North Wales Heroes’ Memorial Arch open to the public

Cooperation between Bangor University and the Royal British Legion has enabled the University to open the Memorial Arch on Deiniol Road to the public on summer Saturdays.

(Left - right) Cllr Bryn Hughes, Sec of the Royal British Legion and Deputy Mayor of Bangor; Mr Wyn Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor; George Evans, Ivor Evans, Chair and Standard bearer; John D Williams and Bill Speddy of Bangor & District Royal British LegionThe new arrangement has come into place following the generous offer from the Royal British Legion to provide volunteers to supervise the building so that the public can visit the Memorial Arch on any Saturday between 10.00- 4.00 pm from now until September.

The North Wales Heroes’ Memorial Arch contains the names of over 8,500 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the counties of North Wales, who fell in the First World War.  The interior of the first floor is lined with oak panels inscribed with the names of the fallen, arranged by parish and county. Completed in 1923, the Memorial Arch was funded by donations.

“The Memorial Arch is a highly moving tribute to those from across north Wales who gave their lives during the First World War. As we approach the anniversary of the start of the First World war- we are  delighted to work with the University so that  people from across the region are able to visit and see this commemorative building for themselves,” said Cllr  Bryn Hughes, Secretary of the Bangor and District Branch of the Royal British Legion and Deputy Mayor of Bangor.

“We are delighted to be able to work with the Royal British Legion in this way. It’s only right that local people should be able to visit the Memorial Arch and this partnership is a great example of the relationship that the University wishes to have with communities and interest groups within the wider region,” said  Wyn Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor  with responsibility for Civic Engagement.

Publication date: 16 June 2011