Over the last 32 years Mrs. Patricia Berna has become what must be David Trenchard and Leatherbarrows’ best customer.

It started when she walked into his office and asked for a 40ft container of household goods to be cleared for delivery.  She paid cash and the goods were delivered.  Since then she’s moved backwards and forwards to the USA at least four times (she can’t remember how many), every time with a 40ft container of furniture and antiques, and every time using Leatherbarrows. 

‘The Lady with the Hat’, as she became known because of her fondness for headgear, was originally from London and, during the war she, like many other children, was allocated a pen pal in the USA. When she married, her Italian husband, Armando, wanted to move to the States.  As she felt an affinity with America having corresponded with her pen pal over many years, she agreed to go.

“But I did get homesick and there were always reasons to come back,” she said. “It was often to see my mother whom I missed very much.  The problem was, when I got back here I wanted to go back to America.”

Mrs. Berna always insisted on taking her whole household with her as it helped her to feel at home. “We had collected a lot of antiques over the years and I always took them with me no matter what the cost. If I could have settled in America I would have been rich by now.”

She has always used Leatherbarrows for her shipments and wouldn’t consider using anyone else.  “I have not seen Mr. Trenchard for some years but his staff are very good and many have been there a long time.  They are very loyal.  They always provide good service for me.”

Mrs. Berna, now 82 years old, has spent most of her time in America in California, but this time she’s planning a change and shipping to Las Vegas. “I’m not a gambler,” she said, “but the dry atmosphere is good for my arthritis.”

In an interesting postscript to the story, the new occupant of Mrs. Berna’s flat is called Trenchard – no relation as far as she knows.  Now, what a small world!

Photo: 'The Lady with the Hat', Mrs. Patricia Berna.