth, let us know how it goes.

Tigermoth, no advice I'm afraid, just on the scrounge again to find out if this is an SE London scheme. (And no I'm not going to come and do your garden in exchange for you giving my husband a groovy glam 70s makeover...)

Oh, go on, Marina!I've got some surprisingly tasteful tulip-collared Brutus shirts in a nice fine poplin check. Just right for spring. Sure your husband wouldn't be interested? It's not that big a garden, honest.

Anyway, the LETS scheme is not just a SE London thing. It's nationwide but not all places have one. A friend of mine got involved with one up north. She said the only problem was that there were lots of people offering aromatherapy, hamster-sitting, poetry-composing services etc and the few offering plumbing, brick-laying or anything useful were very heavily in demand. She was offering practical services herself, and soon became outrageously rich in LETS tokens. She cashed them in exchange for a beautiful hand painted ceiling in her sitting room, depicting all her nephews as little cherubs.

If you're interested in joining the scheme then contact the town hall - they will have details. Though I got my application form from a stall at the 'Plumstead Make Merry' - along with details of a lady who knits boy doll clothes.

Tigermoth, please satisfy my curiosity - what skill are you offering?

Fancy dress hire or sale, copywriting and driving.
Hoping to bag a gardener, cook, nurse, ladies maid and 'man who does'.

I have belonged to a LETS scheme for five years, although I haven't used it much. But every now and again someone will ring and ask for a hanging basket or a cake. The trouble seems to be that there are loads of people wanting to babysit, do the shopping, ironing, etc, and not many who can do plumbing, electrical work or even gardening. But we have quite a good social life. We meet at the local pub once a month and it's a very good way of meeting people who live locally. Like all these things, it does need people who are willing to give their time and energy to make it work, so if you have lots of that you could make it into a thriving enterprise.

Tigermoth

'A man who does' what exactly... By the way that shirt sounded rather natty maybe...!

Tlb, living with 'a man who doesn't', I'm really keen to find 'a man who does'. I'm talking about most aspects of DIY, by the way!

I hope to start skill swapping soon.