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Former weekly editor dies aged 62 after cancer battle

A former weekly newspaper editor has died aged 62 after a short battle with cancer.

Tributes have been paid to Rose Taylor, who edited short-lived Archant newspaper Cambridge First, which closed in 2012.

During her career in the regional press, Rose also worked at a number of daily newspapers including the Cambridge News, Gloucestershire Echo and Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

More recently, she worked at the Rutland and Stamford Mercury between 2012 and 2014.

Rose, centre, with Rutland and Stamford Mercury colleagues in 2014

Rose, centre, with Rutland and Stamford Mercury colleagues in 2014

Kerry Coupe, the Mercury’s head of content, said: “Rose only worked at the Mercury for a relatively short time in her long journalism career but she made a huge impact and was well-liked and respected by all she came across.

“Not only was she a talented interviewer and writer, she was also a great friend to all of us in the office. She was always willing to offer advice, often over a cup of tea at The George Hotel in Stamford – one of her favourite places to visit.

“It was while she was at the Mercury she was first diagnosed with cancer and she showed enormous strength of character and dignity.

“She was particularly touched that a team of Mercury staff took part in Race for Life in 2014 in her honour and that readers sponsored the effort. Her first thought though was not for herself but for the money that was raised in aid of Cancer Research UK to help others. Rose brought light and laughter to the Mercury office and she will be truly missed.”

Born in Mumbai, India, Rose first moved to the UK in 1972 and her journalism career began on the Saffron Walden Reporter.

Rose had two spells in Peterborough, where she served as news editor, which were split by a period at the Press & Journal, Aberdeen.

She joined Cambridge First ahead of its launch in May 2010, but the title closed in March 2012.

Telegraph editor Mark Edwards said: “Rose was not just an immensely respected colleague, she was a great personal friend. She was absolutely passionate about the paper, local journalism and, in particular, supporting campaigns and good causes.

“She was so well known in many communities and organisations across the city and would frequently give many hours of her own time to support events. She was liked and respected in equal measure by many people.

“Her great strength was developing young reporters and there are many careers that got off to a great start thanks to her support and advice.”

Rose passed away on Monday 3 October surrounded by family and friends.

4 comments

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  • October 11, 2016 at 11:15 am
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    Sad to hear this. I knew Rose in Gloucester – a feisty, sassy lady. Shame.

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  • October 11, 2016 at 3:38 pm
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    Very sad to hear this news. Very passionate at work and very caring at all times. R.I.P

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  • October 12, 2016 at 3:13 pm
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    A very kind, intelligent colleague. As well as being a talented journalist, she was also a great person to know.
    I’m sure that many people will have met Rose and appreciated her warmth and insight.
    Very sad news indeed.

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