I've had no scope for growing my own food beyond what will flourish on a window sill for a long time. I got onto the council waiting list for a Plot with the foreboding warning it might take as long as 15 years to get to the top! As it turned out it was less than 2 in the end. Annual charges are under 30 quid - I can spend that much in one visit to the Co-op without much trouble! I have forked out (pardon the pun) for some tools and a second (could be 3rd/4th/5th!) hand shed and splashed out on seeds and magazines (if they have free seeds!) I've also been very lucky with family and other plot holders giving me seedlings and tools to get me started. I have been digging away for a few hours at the weekend since taking it on in January - and I have an enviable supply of organic fruit and veg at my disposal. Not to mention feeling smug at making food appear out of the ground instead of out of a plastic packet, I am also smug when cooking because it tastes better too. Another bonus - it's excellent exercise and a great way to make new friends who want to pass on all their tips - If you are still paying for a gym membership you don't make good use of = STOP, get a PLOT! Apply via your local authority website, get on the waiting list and be sure to remind them you are very keen every so often, or see if you can share with someone and get there sooner. Do it today! Worth checking out Landshare.net if the waiting list is too long to bear

In 2006, two people got chatting over an archaic web 'bulletin board' and found that they both had a particular dislike of the banking system, and the way in which it imposed charges against the very people who were funding it. They decided that it might be time to plant a little acorn... I'm no longer a regular visitor to the site, so it was - in passing - my first view on membership levels for quite a while. I don't know when, precisely, it happened - but there are now more than 1/3 million registered members. That's one almighty effin oak tree. Just thought it was worth a mention - and hope it hasn't already been talked to death elsewhere...

I own a home with my wife and desperately need to move due to size as we have more kids on the way. Since buying my home 7 years ago there are a string of defaults etc on my file, unsecured and in the main unsettled, but being paid by arrangements. I have been stupid and irresponsible, for the last 6 years, building up a debt of £25k to various loans, cards, payday lenders etc. This can only be put down to me being an idiot! Missed payments are on unsecured stuff, mortgage has never faultered. The current home is worth £200k, and i owe £120k to standard Life now woolwich. £80k equity that i would love to use to pay off my £25k debts and use the remainder to use as a deposit on the new home. my earnings are now good £50k pa + £10k regular bonus, with my wifes part time work bringing in 18k. wifes crredit is good but with about £6k in loans, but never missed. Is there any suggestions for how i could get a lender / broker to assist with this situation on moving home many thanks