Handy Jigsaws – spreading the news…..

Do you live in Kelsall and love jigsaws? Or perhaps you know someone in the village who loves to puzzle – maybe a friend, family member or neighbour? Did you know that Kelsall has its very own completely free jigsaw lending library? We’d love your help spreading the news.

We’ve been collecting jigsaws for many years and wanted to share them with our fellow villagers. Handy Jigsaws starting running in April 2020 and offers a regularly changing collection of up to 100 jigsaws in a variety of piece counts and sizes. We provide free doorstep delivery and collection in Kelsall.

Handy Jigsaws has exceeded our expectations but it’s likely we have not reached all Kelsall residents who may be interested, including those who lack internet access or who are new to our growing village. We use public noticeboards as well as social media posts to spread the news but the best way to reach people is at events or via good old-fashioned word of mouth! Whether you are an existing Handy Jigsaws puzzler or interested in finding out more, we hope to see you at the Societies, Clubs & Activities afternoon at Kelsall Community Centre, Sunday 17 October, 2pm-5pm.

We were thrilled to take part in the recent ‘Life in Kelsall During Lockdown’ exhibition of art, photography and craft at St. Philip’s Church. We contributed a hand-framed extract of a very special puzzle which was our “most wanted” title during lockdown. Maybe it was because it featured Cadbury’s chocolate! It was borrowed numerous times but was eventually “retired hurt”. No problem – we give incomplete jigsaws another life by using them for craft!

Handy Jigsaws Life in Lockdown Exhibition Kelsall St Philips Church October 2021

Lots of people tried jigsaws for the first time during lockdown and enjoyed the sense of calm and satisfaction that comes from completing them. Jigsaws have multiple physical and social benefits and are scientifically proven to be good for you – see this journal article. That’s why Handy Jigsaws is a long-term initiative for the village. We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming one of our puzzlers or can help us spread the word.

See our Handy Jigsaws page for full information, including all our titles and ways to contact us.