Cycle project's new workshop launched

Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman was also at Pond Lane Recreation Ground to help welcome the volunteer-based organisation to its expanded workshop in the pavilion, next to the car park in Pond Lane.

The project was started by Nigel Gardener and Colin Attle in a single lock-up garage in 2012.

They answered a call from Worthing Borough Council for volunteers from the cycling fraternity to set up a project in aid of the unemployed and disadvantaged.

Before long, the project had moved to the Flintstone Barn on the corner of Pond Lane Recreation Ground, where an ingenious sign made by Oak Grove College students took pride of place.

When Nigel had to give up his charity work due to other commitments, Colin continued alone while looking for more volunteers.

Since then, the project has grown and Colin is now the treasurer, with lan Fairclough as secretary and Mark Mann as chairman.

Colin said: “The organisation was set up to show people how to service or repair their own bike or enable them to refurbish one from our donated stock, supplied free of charge.

“This is an opportunity for children and adults to get involved in basic bike maintenance or help in other ways by becoming a volunteer in what we consider a very worthwhile project serving the local community.

“We are passionate about bikes as a means of transport with the aim to get people out of their cars and on to the saddle. That said, why walk if you can ride? In so doing, we will all do our bit to help reduce carbon omissions, reduce landfill and helping our environment. Some people do not have cars, and transport can be problem, so we can probably help with a bike.”

The plans for larger premises began at the start of this year, when the council was approached for permission to use the pavilion.

Then ReRide, the bicycle department attached to Worthing Churches Homeless Projects, was disbanded and they kindly offered their cycle equipment to the project.

“Following a lot of hard work and effort by everyone involved, the DCCP is now here, in the pavilion, in a fully-functional workshop, eagerly awaiting to instruct more enthusiastic cyclists on how to maintain their bikes and hopefully work alongside some more volunteers,” added Colin.

“Donated bikes do not need to be in full working order - our mechanics will find working parts and if a bike cannot be repaired, the parts will help fix another.

“We expect those who want a bike to also commit to helping the project in some small way. So, if you do not mind getting your hands a little dirty, come along to see who we are.

“When donated bikes are in a reasonable condition and can be serviced economically, they are offered back to the community at a modest price, which helps to fund the DCCP.”

The project is open Wednesday 10am to 1pm (l0am to 4pm during school holidays) and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Find Durrington Community Cycle Project on Facebook for more information or telephone 07938 644315.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Worthing Herald

3 Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.