Patrick Walsh 1942 - 2011

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing away of Paddy, as he was affectionately known.

Paddy was a long standing member of The Huddersfield Textile Society. The committee and I, and members, would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his two daughters Rachel and Tara.

Paddy was a regular attendee at our Annual Dinners. His personality used to radiate out to everyone around him. If you were sat with Paddy you were in for a good night.

For quite a few years now he has organised a get together for the old school or 'old lags', local textile designers, mainly associates from the Technical College/Polytechnic at the Rugby Club. This used to take place on a Saturday with the intentions of watch the game. However, the opportunity of having a few drinks seemed to take precedence. The next meeting of the 'oldies', in January, will be much quieter without Paddy being there in body; however, I am sure he will be there in spirit. He will certainly be missed by all his past colleagues in the textile arena. - Bill Skidmore President

We are very grateful to Charles Tunbridge for writing the following tribute to Paddy. Charles knew and worked with Paddy for a number of years.

In Memory and in celebration of the life of Patrick Walsh 1942 - 2011

Sunday 15th April 2012 there will be a 10k sponsored walk, plus associated attractions, “Paddy-a-thon”, at the YMCA grounds at Laund Hill with all proceeds going to the Kirkwood Hospice. The Hospice was Paddy’s favoured charity and he did a lot of voluntary work there. Also, as you probably know, the hospice have just launched a major appeal (£3m) for major improvements to the hospice facilities so all proceeds will be gratefully received!

Jack.........Walkies! A tryst in the woods; a walk in the park; a stroll down the lane.......NO, it’s a call for everyone who knew, loved and appreciated Paddy to don their best outdoor boots and walk for his favourite charity, the Kirkwood Hospice.

Where: The YMCA Sports Ground, Laund Hill, Huddersfield

When: Sunday 15th April 2012, commencing 10.30am onwards

How far: Only six miles (10 kilometres sounds a lot further)

....and that’s not all!

But you’ll have to wait until later to know full details of the “Paddy-a-thon”!!

In the meantime please make sure that 15th April is in your diary, pray for a fine day or at least be good; it always helps!

P.S. Jack is Paddy’s pooch and will of course be there. If dogs could only talk, we would be charging a lot extra for the pleasure of holding his leash......

Rachel, Paddy’s daughter, has opened a page on the Just Giving website for those who would like to donate voluntarily....please note that this does not constitute an excuse for not turning up on the day!

Please complete the registration form and we will send you a sponsorship form.

Useful Links

Just Giving Donations - www.justgiving.com/paddywalsh

Kirkwood Hospice - www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk