Decades of blood, sweat and tears of staff were evoked by Argus editor Mike Gilson during a speech to mark the newspaper’s 135th birthday.

In one of his first public addresses since joining the paper some six weeks ago, Mr Gilson told how the newspaper had covered the “triumphs and the tears, hopes and fears” of the communities it serves during its long and illustrious history.

The Argus celebrated the milestone at a lunch at The Grand Hotel yesterday attended by Brighton and Hove’s business elite.

It was also the first public engagement for new High Sheriff of East Sussex Juliet Smith, who told how she would collect the newspaper as a young girl for her father.

Addressing more than 100 guests, Mr Gilson said: “I suppose it is significant that we are here today to recognise 135 years of service by The Argus to the communities in which it served.

“The decades of blood sweat and tears that journalists, advertising staff, circulation folk, paper boys and girls and all the myriad numbers of people have given to make sure that the news and views of our communities are covered; the triumphs and the tears, the hopes and fears and all the stages of life that we all go through – all have appeared in the pages of The Argus over 135 years.

“We cherish that history, are proud of it. It gives us that crucial hard won quality of trust, we are woven into the fabric of the place and we intend to stay there.”

Rejecting claims traditional news was dead, he said: “Well here’s some breaking news for you. It’s not true.

“That need for a trusted source of news will survive.

“The Argus brand is not a chain around our necks but a launch pad to take us to the next stage.

“Make no mistake, we need a daily journalistic presence lifting the rocks to find out what’s underneath, flagging up the unsung heroes and the successes and standing up for the underdog. We live in a big important place and I pledge The Argus under my editorship will place itself at the centre of debate, campaigning for change where it’s needed and continuing to play its 135-year role in keeping our communities connected.”

Dawn Sweeney, managing director of Newsquest Sussex, told how the paper first came off the presses at our former North Street office in March 1880. It was one of the first evening newspapers in the country selling for a halfpenny.

The first issue included an advertisement Brighton’s Theatre Royal and Opera House, as it was called then. The first photograph was published in The Argus in February 1926 which was of a fire at the Court Theatre in New Road.

Dawn Sweeney said: “Today The Argus celebrates 135 years of being the number one publisher of news and information across Brighton and Hove and the wider Sussex region, a tremendous achievement particularly in this rapidly changing media landscape. I’d like to thank you all for your continued support of The Argus, it is very much appreciated.”

She added: “I am privileged and proud to be the managing director of The Argus which is one of the finest regional media brands in the UK.

“I have just loved working and living here in this great, crazy city.”

Soul or the city

Hard fought campaigns by The Argus which helped ensure the Royal Sussex County Hospital would be redeveloped and the American Express Community Stadium built were praised yesterday.

In her first public engagement since being declared High Sheriff of East Sussex, Juliet Smith, praised The Argus for its vital role in driving the high-profile campaigns.

She also evoked the memory of Neil Cooper of Portslade, who had pioneering chemotherapy in 2006, paid for by an Argus Appeal campaign which raised £95,000.

Mr Cooper died in 2007 but was able to spend a few more precious months with his family thanks to the fund-raising campaign.

She said: “The Argus has shown it has a heart and anyone involved will know how much it contributes to the lives of individuals.”

Recounting her first memory of the newspaper, the Brighton-born former teacher and magistrate, added: “My father was an avid Argus reader but he wouldn’t pay for it to be delivered, so I was the one who had to go and get it for him.

“The journey was made much more interesting when a handsome boy from Haywards Heath Grammar School started working at the local newsagent.”

Other guests also paid tribute to the newspaper during a lunch to celebrate the 135 year milestone.

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove Brian Fitch said: “To have served Brighton and Hove and wider Sussex for more than 135 years is beyond belief.

“We’ve been proud supporters of the Argus Appeal because we understand the access and contacts it has in the community. A lot of charities aren’t able to do that but the Argus Appeal can.

“We wish the new editor every success – and we hope he keeps his finger on local politics.”

Ryan Heal, chief executive of the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, said: “We are all very proud of The Argus. Many see it as our paper having grown up with it. Here’s to another 135 years.”

Sascha Koehler, new general manager of the Hilton Brighton Metropole, said: “I’m very impressed – The Argus is 10 years older than the Hilton Metropole which as just celebrated its 125th birthday.

“My parents were journalists themselves so I understand the role newspapers play in the community. It was amazing to see the timeline and the paper has developed over the years.”

Joanne Rogers, managing director of Prowse and Company, which represents Coast to Capital LEP, said: “The Argus has been there through good times and bad.

“In years to come people will be able to look back and see all the things that the paper has witnessed. It’s really part of the soul of the city.”

Dean Orgill, chairman of Mayo Wynne Baxter and the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: “There’s still a vital place for a local communicator to give a voice to the community.

“You can pick up noise and news from all over the place but you can only get a local perspective from a local newspaper like The Argus.”

Nicola Gunstone, director of the Eco Technology Show and Brighton Music Conference, said: “It’s a great achievement and fascinating the way it’s changed over the years. The Argus has really embedded itself into Brighton in terms of its coverage.”

Michael Wilkins, manager at Allied Irish Bank, said: “I still like the physicality of paper so I hope that will continue – and I look forward to the refreshed integrated look of the newspaper.”