‘Supertramp’ poet’s clock to return to Newport (From South Wales Argus)

‘Supertramp’ poet’s clock to return to Newport

7:30am Wednesday 16th December 2009 in Gwent news By Andy Rutherford

AS the birthplace of poet W H Davies, Newport already boasts a striking statue in his honour - but next year a clock given to him on behalf of residents will come back to the city.

In 1930 the celebrated author of such works of popular verse as Leisure, with its timeless refrain of "what is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stop and stare" was given a grandmother clock by the then town in honour of his literary achievements.

Davies, born in 1871, roamed the world in a tramp-like existence prior to finding fame in literary circles in the early 20th Century with his poetry and his Autobiography of a Supertramp, but by 1930 had settled in Nailsworth in Gloucestershire.

The grandmother clock from Newport has been in his former home there ever since, but is now set to be handed back for public display in the city, probably at the museum.

Norman Phillips, who lives in Nailsworth, is Davies' great nephew and his only remaining descendent in the UK.

He also owns the clock, and has decided the time has come for it to be displayed in his great uncle's birthplace.

Anthony Burton, a friend of Mr Phillips and leader of the local history research group of the Nailsworth Society, has been involved in organising the return.

The society is currently involved in a campaign to save Davies' former home - Glendower - in the village.

A charitable trust has been set up for the purpose and a petition is already several hundred signatures strong.

The clock will be handed over to Mayor of Newport Glyn Jarvis, at a ceremony at Nailsworth Town Hall, on Tuesday January 12.