Each year, the Overton Saturday Market Committee and its dedicated stall holders set aside a portion of their stall fees to support a worthy local cause. This year, that spirit of giving is pedalling full speed ahead—straight into the heart of the community—thanks to a £300 donation to the newly launched Bike Hub run by the Test Valley Men’s Shed.
The initiative, part of the broader Men’s Shed movement, aims to breathe new life into pre-loved bicycles—repairing and refurbishing them so they can be donated to local individuals and families facing hardship, or sold at affordable prices to support the hub’s running costs.
“The refurbished bikes will then be donated to disadvantaged people and families in the community, as well as sold to cover the bike hub’s overheads,” said a spokesperson from Test Valley Men’s Shed. “All work carried out on bikes is being overseen by fully qualified and experienced bike mechanics.”
As part of the push to get wheels turning, the Shed is now calling on the local community to donate unused bicycles of any kind—including children’s bikes. Collections can be arranged directly by contacting Alastair Paul at alpaul42@gmail.com or by phone/text at 07483 214585.
And that’s not all. Locals are also encouraged to keep an eye on the Test Valley Men’s Shed Facebook page, where refurbished bikes will soon be listed for sale, complete with a 30-day warranty—proof that sustainability and reliability can go hand in hand.
The Overton Saturday Market team say the project aligns perfectly with their Sustainable Overton ethos.
“We all felt this was a good cause that would be beneficial to the whole community,” a Market Committee spokesperson said. “It’s about helping people, reducing waste, and promoting wellbeing through practical action.”
To mark the donation and celebrate the initiative, Adrian from the Bike Hub will be joining the next Overton Saturday Market on Saturday 7 June, with the presentation taking place around 11am. He’ll also be on hand to chat more about the project and how locals can get involved.
So, if you’ve got an old bike gathering dust in the shed—why not give it a second chance at life? It might just change someone else’s.
🚴♂️🚲 For more info or to donate, contact Alastair or visit the Test Valley Men’s Shed Facebook page.
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