what does it mean when someone is driving up my road slowly ringing a bell?

J

Julia

Member
when i was a kid this was the rag and bone man - he rang the bell to let everyone know he'd take away any bulky waste like tv's, washing machines, fridges etc - that he then might be able to restore and sell on.you'd simply wave at him and he'd pull over for you to load up the van.
thought they were long gone - but maybe they're making a comeback!
 
N

nickb

Member
Depends where you are. In the UK it usually means it's the rag & bone man. These days its usually someone looking for scrap metal but they use to take anything from old furniture to clothes. They usually sold it on as scrap or as second hand stock.

Rag and Bone men use to use pony and cart, were noticeable by bell ringing to let homeowners know they were there.
 
T

Thatguyeee

New member
This happens in my road, they only recently upgraded from a horse and carriage to a van.

They're the Gypsy's, in past years the Gypsy's would go down roads on horse and carriages ringing a bell to tell people to bring out any old stuff and junk they might find useful, they would put it in the carriage and carry on driving (giving it away is better than throwing it away and all...). They still do do this but tend to use a van now, they can cover more road and area.

So basically, if you have any old working stuff you go out and give it, I'd recommend being adult though, Gypsy's are well-known to be against the law and violent if you get on their rough side.
 
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