It has been a busy period at Bangor University, with students starting or returning for the new academic year. Welcome Week began on 23rd September, with plenty of activities and events for those new to the University. A warm welcome to those beginning their academic journey at the University.
The University had a busy and successful week at the Royal Welsh Show, which took place at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Llanelwedd from the 22nd – 25th July. The University had a presence at the heart of the showground and welcomed hundreds of visitors every day. Highlights included the launch of the ‘Llond ceg o fwyd Cymreig cynaliadwy’ (A mouthful of sustainable Welsh food) podcast series on 23rd July; as well as the hands-on ‘Guess the skull?’ quiz provided by the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. Colleagues also took part in a range of events, discussions and sessions held on the Showground throughout the week.
The University had a great week at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd from the 3rd – 10th August . Thousands visited the stand on the Maes over the eight-day event, and there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.
A fantastic schedule of events and sessions took place within the Bangor University stand, where many topical panel discussions and presentations showcasing the University’s research and innovation, took place. As well as the annual Alumni Reunion, a session by local historian Gari Wyn on the early days of the University and celebrating the 140th anniversary; the launch of Postgraduate Certificate in Education – Additional Learning Needs at Primary Level, the first programme of its kind in Wales; a stimulating and timely panel discussion on ‘Do we live in a tolerant society?’ involving colleagues from the School of History, Law and Social Sciences; an update on the North Wales Medical School and ‘How to create doctors for Wales?’; and plenty of activities and demonstrations provided by the School of Ocean Sciences.
Another well-received event at the stand was the growth of community-led ventures, a panel discussion led by Bangor Business School. To mark 50 years of Neuadd JMJ, the Welsh Halls of Residence, a celebration event was held, whilst plenty of current and prospective students attended the recruitment event, which included a performance by Welsh band Fleur de Lys.
The University also had a presence at the Tafwyl festival in Cardiff between 12-14 July, and the Bangor Summer Festival on 17 August, with colleagues from the Confucius Institute providing demonstrations and workshops. These were further opportunities to discuss what the University has to offer with members of the public, share information materials and answer any queries. A busy summer of events and engagement, and the University looks forward to the 2025 editions of the Urdd Eisteddfod, the Royal Welsh Show and National Eisteddfod, as well as local and regional events.
The University’s three-year partnership with the Institute of Welsh Affairs will culminate in a panel discussion event at Pontio on 3rd October. ‘Towards a sustainable future for north Wales and its communities’ will look back at the key issues discussed in the previous events and will look forward to the challenges and opportunities facing our communities in north Wales. The event will include speakers from the University as well as a panel session that includes representatives from Isle of Anglesey County Council, Adra, Cwmni Frân Wen and Partneriaeth Ogwen.
The University’s Community Fund continues to support a number of events, activities and projects, helping to bridge the University with local communities. The next round of applications, which invites University staff to work with community projects, will open soon.
The latest meeting of the University’s Community Board will take place on 7th October, and will include a discussion on the Ecoamgueddfa initiative on Pen Llŷn, an update on the partnership work to regenerate Bangor city centre, and preparations for the city of Bangor’s 1500th anniversary in 2025.
Undeb Bangor Students’ Union: In the spirit of Fairtrade Fortnight (9-22nd September), Go Fairtrade Project volunteers visited local primary schools, Ysgol Llanrug and Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes, on the 18th and 19th of September to raise awareness of Fairtrade. Students are excited to work with Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 to create art pieces for Fairtrade Wales’ Youth Art Competition.
The Hot Meals Project is recruiting volunteers for Saturday sessions (3-6pm), starting on 5th October. Project Leaders are looking forward to working with students and members of our local community to provide free hot meals in Penrhyn Hall. Interested in volunteering? Please contact hotmealproject@undebbangor.com.
Undeb Bangor Students’ Union Healing Gardens Project is enjoying partnering with ‘Dyma Ni’ Befriending to organise sessions for asylum seekers at the gardens, where volunteers have carried out incredible work growing vegetables, building compost beds, and clearing vegetation. The gardens have provided a great space to meet socially and enjoy the local area. We’d love to hear from any members of the community, groups or organisations who’d be interested in volunteering or running their own sessions at the garden. Please contact healinggarden@undebbangor.com to express interest.
As the University’s Waste Awareness Week approaches (14-20th October), the Students’ Union is engaging student groups and community partners to enhance our collective impact and make activities as student-led and collaborative as possible. Plans include a Big Beach Clean on the 14th with Residential Life, a Reusable Fair on the 16th (including a Repair Café and Clothes Swap) and Community Waste Visits on the 17th with University Housing. A variety of partners are supporting events across the week, including Cyngor Gwynedd Council, Trash Free Trails, Surfers Against Sewage, Repair Café Wales, North Wales River Trust and Beics Antur.
Pontio continues to deliver a varied programme for the community, including the monthly Caffi Babis, 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. The ‘Changing Eryri’ exhibition, held at Pontio in August, was an interactive multimedia exhibition that invited the public to consider how we see the landscape around us based on what we know about it and who is telling us about it. On 6th September, MonologAYE took place. The event involved individuals from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board who worked with their mentors to write a monologue about their unique experience of working for the NHS.
Looking ahead, Professor Marco Tamburelli will deliver a public lecture entitled “Linguistic diversity in Europe: why, where and how?” on 9th October in the Eric Sunderland Lecture Theatre, Main Arts Building. Pontio will host two celebration events on 19th October. ‘The College on the Hill: 140 Years of Bangor University History’ will look at the institution’s rich history, ideal for those who are interested in gaining awareness of the University’s past and Bangor as a university city, whilst the Neuadd JMJ Hall 50th Anniversary Celebrations will follow on from the recent Eisteddfod event.
Continuing with the 140th theme, the Arthurian and Celtic Collections, Scholarship and the Community event on 23rd October will include a performance by Gillian Brownson and a local school, a live painting by Dr Maria Hayes, a presentation by Professor Raluca Radulescu and a talk by Dr Aled Llion Jones. The event celebrates the close link between the inception of Bangor University’s Archives and Special Collections and the role played by Arthurian and Celtic Studies in building the university’s international reputation in these fields of study, as well as work with the community in maintaining interest in the legends nationally in Wales and in the world.
Sir Bryn Terfel and friends will perform at Pontio on 1st November. Joining Sir Bryn on stage will be Meinir Wyn Roberts, singer-songwriter Eve Goodman, and Mali Elwy. Dr Iwan Llywelyn Jones will also take part in the concert, alongside local choirs Côr Dre and student choir, Côr JMJ led by Bangor alumna Sian Wheway. Finally, Football Association of Wales Chief Executive Noel Mooney and former FAW/FIFA referee and Cymru international Cheryl Foster will take part in an evening discussion on 8th November.
It’s a busy and exciting time for M-SParc. Building on the success on Bangor High Street and Pwllheli, a third ‘On Tour’ site has opened in Bala. A launch event was held on 12th September, and the new site will be a hub for events, workshops, STEM sessions for children, hotdesking, business advice and more for the local community. Repair Cafes were held in Bala on 6th September, Pwllheli on 13th September, and Bangor on 27th September. Clwb SParci, M-SParc’s Welsh language STEM club for children of all ages, continues and recently held workshops on civil and mechanical engineering and biodiversity.
Treborth Botanic Garden continues to be a hive of activity and exciting developments. The ‘Size of Wales Garden’, which won gold and best in category at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, was officially opened on 12th July with colleagues, local schools and members of the Senedd. As part of the University’s 140th Anniversary Alumni Reunion on 13th and 14th September, participants visited Treborth’s National Garden Scheme open event for a tour and a talk regarding the history and latest developments at the site.
Treborth Botanic Garden has also received a grant of £250,000 from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government. The grant has been awarded to Treborth for the restoration and reinvigoration of the existing natural and cultural woodland features, to improve access and provide meaningful learning experiences through a diverse programme of courses, workshops, and training.
Through the newly established Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic, Bangor law students will soon be offering free, confidential and professional legal advice to the public. The service, available during term time, provides accessible legal support to the community while giving students invaluable hands-on experience. Supervised by qualified solicitors and experienced senior lecturers, the clinic will offer a bilingual service in both Welsh and English.
A busy and exciting period between everything, and we will continue to update you regularly on relevant University developments for the community. Best wishes to staff and students for the new academic year!
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