Conservatism
Charles Patrick was active in the local conservative movement, speaking at and chairing meetings, opening conservative clubs and bazaars. He opposed the attempts made in 1893 to dis-establish the Anglican church in Wales. He also opposed the free importation of textiles. He was active in the Bacup Constitutional Association, subscribing £1/year to their library.

He was one of those who assented to the candidature of Sir Thomas Brooks, Liberal Unionist, in the 1892 by-election which was fought largely on the question of Irish Home Rule. The election was keenly fought, with the Liberals allegedly attempting to exploit a potential split between Conservative Unionists and Liberal Unionists; Patrick was signatory to a letter refuting this split. Brooks lost to the Liberals by over 1000 votes, a result which 'greatly depressed' the Unionists and the news made the Australian press.

Freemasonry
Patrick's will bequeathed to Clement Molyneux Royds 'the masonic ring bequeathed to me by his esteemed father'. Patrick's lodge is unknown, but Tranquility lodge 274 Newchurch attended the laying of the foundation stone of St Anne's school which was undertaken 'with full masonic ceremonial'.

Education
Patrick was a co-operative Governor of Newchurch in Rossendale Grammar School for a period around 1889.

Agriculture
He won prizes at various agricultural shows including for turkeys, geese, litter of suckling pigs, roadster and gelding for saddle or harness. The reports on the left are not exclusive.

Hunting
He was an active member of the Rossendale Hunt and an illustrative report of their activities is on the left. He was sued by a local farmer in 1864 for damage done whist hunting; verdict for the defendant.

Below left is the cover of the sheet music for the 'Rossendale Hunt Galop"; sadly the music is lost. Patrick is said to be one of the huntsmen illustrated - possibly the gentleman on the rearing horse.

The lower right picture shows what is thought to have been the kennels of the Hunt, at Scout. Photograph probably mid 1960s.

The Rossendale Hunt was established by the 1830s and disbanded in 1911. One huntsman, Methusalah Yates or 'Old Thu', was said to be huntsman from 1839 to 1864.
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Assizes
Patrick acted as a member of the grand jury at Manchester Assizes on at least two occasions in 1885 and 1889. Cases included larceny, malicious wounding, manslaughter, concealment of birth, child murder, bigamy and forgery.
(Manchester Evening News 24 Jan 1885, Manchester Times 13 July 1889).

Other
1856 - had his name taken in vain in an attempt to procure some rabbits...
1864 - an accident whilst taking the horses out of Patrick's carriage caused 'not much' injury to an elderly man.
1877 - co-hosted the St John's school Whitsun walk.


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