Doreen Tipton reunited with former neighbour - Walsall's mayor - in visit to community event (with video)
It was the day that Doreen came to town – but for Walsall Mayor Kath Phillips it was a chance reunion with an old neighbour.
The comedy character paid a visit to Walsall Town Hall on Wednesday for an Over-50s Community Event put together by Walsall Council.
As she was preparing to open the day's celebrations Gill Jordan, the actress who plays internet sensation Doreen, spotted Councillor Phillips and decided to tell her what was on her mind.
Councillor Phillips said: "She just came up to me and said in this thick Black Country accent, 'you know me'.
"I couldn't believe what was happening, I thought she had me mixed up with someone else. I told her I didn't know her but she said 'yes you do, you used to have a Collie dog'."
The pair grew up on the same street – Coppice Close, in Cheslyn Hay – until Councillor Phillips moved in 1969.
She recalls: "We weren't exactly close friends, but I did remember her once we got talking, we only lived a few doors down.
"The thing is back then it was more of a close-knit community, we would all get together for new year parties and bank holidays."
The reunion put an extra shine on the event, which was organised by the council to raise awareness of the range of social and interest groups in the borough, promote health and wellbeing opportunities, as well as offer help and advice.
Later on, Gill showed a caring side that her character may not possess by helping police look after a man who was taken ill at the event.
The Walsall Town Centre Neighbourhood Police Team wrote on Twitter: "What amazing help from @DoreenTipton who courageously rushed to help us look after a man taken ill @WalsallTownHall. #blackcountryhero."
Mrs Phillips added: "It really made my day."
