Patrick Carlisle NDA 59/61

Patrick R Carlisle NDA 59/61

Born 6 March 1938 Died 20 June 2022 - Aged 84

Pat Carlisle was brought up in Henlow and was a boarder at Bedford School for 10 years. A naturally gifted sportsman, he excelled at rugby and cricket, proudly representing the school in both sports. In his very first year he was one of a lucky few to meet Field-Marshal Montgomery on Speech Day, receiving a form prize on 28th June 1946.

After leaving Bedford School, Pat undertook his National Service in the Royal Corps of Signals at Famagusta in Cyprus before returning home to study agriculture at Shuttleworth College from 1959 until 1961. He was an accomplished full-back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s for Biggleswade and captained Shuttleworth before joining Bedford Rugby Club. He captained Bedford Wanderers and played over 20 games for the Bedford 1st XV, receiving his full club cap from another Old Bedfordian “Budge” Rogers in the 1964/65 season. Pat was also a keen cricketer playing for Shuttleworth, Bedford Town, Luton and Bedfordshire County Cricket Club, primarily as a fine batsman supplemented by a little spin bowling.

Pat married Margaret in 1965 at St. Andrews’ Church in Biggleswade and they made their home in Sawtry, where he started farming at Wood End Farm. In the early 1980’s, the family moved to Stamford, where Pat built a successful marquee hire business over more than 20 years. In retirement, he never lost his passion for sport, be it as a Luton Town fan or proudly supporting his grandchildren on the touchline. He remained a regular at Old Bedfordian golf days, dinners and reunions until recently.

He was the last surviving of four brothers. Margaret still lives in Stamford, as does daughter Joanna, while son Andrew lives in Winchester.