Weston Shore Portrait Bench

National walking and cycling charity, Sustrans, have commissioned and funded a bench to honour two of Southampton's local heroes, as part of the Queen Elizabeth ll Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Two Southampton local heroes have been recognised with a ‘Portrait Bench’ on Weston Shore, along Route 2 of the National Cycle Route. The bench has been commissioned and funded by Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

One of two figures represented on the bench and chosen by Southampton residents as having made a positive impact on their local community, is Aman Dosanj. Aman is a former footballer and the first British South Asian to represent England at any level, making history as a Southampton Saints player. She was also the first girl to be accepted into a Premier League boys academy. Aman worked as an ambassador for the Football Association and supported the Football For All and Kick It Out campaigns.

The second figures (pictured) is David Howells, who is a volunteer with Monty’s Bike Hub in Sholing and has taught people of all ages across Southampton to cycle. Dave supports the local community by helping to lead rides and sharing his skills in bike maintenance. His contributions were recognised in the 2019 Cycling UK Volunteer Awards, when he became a finalist in the Exceptional Individual – Community Project category.

Look out for the bench next time you visit Weston Shore and find out more about the Portrait Benches erected across the country in honour of the Queen’s jubilee.