Local Hero

Meet Dean – Award-Winning Local Hero and Community Champion

If you’ve ever visited North Camp, chances are you’ve come across Spokes & Spanners, the friendly independent bike shop at the heart of the village. It’s owned and run by Dean, a dedicated local business owner who’s not only passionate about bikes but also about giving back to his community in a big way.

Dean is the proud recipient of the Pride of Rushmoor Community Award 2025 in the Independent Retailer category. The award, founded by Mara Makunura, was created to shine a light on unsung heroes. As Mara puts it, “The Pride of Rushmoor Community Awards was born from a desire to recognise the unsung heroes among us. The mission is to celebrate excellence and inspire kindness.”

And Dean truly embodies that spirit.

Beyond running Spokes & Spanners, where you might also meet his friendly shop dog Flynn, Dean leads the North Camp Clean Up Rangers – a volunteer group that meets monthly to keep the Hub and surrounding areas clean, tidy, and welcoming. Whether it's mowing, litter-picking, or refurbishing tired old bins (like the one now proudly standing outside the Coop on Queens Road), Dean is constantly working to improve the space around him.

He’s also a key player in the Visit North Camp planning group, focusing on kerbside appeal and village beautification helping to ensure North Camp remains a vibrant and pleasant place to live, work, and shop.

To encourage even more community participation,

Dean stocks affordable litter pickers and provides free bags for those who fancy making a difference on their walk to work or school.

Dean is always looking for new volunteers to join the Hub Rangers, and if you have a bit of time to spare he’d love to chat.

Just pop into Spokes & Spanners to learn more, have a browse, and maybe give Flynn a pat.

Congratulations again to Dean – a true example of community spirit in action.