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South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
A look at James Henry Clark, Usk Observer's publisher
Here we reveal the remarkable story of the publisher who made it all happen. James Henry Clark lifted the front page of the Usk Observer from the press and with justifiable pride gazed at Monmouthshire's latest newspaper. The following day Saturday, July 7, 1855, an illustrated eight-page weekly publication was on sale for the first time for one and a half pence. The publication was just one of the many highlights in a career which began In 1833 at the age of 15 when he accompanied his elder brother George from Chepstow who set up a printing business in Woodbank House in Bridge Street, Usk. James' father had been a printer in Gloucester and it seemed inevitable that he would became an apprentice. When George became ill and died in 1835 James took over the business and began a remarkable path which would lead to years of public service. With earnest application he became dedicated to a future as a prominent citizen unmatched by anyone at the time. He was appointed to the ancient high-ranking position of Bailiff nine times and was the last surviving holder of this office which was discontinued in 1883. As a printer, publisher, and bookseller, James possessed an innate prescience that a newspaper would provide information and pleasure – a view confirmed today with a loyal readership of national and local newspapers. Historian Keith Kissack in his volume Victorian Monmouth expressed the view that for many the new Usk Observer played an important part in being the main source of information especially in villages with poor communications. He wrote: 'The short-lived Monmouthshire Gazette was a pioneer of the agony column though only printed answers and not questions. We are left wondering what Mrs J. of Usk asked to get the reply 'No. It is a disgusting habit'.' That was not the first reference which created speculation. The romantic poet Shelley known for his advanced views on women's rights, caused controversy with his views on nude bathing in the Usk, which 'scandalised the local people.' No such column appeared in the Observer which dedicated itself to national and local issues. The first edition carried local news, Parliamentary debates, market prices and reports of progress of the British army in the Crimea led by Lord Raglan. Its circulation covered Raglan, Llangibby, Llantrissant, Llangwm and Llandenny. A confident James explained: 'If circulation increases as expected we should be happy to reduce the cost to one penny or four extra pages.' Court reporting revealed that 56 prisoners – a large number for the season - were awaiting sentencing by local magistrates. There were three offences of knife crime, a problem described 'to be very much on the increase'. Stealing iron and coal and obtaining money by false pretences were few but all offences were dealt with severe sentences as a deterrent. One case deserved a mention: For stealing coal from Dan Roberts of Hendre Farm, John Watkins was sentenced to 21 days hard labour. A copy of the Usk Observer hangs in the Pontir House Inn (Image: Leslie Davies) The only known copy of the Usk Observer is in a frame on a wall inside the Ponthir House Inn but no one can remember why it was placed there. The original is held in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. James' youthful enterprise led him to be elected as Master of the Lodge of Oddfellows when he was just 19. With no time to stand and stare, he moved into local politics and for 13 years was chairman of the Usk Local Government Board. The Observer's report on health matters was matched when he became the first chairman of the Usk Board of Health. Gwent Archives reveal in minutes of a board meeting that James supported admonishing the public surveyor for allowing ashes to be spread in the streets, with heaps of filthy rubbish and emptying of slops. His quest for further involvement led him into local politics and for 13 years he was chairman of the Usk local government noard. With so much experience and abundant energy he was perfectly poised to apply his talents to another aspect of life, so he made a decision to invest in an expanding market. As a shrewd businessman alert to a potential lucrative investment, he was a pioneer of the newly formed Usk Gas Company and became one of 12 directors of an organisation which would become a significant centre for gas production providing street lighting and gas for homes. Just when it seemed he had reached the zenith of his achievements, yet another opportunity beckoned. Expansion of the railway network provided a further outlet for his seemingly limitless energy and he was a key motivator in establishing the GWR link from Little Mill to Usk in 1854 which continued to serve passengers until it closed in May 1955. Mechanisation was moving apace in farming and here too he recognised the advantages of a farmers' club. With typical boldness he applied his skills as secretary of the Usk Farmers' Club formed in 1844, a post he was to hold for 50 years. He organised ploughing matches and encouraged agricultural shows with Lord Raglan later offering land for a permanent showground. Military matters did not escape his attention and he is credited with forming the Usk Volunteer Rifle Corps. There was just one slight disadvantage: recruits had to pay for their own uniforms and rifles. Just when it was felt he had done so much it was time to retire, a tireless devotion to public service led him to be Post Master in Usk. Sundays were no day of rest when he arrived at St Mary's parish church to fulfil his duties as church warden. Incredibly, for such a busy fellow, he managed to find time to write guidebooks, studies of local history and botany. Romance blossomed and he married Sophie Howell from Chepstow at St Woolos Church and they had seven children. James' last duty was attending the unveiling of a monument outside the town hall with military honours for three local men who died in the Boer War. The life of this remarkable citizen of Usk ended on February 16, 1908, at the age of 95 following a fall in the bathroom. It was a life full of vigour and an endless quest for involvement with people and organisations in the search for information to nourish the newspaper columns. The Usk Observer continued faithfully to serve its readers until 1907, though it had changed its name to the County Observer in 1867. However, his legacy lived on as his son Henry left Usk in 1866 to establish the Brecon County Times continuing a family tradition founded on the importance of local newspapers.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Bailiff urges people to observe VE Day silence
Bailiff urges people to join VE Day silence People gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to mark the end of the war Guernsey's Bailiff has urged people to observe a two-minute silence to mark Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on Thursday. VE Day marked the end of World War Two in Europe and saw huge crowds take to the streets to celebrate after nearly six years of war. The UK government will observe the silence at 12:00 BST on Thursday to remember and thank the people who fought in the war. The Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, said the Guernsey government would be doing the same and urged members of the public and other organisations to take part.
ITV News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae 'deeply honoured' to serve as Bailiff of Jersey
The Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae KC has been appointed as Jersey 's next Bailiff by His Majesty the King. It comes after Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq announced his retirement in October last year, confirming Mr Macrae's appointment in the States Assembly on Tuesday 22 April. Mr MacRae says he feels "deeply honoured" to be appointed to serve as Bailiff of Jersey. He adds: "The ancient office of Bailiff has been at the heart of Island life for over 800 years. "In times of need, the Bailiff has defended Jersey's rights and privileges, and in times of celebration and remembrance, the Bailiff has represented the people of Jersey both at home and overseas. "I will do my best as presiding officer of the States, Chief Justice of the Island and Jersey's civic head, to serve our community, as Sir Timothy Le Cocq has done.' Robert MacRae was educated at Jersey's La Moye School, Victoria College Prep and Victoria College. He read law at the University of Exeter, studied for the English Bar and practised as an English barrister for several years before returning to Jersey in 2001. He qualified as a Jersey Advocate in 2003 and was later appointed by Her Late Majesty The Queen to the office of Attorney General and Queen's Counsel in May 2015. On 6 January 2020, he was appointed as Deputy Bailiff. Mr MacRae will officially retire on Sunday 19 October 2025, with Mr MacRae due to be sworn in on Friday 24 October. Outgoing Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, says: "Mr MacRae has a proven track record of service to Jersey, which I have no doubt he will continue to the highest standard during his time as Bailiff. "I wish him every success." What is the role of the Bailiff of Jersey? The Bailiff is a crown-appointed role, responsible for the orderly conduct of Jersey's States of Assembly. Like the UK's Speaker of the House, the Bailiff presides over States proceedings, but cannot vote. The Bailiff's seat in the States Assembly is 7 inches higher than the Lieutenant-Governor's place. This is to emphasise that the Bailiff has precedence over all matters concerning Jersey's governance. The Bailiff is also the President of the Royal Court and is responsible for official communication with UK authorities. The Bailiff can usually only hold office until the retirement age of 70, which will be specified in the Letters Patent appointing them to their role. In the case of Sir Timothy Le Cocq, his status as Bailiff would have ceased to be on Wednesday 9 December 2026.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Religious leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis
Religious leaders across the Channel Islands have paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed the Pope, 88, died at 07:35 local time (06:35 BST) on Monday, after being recently discharged from hospital having had weeks of treatment for an infection. The Catholic Dean of Jersey, Canon Dominic Golding said the late Pope had "a great heart for others". The Catholic Dean of Guernsey, Canon Christopher Rutledge said the island's Catholic community would mourn the death of Pope Francis. Canon Golding said: "I think he will be remembered as a man who had a great simplicity of life. "He chose not to live in the Vatican apartment. He lived in three rooms, I gather, in a papal guesthouse. "But above all he was a man who had a great heart for others." Canon Rutledge said: "The Catholic community in Guernsey mourn the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. May he rest eternal with our blessed Lord this Easter time." The Bailiff has requested that all Jersey's government, public and parish buildings, where possible, should fly Jersey flags at half-mast from now until 20:00 BST on Tuesday as a mark of respect. Sir Timothy Le Cocq said: "I was saddened on receiving the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. "His selfless devotion to his faith and to all of those of good intent made him a much loved and respected figure who will be missed not only by the Catholic community but all who admired his work." In Guernsey, a memorial service for the late Pope was held at St Joseph and St Mary Catholic Church at 09:30 BST on Monday. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Pope Francis dies aged 88 Pope Francis's last public appearance on Easter Sunday What next after the death of Pope Francis?
BBC News
21-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Channel Islands' religious leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis
Religious leaders across the Channel Islands have paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed the Pope, 88, died at 07:35 local time (06:35 BST) on Monday, after being recently discharged from hospital having had weeks of treatment for an Catholic Dean of Jersey, Canon Dominic Golding said the late Pope had "a great heart for others".The Catholic Dean of Guernsey, Canon Christopher Rutledge said the island's Catholic community would mourn the death of Pope Francis. Canon Golding said: "I think he will be remembered as a man who had a great simplicity of life."He chose not to live in the Vatican apartment. He lived in three rooms, I gather, in a papal guesthouse."But above all he was a man who had a great heart for others."Canon Rutledge said: "The Catholic community in Guernsey mourn the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. May he rest eternal with our blessed Lord this Easter time." The Bailiff has requested that all Jersey's government, public and parish buildings, where possible, should fly Jersey flags at half-mast from now until 20:00 BST on Tuesday as a mark of Timothy Le Cocq said: "I was saddened on receiving the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis."His selfless devotion to his faith and to all of those of good intent made him a much loved and respected figure who will be missed not only by the Catholic community but all who admired his work."In Guernsey, a memorial service for the late Pope was held at St Joseph and St Mary Catholic Church at 09:30 BST on Monday.
