(and
the chances are you have never heard of him…)
Stuart Stanton
MPhil
History
The Newport-published South Wales Argus, a daily
newspaper whose catchment area is essentially the county of Monmouthshire, has
claim to have been the most radical Welsh journal of its type. Founded in 1892
and initially edited by Sir Garrod Thomas - a Welsh- speaking native of
Cardigan who achieved membership of the Royal College of Physicians before
settling in the town - the Argus became fully established during the Great War,
strongly supporting the war effort and speaking out against undemocratic actions
by Newport Town Council. Born in the town in 1882, Fred Hando qualified as a
schoolteacher and also saw service in the War. A chat with the Argus’ editor,
W.J.T. Collins in 1922 led to the first of what was intended to be an
occasional series of notes from various locations, entitled ‘Rambles in Gwent’.
The series continued up to an astronomical total of 795, concluding on February
13, 1970, just a few days before Fred’s death.
