Biography

Other passions

It is not generally known that Patrick is an accomplished composer. He has said "If I had not been an astronomer I think I would have taken composition more seriously." He is entirely self-taught in music. His favourite style includes 19th century Viennese waltzes and marches, but he has also turned to ragtime, polkas, and a nocturne. In 1981 he played a xylophone solo in the Royal Command Performance. When required, he has even played the drums for pop groups.

The well-known concert pianist Neil Crossland has collated some of Patrick's compositions on CDs. They will shortly be available in the store. His impish humour combines with his musical nature in operettas such as 'Galileo' memorably performed at Cambridge, Chichester and finally in the garden at his Selsey home in 2002.

His sporting passions extend to cricket and chess; he has played for the Lords' Taverners charity teams and although a firm number eleven bat, his curious leg breaks are decidedly unusual.

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