The Guernsey Press and Star is 200

TODAY the Guernsey Press has been at the centre of our community for 200 years, writes Suzanne Heneghan.

The bicentennial milestone marks not only a special birthday for the newspaper but also a significant moment for the island, as throughout the centuries we have been here to tell you Guernsey's special and unique story.

On 29 June 1813 the very first version of the Guernsey Press & Star – then known simply as The Star – hit the streets.

That original edition looked very different to the one we all know today but the message was always the same – that we are a newspaper serving our readers.

Throughout this month we have been celebrating the important role we play, by sharing a trip via our archives over two centuries of island life.

From the 1800s right through to the present day, we have been your Bailiwick's paper of record and we have had fascinating material to share. There have been wars, a coronation, the Occupation and Liberation.

We have also witnessed huge changes in the social, economic and political landscape around us.

All the major news stories, headlines, and much more have been told within the pages of this 200-year-old title, faithfully chronicling how the islands have fared throughout history.

Constantly touched by events both at home and abroad, our coverage has taken us through time – from celebrations to shipping disasters, key civic projects to crimes that rocked society, momentous decisions to major sporting successes.

Each day this month, our special birthday pages, stories and features have charted how we have been your community newspaper.

Today's 24-page souvenir edition shows how we have evolved from those historic broadsheet platforms to the multi-media operation of today.

Just as Guernsey has withstood 200 years of change so has its daily newspaper. And for it to have a lively, thriving newspaper is important for everyone.

We hold a mirror up to the island, reflect its events and challenge the decision-makers when needed.

And as custodians of this proud, historic title we realise that with such heritage and influence comes huge responsibility.

It is a role we embrace and one we do our utmost to get right. Our mission today remains the same as it has been for 200 years.

The look and format of the front pages of the paper may have changed dramatically over the centuries but the message is clear – we aim to be the indispensable, unmatched 'media of choice' in Guernsey.

We believe that being a 'Guernsey only' product generated in-house at our state-of-the-art offices at Braye Road is key to our success.

You view the newspaper as your 'national' and compare it with any UK papers you buy.

That is why each day we strive to provide the local content and comment you expect to see.