She mentioned that she had suffered ill health, but we had no idea of the seriousness of her illness. At the end of July, I contacted Patricia on WhatsApp, and both myself and Tom had chance to speak to her. I am sure it is the same for many people, that you would hear the notification on your phone early on a Saturday morning and think ‘Ah, that’s Patricia’. Patricia was an encourager and made every effort to support others, for which I and many others will always fondly remember her.įor years my husband and I received inspirational messages from Patricia on WhatsApp. She came to encourage me and say she was sure I would achieve good things for Leeds in my new role. The first Sunday after I was appointed Director of Leeds Church Institute, Patricia appeared unexpectedly at the Church I attended to share in Sunday worship. I am proud to have regarded her as a friend and as a co-worker in seeking the good of the city and promoting good community relationships. We were pleased to meet up and actively chose to stay in touch over the years rather than rely on just meeting occasionally. I moved away from Leeds, and when I came back again, met Patricia at an inter faith event at a mosque in Chapeltown. As a member of the Windrush generation, someone whose life spanned continents and countries, Patricia pioneered cross community relationships in Leeds with passionate commitment and a warm generous spirit. Throughout her life, Patricia was a bridge builder, always reaching out across communities and difference, believing that together we are stronger. I was delighted to meet Patricia again, and she was an important founder member of what was known then as the Multi Faith Liaison Forum and was the forerunner of the Leeds Faiths Forum. Life took us in different directions until the late ‘90s when there was an initiative to establish a link between Leeds City Council and faith communities. I am sure that everyone who studied Theology and Religious Studies at that time will remember Patricia. The friendship she offered bridged the age gap between myself as someone who had just left school and Patricia who was a wife, mother and leader. Patricia was the life and soul of the Common Room who always had time for others, humorous comments to make and wise advice. I first met Patricia at Hopewell House, University of Leeds, as a fellow student.
Patricia was an inspirational black leader and left a lasting impression on those who were touched and inspired by her.
October’s Black History Month is an opportunity for Director Dr Helen Reid to reflect on Patricia’s life and contributions, and the impact Patricia had on her life and those around her. In memory of Patricia a long-standing friend and leader who was loved.
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