A much-loved North East personality on this day 30 years ago
THE familiar face of a much-loved regional figure photographed on this day 30 years ago... It’s Kathy Secker, of course. The North East TV personality was snapped with Sid the snake as she officially opened St Bede’s school fete, in Lanchester, County Durham.
Kathy was the popular face of Tyne Tees TV between the late-1970s and the late-1990s, working as an announcer and newsreader.
She also worked for the BBC and was, for a time, a popular Chronicle columnist.
In December 2015, there was a genuine wave of sadness across the North East when it was announced the 70-year-old had died suddenly.
She was found dead at her home after she failed to meet a friend.
Fans and former colleagues were quick to pay tribute.
Former TV presenter Lyn Spencer recalled: “Kathy was very friendly, very down to earth, and hugely popular.
“She used to joke that she brought her children up on Marks and Spencer meals because the job was never 9 to 5 and there were a lot of unsocial hours.”
Colleen Cairns, who produced Kathy on the Tyne Tees news programme Tonight, said she would be missed.
She said: “It will be a massive loss. We worked together for 20 years. She was a bright bubbly person to work with.”
Meanwhile, North East TV legend Mike Neville summed Kathy up, saying: “She was genuine and had a marvellous way with people and did so much good with her life.
“I was devastated when I heard the news. She had the most gorgeous friendly face and the most gorgeous friendly eyes.
“Her request programme on BBC Radio Newcastle was very popular and her listeners will be upset.”
(Mike himself would pass away in September, 2017, aged 80).
Mourners gathered at West Road Crematorium in Newcastle for her funeral.
BBC Newcastle editor Doug Morris praised Kathy’s ability to connect with her audience.
“The response since her passing has been truly overwhelming. Why? Because she really was loved by the people of the North East.”