What’s special about 10 April? Bangor 1876 secretary Dafydd Hughes explains all...

Well, it’s usually the hundredth day of the year (when it’s not a leap year), Howard Marks and Richie Benaud died on this day, and the liner Titanic sailed from Southampton on its fateful maiden voyage in 1912. Some people claim that this was the day in 1970 that the Beatles split up. On this date in 1886, the North Wales Chronicle reported “The boards of the Penrhyn Hall are at present occupied by Sidney Cooper's Pantomime Company, who are really clever performers, and deserve liberal patronage during their short stay in Bangor. The title role is taken by Miss Josephine Henley, who is a vivacious actress.”

Just how many turned up to see the lovely Josephine we don’t know but, on 10 April, 2019, the historic Penrhyn Hall hosted possibly the most important gathering ever seen in its history, (with apologies to the City Council and its deliberations). Can you say that you were there? If you were, you witnessed the birth of Bangor 1876.

Against the background of the multi-flagged Bangor Tour of Europe banner, Einion Williams called the meeting to order to hear a presentation by Andy Walsh, who played a key role in the establishment of FC United of Manchester, which really enthused the large audience. By half-past eight that night, a new fan-owned football club, and the Community Business Society behind it had been launched.

As we all know, this was a titanic event in the rich history of competitive football in Bangor. In time and in recognition of our heritage, the club was named Bangor 1876 and, within just over a couple of months, gained membership of the Football Association of Wales.

Unlike the famous liner our course has steered clear of hazards, successfully coping with extreme weather such as gale force winds and driving rain on the banks of the Menai Strait. It has done so under the command of Mel Jones and his company, and Captain Johnston and our talented crew of players.

At this difficult and uncertain time, let us remember and be thankful for performances which have lit up our winter (even when the storms have hit Treborth) and look forward to a successful conclusion of the journey and its deserved rewards.

Bangor 1876 is supporting local NHS charity Awyr Las in the fight against the Coronavirus. To read what we're doing and what you can do to help, please click here.