This week’s edition of the Ross Gazette includes a copy of the very first Ross Gazette which was published on January 3rd, 1867. This small momento for our readers marks the 150th anniversary of this local newspaper.

Town residents, who had very limited access to local news as well as national events, were keen to get hold of this new paper, and many people had been queueing outside the offices to ensure that they got their copy, which was on sale for the princely sum of one penny. By Friday of that week all 1,000 copies which had been printed had been sold by 12 o’clock.

The paper carried the message, “There is one thing we wish studiously to avoid and that is, not to fall into the error too often pursued by newspaper proprietors, of endeavouring to force their own political or religious opinions upon their readers.” Giving an unbiased account of the events of the area around Ross-on-Wye continues to be a guiding principle for the newspaper.

In 1867, Victoria was the Queen, and had been on the throne since 1819. It was an important year, not just because of the birth of the Ross Gazette, the first meeting of the Conference of Trades took place in March, this later became the Trades Union Congress. And, despite John Stuart Mill’s motion to give women the vote being decisively rejected by the House of Commons in May, The National Society for Women’s Suffrage, was formed.

In those days, before social media, the internet, even radio and television giving updates on news as it happens throughout the world, the people of Ross relied on local newspapers as the only way to keep abreast of the news. To meet this need the Ross Gazette would bring out special editions when the occasion warranted it. At the outbreak of war in 1914 the Gazette printed hourly news sheets which were quickly bought by those thronging the market.

When most other newspapers were shut down due to the General Strike of 1926 the Gazette continued to meet the thirst for news and General Elections were also a time for producing special editions. The last special edition of the Gazette was produced in April 1957 when, with staff working throughout the night, an issue was printed complete with pictures and a full report of the visit of HM the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

During our first year, the restoration of Weston Church was reported as well as plans for the early closing of businesses on Friday afternoons and there were reports of thunderstorms and a hurricane.

The Ross Gazette will continue to delve into our archives during our anniversary year.

Many local residents have congratulated the newspaper on reaching this milestone and their comments and messages of support can be seen in full in this week’s Ross Gazette.

Headteacher of John Kyrle High School, Nigel Griffiths recalled the way the Gazette reported the visit of HM the Queen to the school. David Ravenscroft, the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, added his thanks for ‘such an all inclusive and interesting local newspaper.’

The MP Jesse Norman and local journalist, Quentin Letts also praised the newspaper and Paul Deneen OBE JP DL said, “It provides and has provided, excellent support to local people and organisations in relation to covering and reporting on all key areas of life of this community.”

Many more individuals and organisations have contacted us and we intend to include a round up of these messages in next week’s Ross Gazette.