It has been a busy period in the University, with students starting or returning for the new academic year. Freshers week began on 18th September, with plenty of activities and events for those new to the University.

The University had a great week at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod in Boduan from the 5th – 12th August . Thousands visited the stand on the Maes and the Science and Technology Village over the eight-day event, and there was lots to keep everyone entertained.

The Activity Zone was as popular as ever, with plenty on offer to engage families, from taste tests with sustainable treats, to being immersed in the world’s first underwater virtual reality safari park, to an exhibition which enabled visitors to see the works of their own veins and tendons with colleagues from North Wales Medical School.

A fantastic schedule of events took place within the Bangor Theatre zone, where many topical panel discussions and presentations showcasing the University’s research and innovation, took place. As well as the annual Alumni Reunion, which this year attracted around 250 graduates and highlights such as the North Wales Medical School Student Recruitment Campaign launch, a session by local historian Gari Wyn which included the premiere of ‘Creating a University: the Early Years’ film, live podcasts, book launches, and musical and drama performances.

Another well-received event at the stand highlighted Bangor University’s contribution to improving the wellbeing of our communities. The event featured panel speakers from Partneriaeth Ogwen and Menter Môn and marked the unveiling of the University’s new civic mission video, presented by Tudur Owen. This video showcases members of the public who engage with the University and benefit from its facilities and services. From volunteers at Pontio and hosts of community projects at Treborth Botanical Gardens, as well as those who initiate clubs at Canolfan Brailsford sports centre and launch successful businesses at M-SParc.

As well as hosting a busy Main Stand, the University was the main sponsor the Eisteddfod’s Science and Technology Village, which hosted a wide variety of science-based exhibitors including the School of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Health Sciences, North Wales Medical School, School of Psychology, Sport and Exercise Sciences and M-SParc. All sorts of engaging activities took place, including virtual reality radiography, wound management, testing reflex speeds against celebrity sports people and coding competitions.
Audiences enjoyed fascinating daily talks and panel discussions in the Dome Tent, where University staff delved into subjects like low carbon energy innovation in north Wales, sustainable healthcare, celebrating influential women in science, and tackling the future of rugby. Dyfrig Hughes, Professor in Pharmacoeconomics, presented the main science lecture, Genetic Testing for a Safer World.

The University also had a presence at the Tafwyl festival in Cardiff on 15-16 July, and the Anglesey Agricultural Show on 15-16 August. These were further opportunities to discuss what the University has to offer with members of the public, share information materials and answer any queries.

The University’s three-year partnership with the Institute of Welsh Affairs continues, with the next event taking place in M-SParc on 5th October. ‘Powering the Energy Island and its People’ will look at the potential of Ynys Môn in a number of energy sectors, and how the development of Energy Island can benefit its communities. The event will include speakers from the University as well as a panel session that includes representatives from Isle of Anglesey County Council, Morlais and Virginia Crosbie MP.

The University’s Community Collaboration Fund continues to support a number of events, activities and projects. A successful ‘Build a PC’ workshop was held in M-SParc’s new ‘On Tour’ base in Pwllheli on 15th September. The next round of applications for University staff will open in the coming months.

The latest meeting of the University’s Community Board took place at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, Adra’s new decarbonisation hub in Penygroes, on 28th September. Discussions included an international student project cleaning up beaches on Anglesey/Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn (supported by the Community Collaboration Fund), an update on the work to regenerate Bangor city centre, and ways of improving and strengthening the linkages between the University and public and third sector partners in north Wales. The University’s new partnership with Cadwyn Ogwen also began on 28th September. Cadwyn Ogwen forms part of the Open Food Network UK and allows University staff and students to order products from local food producers and collect them from the University on a weekly basis.

The University continues to work closely with Bangor City Council. Ahead of the Bangor Summer Festival on 19th August, the civic engagement team took part in the Mayor’s clean up day, whilst Pontio supported the festival on the day itself. Student Volunteering Bangor launched their Hot Meals Project on 30th September at Penrhyn Hall. The project will provide hot meals to anyone who needs it in the local community. The University is also supporting the Council with the delegation visit from Soest, Bangor’s twin city in Germany. The delegation will visit Bangor in early October to celebrate 50 years of the twinning link, and the University will host an evening concert to celebrate the special anniversary on 4th October.

Undeb Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union, is working closely with student leaders and staff at Ty Llywelyn, a 25-bed Medium Secure Unit in Llanfairfechan, to set up a new volunteering project. Its primary aim is to provide an environment where service users can interact with others and engage in therapeutic activities, coordinated and delivered by volunteers. The Students Union is also excited to re-launch Sblat, one of their longstanding kids volunteering projects, for the first time since the pandemic. Project Leaders are currently recruiting service users and students, in addition to planning fun activities for after-school club sessions.

With the University’s Waste Awareness Week quickly approaching between 16th- 22nd October, the Students Union is working hard to engage with student groups and community partners in activities, making them as student-led and collaborative as possible. Plans include a Big Beach Clean on the 16th, a Cost-of-Living event on the 18th (including a repair café, clothes swop and reusable period product giveaway) and Community Waste Visits on the 19th, with partners such as Gwynedd Council, Repair Café Wales and Benthyg Cymru supporting.

Pontio’s community programme continues with monthly Caffi Babis, and weekly yoga sessions, and dance workshops for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The centre’s busy summer programme involved several local schools and colleges, with a number of shows and performances taking place. Looking ahead, Pontio will host an event on 18th October to note Black History Month. ‘Celebrate and Elevate’ will include speakers, performances, film screenings and sample food from a catering collaboration between the University and Maggie’s Kitchen.

Treborth Botanic Garden continues to be a hive of activity and exciting developments. A ‘Fungus Foray’ was held by the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden on 30th September, providing members of the public with the opportunity to go on a wild mushroom hunt, which is an important citizen science project to monitor our fungal diversity.

Community Day: Come and visit your University!

The civic engagement team are leading on the preparations for the University’s first ever Community Day, taking place on Saturday 14th October between 11am and 3pm. This will be a fun day packed with free activities for the whole family, and we hope you can join us!

The event is an opportunity for the University to open its doors to the local community, and will showcase how Bangor University contributes to the social, economic, environmental and cultural life of north Wales and beyond through a range of activities, from research and teaching to leisure and entertainment facilities.

The bulk of activity will be centred around Prichard-Jones Hall and Powis Hall in the main University building, and Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre.
This is a free event, and if you intend to visit please register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/diwrnod-cymunedol-2023-community-day-tickets-716464132507

A busy and exciting period between everything, and we will continue to update you regularly on relevant University developments for the community.

#YourUniversityYourCommunity