New Book Celebrates 50 Years of UMCB with Support from the Bangor Fund and Students’ Union
A new book documenting the history of Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Bangor (UMCB) is set to be published this summer to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary. As the body representing Welsh-speaking students at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ, UMCB has played a central role in promoting Welsh language, culture and community across university life since its establishment in 1976.
Brwydr ar y Bryn: 50 mlynedd o UMCB (Battle on the Hill: 50 Years of UMCB), edited by Arwel Vittle and published by Y Lolfa, brings together the stories, experiences and memories of staff and students who have helped shape Bangor’s Welsh-speaking community since UMCB was established in 1976.
The book explores the organisation’s development over five decades, from the Welsh-language campaigns and student activisms of the late 1970s and early 1980s to its role in contemporary student life. Through personal testimonies, photographs and historical accounts, it reflects on a period of significant change for both higher education and Welsh-language life at Bangor.
A second section traces UMCB’s journey from the 1990s to the present day through contributions from former Presidents and members, including Mirain Llwyd Morgan, Gethin Morgan, Lleucu Myrddin, Bethan Williams, David Wilton, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Mair Rowlands MS and Huw Williams. The volume also includes a commemorative poem by Peredur Lynch, UMCB President in 1984–85.
Together, these contributions create a record of the individuals, events and milestones that have shaped Bangor’s Welsh-speaking student community over the past half-century. The book celebrates UMCB’s continuing role in promoting Welsh language, culture and representation while reflecting on the challenges and achievements that have defined the organisation’s history.
The book will be available to pre-order from late July and officially launched at the National Eisteddfod on Wednesday, 5 August, at 3.00pm in the Societies Pavilion.
Ross Griffiths, UMCB President 2026–27, said:
Undeb Bangor is incredibly grateful to the alumni who have supported the Bangor Fund. Thanks to their generosity, Brwydr ar y Bryn: 50 mlynedd o UMCB will help celebrate and preserve 50 years of UMCB’s history and ensure this important part of ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ’s heritage can continue to inspire future generations. Thank you for making this project possible.
The book is now available for pre-order ahead of its launch at the Eisteddfod. A copy of the cover is shown below.
The Bangor Fund is made up of alumni donations, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, with the primary purpose of providing an element of additionality to the student experience.
