'Freecycle' is a registered trademark, so it should only be used with permission of the worldwide Freecycle Network. If you want to set up a new message board, using the 'Freecycle' name, you'd be wisest to seek the approval of Freecycle UK:
http://uk.freecycle.org/
(Freecycle is a worldwide network of local groups, operating under a common framework. They have nothing to do with local authorities. Freecycle UK is a registered charity).
However, Yahoo! groups are their normal method of communication because of the versatility provided by Yahoo! groups. (e.g. people can choose whether to read messages online or receive them by email).
Chris