Originally born in East Yorkshire Bart's family moved to Rutland when he was a small boy.  His father was a regular soldier, originally joining he army when Cavalry still rode horses.  He was active service throughout the Second World War and settled in Braunston in Rutland.  Bart grew up on the family farm, and had his primary education locally and his secondary education was at the well known Uppingham School. 

 

After school he went on to the University of Exeter to study Law and during the second year of his under graduate course had a point to point racing accident in April 1971 and following time at Stoke Mandeville Hospital has been a paraplegic in a wheelchair since then.  He then returned to university and completed his studies and went on to qualify as a solicitor, serving his Articles in a major London city firm.  One of his colleagues from that time is the current Lord Mayor of London, David Wootton.

 

Bart subsequently worked in a firm in Lincolnshire for a time, mainly dealing with conveyancing work before being asked to get involved in personal injury claims for other paraplegics who had been injured through the negligence of others.  From 1980 until a few years ago he has been doing this work travelling up and down Britain and elsewhere, dealing with people from every walk of life.

 

After a spell in London, Bart returned to Rutland and has lived there for many years since.  His wife Rebecca sadly died of cancer in May 2004. 

 

Bart's other interests include thoroughbred breeding and he considers his greatest achievement in life is to be the owner/breeder of a Cheltenham Festival winner in 2003, a horse named Young Spartacus.

 

Having grown up in a Rutland village, Bart has seen many changes in the county over the years, including the creation of Rutland Water, the change in the county from being predominantly agricultural to increasing reliance on other industries such as tourism and leisure. 

 

Bart feels very priveleged to have during his year the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and the 2012 Olympics in particular and is keen to see the county's participation as far as possible in these events.  Another significant change in the county during the year will see the transformation of RAF Cottesmore into an army base, renamed as Kendrew Barracks.  Major General Kendrew also attended Uppingham School which makes this most appropriate. 

 

During his Shrievalty, Bart is looking forward to the Queen's visit to Burghley House, an event that will be attended by High Sheriffs from four counties.