87-year-old Donald Bennett started riding motorbikes when he was a teenager and had always dreamed of a send-off that reflected his passion – a wish that was realised with the help of Co-op Funeralcare New Ollerton.
Aged 16, Donald saved all his money to buy his first bike, a BSA Rocket Gold Star, and was well known in Ollerton for riding his motorcycle everywhere with his friends. His hobby didn’t stop at riding as he also enjoyed restoring British motorcycles.
His passion for motorcycling grew over the years, and he would often embark on trips around the country on his bike – particularly in Derbyshire, where he was a member of a motorbike club. He also embarked on trips further afield, travelling to the Isle of Man for the TT races, which was his longest ride.
His motorbike accompanied him through many stages of life, even playing a pivotal role in winning the heart of his wife, Maureen. In the early days of their romance, he would wait for her on his bike as she finished work, and trail after her. After the arrival of their daughter, he even added a trailer to the side of the bike, making it possible for the whole family to ride together.
On the day of his funeral, a procession of more than 15 bikers rode in his honour and crowds gathered to watch the poignant procession with a steady rumble of engines echoing as a tribute.
Jane, Donald’s daughter, said: “My dad’s love for his motorbike wasn’t just a hobby - it was a part of who he was. He started riding at a young age, and he worked hard, saving all his money to buy his first bike from Abdys shop in Ollerton. That bike was always his favourite, and he preferred British bikes, owning them for most of his life. His dream bike, however, was an Italian bike, a Motor Guzzi, but it was too heavy for him as he wasn’t a big man.
“He had so many great memories from his rides, he enjoyed countless trips around the country.
“In his younger days, he was part of a motorbike club in Langwith, Derbyshire, and later on, he’d meet up with other bikers at a pub in Laxton. He was well-known in Ollerton for his bike, and he had a group of friends from the area who he would ride with all the time.
“When I think of my dad, I always picture him on his motorbike – whether he was out with his friends or taking us on family adventures, his bike was always with him.
“To see him honoured in this way means the world to us. It was such a fitting sendoff – we’d like to say a big thank you to the team at Co-op Funeralcare New Ollerton for helping make his dream a reality.”
Hayley Williams, Funeral Arranger at Co-op Funeralcare New Ollerton, said: “Donald’s love for motorbikes was deeply woven into his life, so it was truly moving to see his passion celebrated in such a meaningful way. The procession of bikers was a beautiful tribute, and it was clear from the turnout how much he was loved.
“There’s no one size-fits-all to funerals, and every individual deserves to have a fitting, personal farewell – something the entire team works hard to facilitate. Donald's funeral was a testament to that, and it was an honour to help fulfil his final wish."
Find out more about Co-op Funeralcare New Ollerton, in Newark, here: Funeral Directors in New Ollerton, Newark - Co-op