5.4.1949 - 12.2.2009

Patrick was born in Sturry, near Canterbury, on 5th April 1949. As a teenager he learnt to ring with his elder brother Martin and others who formed themselves into a group, known as "The Stour Youths". Friendships continued despite everyone growing up and moving away from Sturry but many of the original group still meet up annually. Patrick rang his first peal on Easter Sunday 1965.

Patrick joined the Southampton University Guild whilst studying gas and petrochemical engineering and became a Chartered Engineer. He also joined the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths. During his working life he lived in Lincolnshire, London (where he met and married Yvonne in 1975), Huddersfield and finally moved to Staplehurst in 1979. He immediately became a much valued member of the band throughout the following thirty years.

He held various posts including tower captain, steeple keeper and treasurer as well as ringing master of the Maidstone District of the KCACR. He also spent a lot of time and dedication teaching others to ring. He found time to ring a moderate number of peals and quarter peals. He was especially supportive of striking competitions and liked to ring in quarter peals where novice ringers were attempting "firsts". During the augmentation of the bells at Staplehurst in 1996/7 Patrick was a key player in the project and fund-raising teams. Patrick was always a useful team member at a quiz night with his eclectic taste in music, especially of 1960s pop music.

Although Patrick dedicated much time to ringing, his family was also given high priority. He supported his three children at school, in scouting, sports and music. He was a member of the Scout Supporters of the local Scout Group and taught all three children to ring during their teens. He was proud to be a Governor at the local Secondary School during the 1990’s and was latterly an Associate Governor at the Staplehurst Primary School where he worked from 2004.

Other commitments were with the Village joint churches committee and the All Saints PCC as treasurer; a job he worked immensely hard at. His approach to paid work, voluntary work, life and ringing was one of composure. No matter what was happening around him, he would never fail to inject his dry sense of humour at crucial moments to raise the morale of those around him.

Patrick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2008 and bore his illness with great strength of character and endurance. He was incredibly proud to survive long enough to see both of his grandchildren born. His support and cheerful nature will be missed by all at Staplehurst and the surrounding area. He is survived by his wife Yvonne, children Stuart, Matthew and Angelina and grandchildren Gruffydd and Eliza.

Many Peals and Quarter Peals have already been rung in his memory and a peal is being planned by The Stour Youths and friends later this year at Staplehurst.

Chris & Sue Bassett