It’s only been a day, but everyone is already missing Sara!
Sara has returned to working just around the corner from us at Stepney Bank Stables, and would you believe it, she has also taken Scout (shop doggie) with her. Everyone is wishing Sara good luck with her new job, and we all thank her for the hard work and the effort that she has given Recyke y’bike over the last few years.
Sara has dealt with the logistical challenges of moving us from the arches to our huge Brinkburn Street location, keeping us running as an essential service during Covid lockdowns, and moving the Durham shop, not once but twice. She has also helped to make Recyke y’bike what it is today. Our shops are busy and the delivery of our charitable objectives have moved to new heights thanks to Sara. I don’t think I could easily put a figure on how many people have benefitted from the work she has done as our General Manager.
So THANK YOU Sara.
Scout will also be a huge miss. When staff were feeling the pressure, we could always rely on Scout being there and offering up his belly for us to rub, and his chin for a tickle. All Scout asked for was to be tucked into his bed and blanket, constant attention, strokes and snacks (lots of snacks). Scout was also our number one customer service and social media dog – I’m sure he helped sell many of our bikes by making customers feel so at home.
A few changes have also happened at our Chester le Street shop. Phil has taken on the role of Shop Manager, and has already had a great start. We opened the shop at the end of June, after relocating from North Road in Durham city centre, and the new shop on Ropery Lane is buzzing with repairs and bike donations. I can only see Phil and the shop going from strength to strength.
Pete, who delivered lots of our outreach at Byker, has also come on board full time as a mechanic at Chester le Street. He has several years of bike fixing experience and will be great support to Phil and the other mechanics and volunteers in the shop in the months to come.
So that just leaves me, Neil. I’ll be trying my best to follow in the footsteps of Sara, as Recyke y’bike General Manager. I started my Recyke y’bike journey back in 2019 as a mechanic at Byker, and I’m really looking forward to my new role, and to the challenges ahead.
And that’s not all. We are also creating a new role and recruiting a Community Engagement Coordinator to lead our community partnerships, funding and outreach work (more news hopefully on that appointment coming soon)!