The stars say farewell to Nora Batty

Dec 24 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TEARS and laughter mixed at the moving funeral of Kathy Staff, who played Nora Batty in Last Of The Summer Wine.

She was known and loved by millions of TV viewers for her role as Britain’s favourite northern battle axe.

She was laid to rest at St Mark’s Church in Dukinfield, near Stalybridge. She was a lifelong member at the church and gave her first stage performances as a child in church pantomimes.

The 80-year-old died surrounded by her family at a hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday, December 13, after a long illness.

More than 400 mourners heard a eulogy from fellow showbiz star, actor and life-long friend Roy Barraclough.

Barraclough, famous for playing Alec Gilroy in Coronation Street, could not be at the service because of showbusiness commitments.

But the actress’ husband, John, and daughters Katherine and Susan sat among mourners who smiled and laughed as the eulogy was read out recalling their early careers.

They first met in 1968 while both auditioning for Castle Haven, Yorkshire Television’s first soap opera, he said.