The Village Well

18/08/2026

04/08/2026

FIND OF THE WEEK

It's not everyday an XTR rear derailleur rolls through the Shed - Shimano's flagship off-road drivetrain, top of the range halo stuff and usually out of reach of mere mortals. Matte grey finish, Teflon-coated bushings, built for racers who wanted every possible edge, XTR was (and still is) about as top end as mountain bike parts get, so finding one of these in the wild, especially in good nick, was a genuine treat.

What makes this particular piece extra interesting is the "Rapid Rise" feature. Shimano flipped the derailleur on its head: instead of the spring resting toward the smallest cog, it rests toward the largest one (your easiest gear). Push the shifter and you're releasing tension, not adding it, so the chain drops down the cassette almost instantly. Great in theory for quick bailout shifts on a steep climb.

Riders were split on it. Some loved the intuitive feel, others found it messed with years of muscle memory (and our team of amateur mechanics were scratching their heads wondering if we'd forgotten everything about bikes until we figured it out!)

It never quite won over the market and Shimano moved away from it, which is exactly why pieces like this one don't turn up often today.

A cult classic, hiding in plain sight. That's the Shed for you.

29/06/2026

It's happening this Sunday!

The Community Musicale returns with another wonderful gathering of talented musicians of all ages - as they share their passion and performance with the local community.

There was some truly remarkable musicians last time, and it looks like being more of the same this Sunday, with performer slots sold out! So come along, support local music and musicians, and enjoy some great classical music (and support the Box Hill Community Shed) while you're at it!

More info at: https://events.humanitix.com/communitymusicale

03/06/2026

We're excited to announce that two new Neighbourhood Houses are joining the Community Bakehouse network:

Blackburn North Neighbourhood House
Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House

Inspired by the food rescue movement that's already bringing neighbours together across our suburbs, these two hubs are gearing up to launch their very own Bakehouses - and they need YOUR help to make it happen.

Both of the sites would greatly benefit from volunteers to help support the new programs. So if you want to get involved in something just getting off the ground (and right in your own backyard!) now is the perfect time.

Reach out to your local house today, or shoot us a message and we can hook you up.

The Community Bakehouse Network project still has room for more groups and community organisations to play a role in saving food from landfill and supporting out communities - so get in touch with us here at the Village Well if you'd like to know more and potentially run your own! (We can offer support, training and funding to get you off the ground 🛫 )