Samba band lights up funeral of former Chronicle journalist Jane Young
A former Chronicle journalist was laid to rest to the sound of samba drums. Jane Young, 68, played with the Tyneside based samba band DrumDin. Members of the band were among mourners at Jane’s funeral at Tynemouth Crematorium and played as they accompanied the hearse to the chapel.
Before she retired Jane was production editor at the Chronicle, and former colleagues joined family and friends to pay tribute to a woman who lived life to the full.
Jane’s daughter, Julia Hopper, said: “My mother loved her job but family came first and music was her passion. She took us by surprise when she joined a samba band in her 60s but she was always up for a challenge.
“One of her friends described her as vivacious and full of fun and I think that summed her up.’’
Jane, who was born in North Shields and lived in Tynemouth, was the daughter of Joan and John Sampson, a talented musician who was well known on the North East club circuit. Julia said: “Music of all kinds, from opera to the Beatles, was in her blood. She would have loved the idea of samba drums playing at her funeral.’’
Jane was a key member of the backroom team that produced the Chronicle. Former newsdesk executive Paul Jones recalls: “Jane was highly respected by colleagues for her professionalism, attention to detail and above all her judgement.
“She was also a pleasure to work with. Tempers can get frayed in a busy newsroom but Jane had a way of easing the tensions with her characteristic good humour and a smile. If there was an argument about what headline to put on a story she would be consulted and was inevitably proved right.’’
With DrumDin, Jane played at big events across the region including the Great North Run, Whitley Bay Carnival, the Pride Festival and the Beamish Halloween party. The band’s musical director Nik Alevroyiannis said: “We have people of all ages in the band and Jane had a huge impact when she joined. As well as playing, she was instrumental in ensuring our survival when we were having problems finding new premises.
“We wanted to show our respect and we chose a piece of music we played many times with Jane and which reminded us of her. Hopefully she was looking down, having a laugh. We will miss her enormously.’’
Jane, who was married to former Chronicle political editor Peter Young, died in the Freeman Hospital with her family at her bedside. She was suffering from lung cancer and died after developing an infection.
“She was an active person and fought hard to continue living her life as usual despite her illness,’’ said Julia. “She was very brave.’’
A joint statement from Chronicle editorial director Helen Dalby and Journal editor Graeme Whitfield said: "Jane was a wonderful person to have around the newsroom - a source of both calm good sense and a great sense of humour. We know her friends and loved ones will miss her terribly, as will her former colleagues at the Chronicle."
The family thanked staff at the Freeman, the RVI, and primary care practice in Spring Terrace, North Shields, the Rev Emma Duff who conducted the service, funeral directors E Turnbull and Son who handled the arrangements, and friends, neighbours and colleagues for their support.
Jane requested as music at the service My Sweet Lord by George Harrison, Big River by Jimmy Nail, and an aria from the opera Samson and Delilah sung by Maria Callas, and that her ashes be scattered in the River Tyne.
Jane leaves a brother Paul, son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Josh and Molly, stepsons Paul, Michael and David, and step-grandchildren Jennifer, Katherine and Rachel. Jane loved animals and donations were invited to Cats Protection Tyneside, where she worked part-time as an unpaid volunteer.