Tribute paid to Morecambe woman who inspired youngsters in world of theatre and dance

Cathy Lloyd was born in Ireland, her father, Billy Stutt, being a leading comedian who played theatres round the country, including the Winter Gardens, Alhambra and Central Pier in Morecambe. Her mother was a dancer.

Cathy, who spent most of her life in Morecambe, often worked with her father in his productions and would cover for most of the younger roles in summer seasons and pantomimes.

She worked in the travel industry, building the business of a local travel agency, including going to Texas to learn and train others in computerised systems.

She also spent 20 years working for the Lune Industrial Estate, in Lancaster, 14 of which as the estate manager. On one memorable occasion Cathy faced up to a man carrying a gun and “removed” him from the estate.

Her love of theatre and dance ran deep and she supported the launch of many shows and events, playing a leading role in raising money for charitable causes.

She ran the Morecambe Dance Festival with Bob Bailey for many years and was the key organiser behind the highly successful Morecambe Summer Schools, which have been operating in the resort for 30 years.

Regular teachers for the schools include former Royal Ballet Principal Fiona Chadwick (originally from Morecambe) and Gerry Zuccarello, Had of Perforrming Arts at Laine Theatre Arts.

A close friend said that throughout her life Cathy had been a constant inspiration to young and old alike, encouraging and supporting them to follow their passions.

Cathy leaves her husband Garry, daughter Natalie and her partner Robert, son David and grandchildren Kitty, Violet and Eddie.

Cathy’s funeral is this Thursday (October 8) when the cortège will halt briefly at the Winter Gardens, at 11am, to allow friends unable to attend the service to honour her memory.