A new book documenting the history of Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Bangor (UMCB) is to be published on Wednesday, 5 August to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
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 will be launched at the Societies Tent at 3pm on Wednesday, 5 August where Ross Griffiths the current President of UMBC will introduce Arwel Vittle, author and editor of the volume, will interview former Presidents and prominent members of the Union, including Mair Rowlands AM, Huw Williams, Glyn Tomos and others.
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 Bangor University’s heritage can continue to inspire future generations.”
As the body representing Welsh-speaking students at Bangor University, UMCB has played a central role in promoting Welsh language, culture and community across university life since its establishment 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 (2017-18), Gethin Morgan (2018-19), Lleucu Myrddin (2019-20), Bethan Williams (2007-08), David Wilton (1995-96), Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (2000-01), Mair Rowlands MS (2010-12) and Huw Williams (2025-26). The volume also includes a commemorative poem by Peredur Lynch, UMCB President in 1984–85.
Mair Rowlands MS for Bangor Conwy Môn, former UMCB Chief Executive and President (2010-12) said, "This launch is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 50 years of UMCB's history and the special contribution it has made to the Welsh-language life of Bangor University and the whole of Wales. After years of work on the volume, it's a pleasure to see the stories and memories brought together in such an important record. I look forward to discussing that history at the Eisteddfod, but also to looking ahead to UMCB's future and its continuing role in supporting and representing Bangor's Welsh-speaking students."
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.
Arwel Vittle, author and editor of the book, said: "It was a privilege to write and edit the history of UMCB. The establishment of the Welsh Language Union in Bangor University was an important part of efforts in the 1970s and 1980s to protect the Welsh language within the University and the surrounding area. It was a very exciting period of protesting that is worth remembering, and many former members of the Union were very willing to share their memories of the protests during the early years of UMCB.
In the second part, I have edited articles by eight former Presidents and members of UMCB over the years, and they also share their interesting experiences and share how Bangor University’s Welsh students stood together for their language, their culture and their community. Furthermore, Peredur Lynch, UMCB President 1984-85 has composed a very special poem to celebrate the Union's 50th anniversary. I believe that all this comes together to create a worthy volume to remember UMCB's great contribution, not only to Bangor University, but to Wales in general."
