As the celebrations of the Argus’ 120th birthday continue today, Gwent sportsmen, business leaders and celebrities tell DAVID DEANS why they are wishing us a happy birthday.

BILLIONAIRE businessman Sir Terry Matthews, originally of Newbridge, said: “It gives me great pleasure to join this celebration of the newspaper’s 120th birthday and I send everyone involved my very best wishes.

“I remember a couple of years ago being contacted by my office, saying that the South Wales Argus had called up, wondering if I would add my name to a petition trying to save Newport’s passport office.

“Of course, I had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’ and that campaign was typical of the way the South Wales Argus has always strived to serve the local community.

“I live in Canada now but, as an employer of more than 1,500 local people at The Celtic Manor Resort, Mitel and other companies in this area, I have been able to see at first hand that this is still the paper they turn to for local news.”

Undefeated two-weight world champion Joe Calzaghe, of Newbridge, said: “The South Wales Argus followed my career from winning amateur titles right through to unifying two weight divisions as an unbeaten world champion.

“I always appreciated the support and for many years I enjoyed working with Paul Tully and Michael Pearlman as a columnist, telling my local fans first what was happening with my career.

“It’s still the best paper in Wales for boxing by a long way and have always supported our great sport.”

Rhys from Goldie Lookin Chain said 1892 was a good year: “A year which saw the founding of clothing brand Abercrombie and Fitch and Nottingham Forest played their first game.

“It was the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas by Columbus and Emperor Haile Selassie was born.

“It was also the year that Britain’s best tabloid news paper came into print, that newspaper has served the people of Newport ever since – happy birthday South Wales Argus.”

Former Pontypool, Wales and Lions hooker Bobby Windsor, said he used to deliver the Argus to local shops on his bike when he was about 12 years old.

The member of the world famous Pontypool front row, who was immortalised in song by Max Boyce, said he still reads the paper when he’s home from Spain: “It’s a great newspaper. When I was a nipper we always had the Argus delivered.

“Let’s have another 120 years – keep it going! I’ll have a pint on Wednesday to celebrate.”

Legendary boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe, also of Newbridge, said: “The Argus has been part of my career since I first arrived in the country and played football for Pentwynmawr.

“They have been huge supporters of Joe’s career and I wish them the best for the next 120 years.”

Dr Peter Noyes, vice chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport said: “The South Wales Argus remains true to the principles of an increasingly lost generation of local papers. It is driven solely by its determination to campaign for and protect the people and communities that it serves.

“From the campaigns it has led on issues like the passport office to its championing of local people and organisations, the dogged determination of the Argus and its staff to stand up for Newport and Gwent makes it one of the very strongest advocates for our area.

I wish the paper, its staff and loyal readership all the very best for the next 120 years and beyond.”

Martyn Hazell, Newport Gwent Dragons chairman, said: “The South Wales Argus has been, and continues to be, very important to us here at the Newport Gwent Dragons.

“The paper has charted the history of the Dragons since the inception of regional rugby as well as providing thorough coverage of every level of rugby in this area for many, many years.

The Argus is also, undoubtedly, a very important part of the relationship between the Newport Gwent Dragons and our fans and is one of the main vehicles we use to communicate with them.

They have been a great support to us throughout the years and I am sure our strong relationship will continue long into the future and help ensure both parties thrive.”

Gwent Police chief constable Carmel Napier said: “The South Wales Argus is a key champion and voice for local people, reporting on issues that matter to them.

“It has played a vital role in helping our neighbourhood policing teams communicate with local residents and letting them know how they can be more involved in setting the policing priorities in their neighbourhoods.

“Above all the South Wales Argus shares our goal of creating an even greater quality of life for all who live, work and visit Gwent, and by working together it helps us to keep communities safer.”

David Hando, president of Newport County AFC, said: “Most people I know start reading the Argus from the back page because of their interest in following what’s going on with County.

“Our supporters rely on the Argus for their news.

With every supporter there’s different opinions about what happens within a game or what the club will do, we’re not always going to agree with your reporter but never the less its always read avidly, and from a supporters point of view its essential to the club.

“We wish the Argus well for the next 100 plus years – by which time we should be in the Football League!”

Bleddyn Hancock, NACODS general secretary, said the Argus played an important part in the campaign for compensation for miners with chest diseases.

He said: “After we beat the government in court the Argus brought considerable weight to bear in persuading government MPs to act quicker to get compensation to out to very ill-miners and their families.

“The Argus, among others, played a very important role in highlighting the slowness and hypocrisy of the government – there’s no doubt that it embarrassed it and the compensation was certainly speeded up as a result of the publicity.

“I wish you a very happy birthday and hope you continue the very positive community role that you’ve played in the last 120 years.”