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Barnardo's

Amongst the many charities Smart Rider Training Limited support, such as Help for Heroes, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the RSPCA, Barnardo’s holds a special place in our heart.

Heather’s father was one of the original Barnardo’s Boys; abandoned during the Second World War along with his four siblings, Barnardo’s was to change his life forever.

Dr. Thomas John Barnardo (born Dublin, 04 July 1845 -19 September 1905) was the founder and director of homes for poor children. From the foundation of the first Barnardo's Home in 1870, to the date of Barnardo’s death, nearly 100,000 waifs and strays had been rescued, educated, trained, and given a start in life it is most doubtful they would have otherwise received.

Heather’s father enjoyed his time at Barnardo’s immensely; regular meals, warm bed, and a real sense of belonging. He got stuck into his school work and with the support of Barnardo’s joined the Merchant Navy. Relishing this new life, working long hours and studying hard he gained his Master Mariner’s ticket.

Captain Peter Edward Patchett was now an officer in the British Merchant Fleet; he loved life at sea and the camaraderie it offered. Success continued with the formation of a company called British Dredging, later to be East Coast Aggregates. Heather has fond memories of the many trips out in the North Sea on one of her father’s ships, but vividly remembers the biting cold wind and the roll of the ship on rough seas. East Coast Aggregates later sold out to industry giants RMC Group PLC - RMC is the world's largest supplier of ready-mixed concrete and of aerated concrete products.

Captain Patchett’s success afforded him the opportunity to give his family a very comfortable standard of living, a real family man; nothing was too much trouble for his children, although instilling in them a strong sense of social responsibility.

Barnardo’s legacy continues for Captain Patchett’s family. The opportunity Barnardo’s offered Heather’s father over sixty years ago transcends time and is borne out by the success of subsequent generations. Heather has achieved great success in her chosen fields and is the Director of two of her own companies, plus the elected Chair of the National Motorcycle Industry Trainers’ Association and a Board Director of the National Motorcycle Industry Association. Heather’s daughters would also make their grandfather very proud. After graduating with a First Class Honours Degree, Harriet is taking time out to travel the USA before turning her attentions once again to her career. Jessica is currently reading Law at University and has a dream of being a forensic investigative journalist.

The success of three generations of one family is wholly down to the extraordinary vision of Dr. Thomas John Barnardo. I have no doubt this has been replicated over the length and breadth of the country.

What has this got to do with motorcycle rider training?

A key point in Barnardo’s ethos is the impact education and training can make to the life of a child or young adult, most definitely a factor in Heather’s decision to undertake a BA (Hons) in Education and Training.

The quest for learning proved infectious and Smart Rider Training are proud to state all of its instructors and directors now hold qualifications in training and education, appreciating, as Barnardo did, how important it is to encourage a child or young person to reach their full potential in their chosen field.

Every year we train hundreds of young people to ride mopeds and motorcycles, the majority of these young people are from caring, loving, stable homes, however, we recognise many may not be. We always ensure we treat the young people in our care with respect and consideration, taking time to listen to their concerns. We accept we may only spend a few days with these young people but we aim to encourage their interest in motorcycling whilst imparting the essential skills, knowledge and understanding they need to keep them safe on the road for years to come; most of all we wish to make their learning journey an enjoyable one.

If you feel you would like to help a young person who may not have had such an easy time of things please make a donation, no matter how small, to Barnardo’s via the link below.

Thank you.
Heather Boldy