Road trip is new Chapter for Norman
A FORMER Army dispatch rider recently enjoyed a trip down memory lane organised by the staff at his home care provider in Farnham.
Norman, 95, was treated to the trip when his caregiver Jan, from Right at Home GF, heard about his passion for motorbikes and arranged for him to meet up with motorbike club the Hogsback Chapter.
The trip was part of Right at Home GF’s magic moments scheme and Norman had the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and get up close to the bikes.
Alastair Shanks, managing director at Right at Home GF, said: “I’d like to thank the Hogsback Chapter who welcomed Norman to group, he had a fabulous day.
“Jan gave Norman an amazing day out that he will remember for a long time to come. We introduced magic moments to arrange experiences that help our clients enjoy things in life that many of us take for granted, such as visiting a favourite place or rediscovering an old hobby.
“Motorbikes have been an important part of Norman’s life since he was a teen, throughout his career and into retirement.
“He doesn’t ride these days but our caregiver could see that hasn’t dampened his interest.”
The trip was complete with a their selection of motorbikes including a Triumph belonging to Hogsback Chapter director Dell Evans.
Norman became a dispatch rider for the Army aged 14, later joining the Royal Signals Corps and subsequently its display team. His love of bikes led him to build his own engineering business in Croydon, where he rode each day on his much-loved Triumph. At weekends he enjoyed meeting biker friends for rides followed by a bacon sandwich and chat at Newlands Corner where his wife, Molly, and their daughters would often join him.
When Norman began receiving home care he was matched with a caregiver who also enjoys motorbikes and is an active member of a motorbike club. They enjoy talking about bikes and rides during Norman’s care visits.
The Hogsback Chapter organises regular rides, fundraisers for charities and runs social activities for its members.