Patrick started work life as a features writer on The Financial Times then worked in the city. Much of his energy thereafter was devoted to removing barriers between education and industry, promoting and putting in place training schemes helping the unemployed, especially the young, into work. He was subsequently the leader of the Council for Industry and Higher Education, a government backed charity.  He was awarded a CBE in 1993 for his work at the Council.  He was thereafter chairman of Hymns Ancient & Modern, the charity that owns the Church Times.

Patrick loved all the arts, especially poetry, and reading (aloud being a particular skill). Although he was always keen to keep learning things every day of his good life, he imparted much wisdom and knowledge to many people, not least for several years the many “Discoverers” Sunday school children at St Mary’s, Ashwell.  It was in his home in Ashwell that he died peacefully on 28th January at the age of 89. He is survived by his beloved wife Janet, three sons Justin, Bene’t and Sheridan, and eight grandchildren.

Donations are requested to a favourite charity of Patrick’s: WaterAid. WaterAid is an international not-for-profit federation that aims to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation.