By Manny Robinson

Tribute to Clive Bayard, one of the most important people in the history of the Essex Jewish News (EJN) and until recently its managing director, has died.

Without question, Clive was the lynchpin of the EJN.

A skilled professional production man, who learned his craft on the Jewish Chronicle, Clive designed the newspaper that the Essex Jewish community know and love today.

He completely changed the look of the EJN, giving it a cleaner fresher feel with a greater emphasis on photographs. When pages couldn’t work – because the editor and others sent stories that were too long, too short or without the right photos – Clive somehow always made it work.

Simon Rothstein, the current EJN editor, said: “Working with Clive was every journalist’s dream. He would take our copy and turn it into something fabulous on the page.

“He was also so supportive, taking great pride in every page and every issue. And, above all else, he was a friend and a mentor.”

Clive was a long-term director of the EJN, becoming managing director in early 2020.

Perhaps his greatest achievement was to substantially increase the circulation of the newspaper by obtaining agreements from outlets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose to stock it and taking distribution beyond Redbridge and Southend into growing communities such as Loughton and Ongar. He also oversaw the move to go online.

It was only after Clive was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021 that he felt unable to continue with the role and reluctantly stepped down as managing director, a decision that was met with great dismay by his many friends and colleagues on the newspaper. He continued, however, as a director of the company.

Clive’s predecessor as managing director, Melvyn Weinberg, said: “I had the pleasure of working with Clive at the Jewish Chronicle for many years and always counted him not only as a colleague but also a friend.

“The contribution he made to the success of the Essex Jewish News, over many years, means it is now widely recognised for its unique contribution to the community. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.

“Clive’s many friends will greatly miss him. but his contribution will always be remembered.”

Everyone at the Essex Jewish News sends our sincere condolences to Clive’s wife Ruth, their children, grandchildren, family and friends.

A full obituary for Clive will appear in the Passover edition of the Essex Jewish News.

• Clive’s funeral will take place this Wednesday (26 January) at Western Cemetery (Bulls Cross Ride, Cheshunt). People can join in person or via Zoom. For further funeral and shiva details/links, or to send condolences, please email Phillip Leigh on phillip@phillipleighlandandnewhomes.com.Tribute to Clive Bayard