'Sister Dora’s legacy is one of putting the needs of others first' - Annual thanksgiving service for Walsall heroine

The service will take place at St. Paul’s Church at The Crossing, on Darwall Street at 11am on Sunday, January 19. 

Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison, commonly known as Sister Dora, had a special relationship with Walsall, who selflessly ministered to the town's people and whose legacy is still marked every year with a commemorative service and the laying of floral tributes under her town statue.     

Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, said: “Sister Dora’s statue stands in our town centre to commemorate just how adored she was by the people of Walsall.   

“I have had the honour of continuing this tradition both as Deputy Mayor and this year, as the Mayor of Walsall.   

“Sister Dora’s legacy is one of putting the needs of others first.

"I would recommend that people read up on her, to really understand why we still remember her to this day.   

"We will continue to honour her contribution to Walsall and the world of nursing."

Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris and Mayoress, Mrs. Christina Harris, will be joined by David Frost, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and the Deputy Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison.

At 11.45am, the congregation will walk to the Sister Dora statue on The Bridge, where the Mayoress will lead the laying of floral tributes.       

The church service is also open to the public and anyone who wishes to remember the tremendous contribution that Sister Dora made to the town.   

A spokesperson for Walsall Council, said: "Anyone who would like to learn more about Sister Dora is encouraged to view the wealth of resources available at Walsall Archives, situated in the Lichfield Street Hub.     

"The Archives hold more than 1,700 collections of documents, from c1200 to the present day, including, institutional material from Walsall Council and its predecessors."