MILLSTREAM Workshop, a community group based in Henton, near Wells, held a bike sale with the support of the team at Wookey Hub, raising £785 for Wells Foodbank.
Millstream Workshop service and refurbish donated bicycles, which are then either donated to local charities for people in need or sold with the profits going to the charities.
After months of work getting bicycles ready, the group arranged a sale at the Wookey Hub cafe and shop in Wookey, selling all 16 bikes they had taken and one more besides, having made a trip back to the workshop to fix up another on the day.
This project has been well supported by the community, with many customers paying more than the asking price and donating their old bikes back to the group. As well as providing a hospitable venue for bike sales, the team at Wookey Hub has offered invaluable support by raising awareness.
Andy Healey-Childs from Wookey Hub said: “We take donations to enable us to deliver fresh food requested weekly by Wells Foodbank that we get at wholesale prices. Before this sale we had completely run out of the funds so this is a great boost.”
James Duckenfield from Millstream Workshop said: “I think as a group we are all looking to be of some small service to our community, and a really obvious local need is the Wells Foodbank. We enjoy the social aspect of getting together catching up but doing things to help others is a great reason to get together.
“Giving someone a bike works in two ways, the obvious one is mobility and the health benefits that come with it, but we hope it also says your community thinks that you are worth helping and supporting.”
As well as the impact for the local community, this project also provides environmental benefits by giving a new lease of life to bicycles that might otherwise be scrapped.
Steve Say from Millstream Workshop said: “A good proportion of the bikes we take on are uneconomic for professional repair and would likely end up scrapped if we didn’t refurbish them. Giving things a second life is a great way to reduce impact on the world.”
Millstream Workshop originally formed in 2021, initially creating metal projects, such as reindeers out of horseshoes. In March 2024, the team were able to broaden their scope thanks to a bursary by Lions International to buy some welding equipment and sets of bike repair tools, as part of one of Millstream Workshop’s youngest members, Toby, being a Lions Young Ambassador for the South West.
Since they began, the team have raised more than £6,800 for Wells Foodbank and have donated 24 bikes via the YMCA, Wells Foodbank and other routes.
Sarah Mechen, Trustee and Volunteer at Wells Foodbank & Furniture Storehouse, said: “The Wells Foodbank is an independent charity funded by the generosity of donations from local individuals and businesses. So the Foodbank is very grateful for the recent bike sale by Millstream Workshop, raising a whopping £785.
“Heartfelt thanks go to the team who selflessly give their time and skills to support us; not only the constant stream of money but also providing bikes for our clients. Such incredible kindness.”
Residents at the YMCA’s Spencer House accommodation in Wells are among those who have benefitted from Millstream Workshop’s provision of bikes to the local community.
The Spencer House support team said that the bicycles have become essential for adult residents, enabling them to navigate the local area, commute to work, and enjoy leisurely rides, and added: “By offering refurbished bicycles, the workshop has helped alleviate transportation challenges for many. This support not only promotes mobility but also encourages a healthier lifestyle.
“Community-driven projects like Millstream Workshop highlight the power of local collaboration in enhancing the quality of life for residents. Spencer House residents are truly grateful for the Millstream Workshop’s continued efforts in connecting with the broader community.”
For more details about Millstream Workshop, including how to support them, find them on Facebook (search Millstream Workshop) or email millstream.workshop@gmail.com
While donations are very much appreciated, not all bicycles are suitable for this project so they ask that a photo is sent first so they can gauge whether or not they can accept it.