We are delighted to announce that Brig Paul Orchard-Lisle CBE has agreed to become a Vice Patron of The Ulysses Trust. Paul has been a significant and generous supporter of the Trust since 1993 and has recently supported the Trust as Chairman of our Campaign Planning Committee.
Paul is widely known and respected within the business world and his wealth of experience includes positions such as a FTSE 100 chairman and Chairman of the property investment company Apache Capital. Alongside his business interests Paul has led a distinguished military career, culminating as Brigadier TA, United Kingdom Land Forces in the 1980s – the highest rank open to a TA officer at the time.
Paul’s military career began at school when he joined the CCF. Cherishing fond memories of life as a cadet Paul said, “My early days were not auspicious. I failed Cert A Map Reading the first-time round (not good for somebody who was to become a Gunner and, in civilian life, a surveyor). Later when the school had Field Marshal Lord Montgomery as our Inspecting Officer on our Field Day, as a cadet corporal I commanded a river crossing in a raft made of oil drums etc. It sank beneath the waves as the FM approached. We all thought it hilarious. The FM did not.”
Fortunately for Paul, things improved and after leaving school he began his National Service and found himself stationed in South Wales. It was here that Paul had the opportunity to hike over the Brecon Beacons, an experience that gave him a taste for outdoor adventure.
After completing his National Service Paul joined the Territorial Army whilst beginning his studies at Cambridge University. His TA career started in the Hertfordshire Yeomanry where he was drafted to help the co-located ACF unit. It was here that Paul saw first-hand how the cadets benefitted from having opportunities to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. This left a lasting impression on the young officer and he has been a strong supporter of the cadet movement ever since.
In addition to his military and business interests, Paul has an extensive record of pro bono work which includes being a Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner, Chairman of the Royal Artillery Museum and President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
We are extremely grateful for Paul’s commitment to the Trust and cadets we support, and we welcome him in this new role within the Trust.