Sunshine on four wheels

If you live or work in or around Diss there are many reasons to be cheerful. There’s the glorious Mere and park, a vibrant and eclectic mix of shops and businesses, tranquil outdoor spaces and walks, a supportive and caring community spirit, and then there’s Patrick Woods. Or ‘PAT 85’ as many of you will know him.

Flowers, feather dusters and fluffy parrots

Anyone who’s bumped into Pat by the Mere, on the market or in the park will no doubt have left wearing a smile. Festooned in flowers, feather dusters and topped with a fluffy parrot, Pat’s favoured mode of transport when he’s travelling into town is his beloved four-wheel bicycle. And it’s this bike, and Pat’s equally colourful personality, which are guaranteed to raise a smile. A local from birth, Pat has spent most of his 85 years living and working in Diss and the surrounding villages. “At 8am, you’d hear the loud hooter and know it was time to head off to work,” says Pat of his time at Diss’ iconic Brush Factory. Now a resident of Burston, Pat has never driven a car, preferring bicycles instead. “All I’ve ever had is a bicycle,” says Pat. “I didn’t fancy learning to drive a car. I’ve been cycling all my life.” Pat’s current bike is, however, rather special. Unlike any of his previous models, it’s a four-wheeler. And it’s covered in… stuff! So, what prompted the change?

All because of a hoover

“It’s laughable really,” says Pat. “I went into the electrical shop to buy a hoover. When I was inside the shop, I fell down and broke my thigh. After a long stay in hospital, and some time convalescing, I had a follow-up appointment with my consultant. He advised me not to ride a bike again. I couldn’t bear the thought of this and of losing my independence. So I decided to compromise and buy a bike that was as safe and stable as it could be. I went to Madgetts

and bought this fantastic four-wheeler and it’s the best thing I ever did.” The bike, made in Kent, has transformed Pat’s life, in more ways than one.

“This bike is a lifeline for me because it’s given me back my independence and helped me keep fit and healthy,” says Pat. “I can go where I like. I live on my own in Burston and to get into town I would have to pay around £16 for a taxi. Now all it costs me is pedal power. I love to go to Diss Market on a Friday. It’s nice and busy again, which is good, but luckily there’s still space for me to park my bike. I recently cycled to Billingford Windmill and on another day to Bloom’s in Bressingham. I’m not sure how many miles I do each week (I have a speedometer fitted on my bike, but I usually forget to switch it on), but I’d say it’s quite a few.”

The decision to decorate the bike has also changed Pat’s life for the better.

“People come and chat to me when I’m out on my bike. They love to look at everything I’ve got on it and ask me questions about it. I’ve got to know lots of people through my bike which, as someone who lives on his own, makes such a difference to me and my state of mind.”

And the fluffy parrot?

“I found that in a charity shop,” says Pat. “It sat there begging for me to buy it. I would say it’s put the finishing touch to the bike, but I’m sure there’ll be more additions before long. Especially now the charity shops are back open. I can’t resist a bargain!”

People come and chat to me when I’m out on my bike. They love to look at everything I’ve got on it and ask me questions about it. It’s made such a difference to me and my state of mind. ”