Death of a Newham Recorder stalwart – a ‘tenacious journalist’

ONE of the stalwarts of the Newham Recorder’s editorial team – who worked in the newsroom for 35 years – has passed away in hospital.

Pat Coughtrey, 78, joined the paper in the late 1970s as a reporter having earlier worked for news agencies in London.

He was well known in the community and specialised for many years in council, political and community stories.

He rose through the ranks to become chief reporter and news editor, a post he held until the then parent company of the Newham Recorder, Archant, began making editorial staff redundant.  He left at the end of 2012.

Baroness Brown of Silvertown, Lyn Brown, formerly West Ham MP and earlier a Newham councillor, knew Pat for decades.

She said: “He was one of the kindest journalists I have ever known.  His passing is a huge loss.”

*  Pat(left) and Editor Colin Grainger in 2012

London Assembly member for City and East London and former Newham councillor Unmesh Desai said: “Pat was a tenacious journalist who epitomized, with many of his Newham Recorder colleagues, local journalist at its best. He was a Newham institution and covered the local political scene for many years. It’s really sad to hear of his passing. RIP Pat.”.

Sir Robin Wales, former Newham Mayor and Newham Council leader, knew Pat for three decades. Sir Robin who is now Reform UK’s London Director of Local Government, said: “Pat was a decent man and a very good reporter. Always straight with you.

“He wasn’t just reporting but cared about what was happening in Newham. Always wanted to get to the truth and usually did. ”

Pat’s Editor for many years, Colin Grainger said: “Pat was a fearless reporter always digging for the best angle to every story. He worked on many campaigns in Newham which helped improve life for local people. He had many friends at the Recorder and in the wider community.”

• Pat, second left at the back, with Recorder staff and other locals in the 1982 Toy Appeal sponsored swim

Pat was also a fierce supporter of many campaigns run by the paper, and raised funds for the Christmas Toy Appeal for underprivileged and disabled young people.This is still running today by the charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve and launches its 49^th annual campaign in this paper in November.

“Pat was among those who dived in to raise funds through an annual sponsored swim, which also continues to this day,” said Mr Grainger. “He will be sorely missed by those who knew him. He made friends all over the borough.”

Eileen Way, Pat’s only remaining sibling said she will miss him greatly.

“In his later years he didn’t always answer his phone and when he did he didn’t like to talk too much because he was listening to the music he loved. I will miss him greatly. Sleep peacefully Patrick,” she said.

  * Pat Coughtrey

Pat lived in North London. He died in Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, the day after he was admitted from a care home following respite care and physiotherapy after a second hip operation.  (on August 2).

Pat’s has cremation took place on Thursday (September 17). At his request there will be no funeral service.