Birkenhead-born actress Patricia Routledge says return to Wirral for charity visits was “full of memories”

Feb 24 2010 Birkenhead News

Patricia Routledge

ACTRESS Patricia Routledge said her return to Wirral last week was “full of memories”.

The Birkenhead-born star of Keeping Up Appearances, who now lives in London, was in her hometown for two charity engagements.

On Tuesday, she was guest of honour as the St James Centre in Laird Street celebrated its fifth birthday.

And on Wednesday – her 81st birthday – Ms Routledge visited a new wing at Age Concern Wirral’s Devonshire Centre on Park Road North, which will cater for younger dementia sufferers.

She said: “Birkenhead is full of memories, which I enjoy.

“It’s very nice to be asked back and I love the Merseyside wit. It was wonderful on my ear when I visited the St James Centre. You’re never done with your roots, even if you’re on the other side of the world.

“I care about what goes on in Wirral and I’m absolutely delighted to see this development.

“Everything Age Concern does is just wonderful – and necessary.”

The former Birkenhead High School pupil, also well-known for her role as housewife investigator Hetty Wainthropp, told the News she was open to the idea of appearing on television again.

She added: “I’m not an estate agent, I’m not a cook, I’m not an interior designer and I don’t want to stand up and do filthy comedy. There’s a great movement to absolutely diminish people.

“If you can get somebody to write something to put on TV I’ll do it – just don’t get me started on the quality of television!”