Jigsaw 'Swap Shop'

Many of you will have read the recent article concerning the traditional jigsaw puzzle, a staple of childhood and Christmas, and which has become a popular pastime during the pandemic, evidenced by the inflated prices of jigsaw puzzles currently being sold on Ebay. Most retailers are also reporting that they are out of stock or that there are long delays in delivery.

Well, here's a thought on a potential pilot scheme suggested by one of our Tattenhall residents!

Many of us have boxes of completed jigsaw puzzles sitting on shelves, in cupboards, in trunks, even in sheds and garages and would simply like some new puzzles to complete during the lockdown!

The plan ...

• We create (and update) a list of jigsaw puzzles together with an uploaded image (since I can never remember the ones I have done) that is available to circulate within the village. This should not be a 'precious puzzle' since it will not be returned to its owner – just like donations to charity shops. We should presume that the puzzle is also complete (although 1 or 2 missing pieces at most might just be bearable during the lockdown).
• A team of volunteers co-ordinates the swapping of the puzzles – i.e. potentially collecting a puzzle from one address and leaving it at another. Alternatively, it might be that during your daily exercise regime this is something which you could easily co-ordinate with your near neighbours.
• We nominate the week and the time slots when this service might be available for collection/delivery – perhaps twice a month – we don't want this to be burdensome for those concerned. If more volunteers offer to help with the collections and deliveries, then more slots could be offered.
• Social distancing and potential cardboard transmission accepted, we think this could work (it would require a volunteer to use disposable gloves and for the jigsaw to be 'isolated' for a short period of time following delivery and before use).

In the first instance, please let Esther know whether you consider this could a become a 'new normal' during lockdown, if you think there might be a better way forward and whether you would be prepared to get involved.

Contact details: esther.sadlerwilliams@gmail.com or 07908 843073