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HRH Prince Charles Celebrates Centenary
Bangor University marked the100th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Main
University Building recently with a memorable event attended by HRH The Prince of Wales.
The programme for the event followed that of a hundred years ago as closely as possible, especially in relation to the music. Traditional Welsh ‘penillion’ were sung, and music from the harp featured prominently.
After the ceremony HRH The Prince of Wales spoke with harpist Einir Wyn Hughes, 23, from Pwllheli who recently graduated from the University with a Masters in music, stating that he had enjoyed the music very much.
The Prince explained that his great-great-grandfather, Edward VII, attended the ceremony 100 years ago.
The Prince added: “This is a university which is proud of its history and has a long and distinguished academic record.
“I am very pleased to be present here today as this particular milestone for this splendid building is reached.”
Also attending the event were several international students currently studying at the University, who met with HRH Prince Charles after the event and shook his hand.
Alba Stefani from Albania said: “I was so excited that I actually waved at the Prince in such a way that he finally came over and shook my hand. Can you imagine that?”
Iliana Salazar from Mexico said: “For me the experience was wonderful. I enjoyed it a lot.. the music … the place… the ceremony…. I feel very lucky because I had the opportunity to attend this event and see Prince Charles. I’m sure it will be a day to remember.”
Fumi Nakazawa from Japan said: “I enjoyed the ceremony very much! I enjoyed the music and the Welsh lyrics very much, and I was thinking it would be more than nice if I could take a picture of Prince Charles. I was so excited that I will never forget today! Prince Charles looked very kind and calm and friendly to us.”
Hoi Ki Katty Mak, from Hong Kong said: “Fantastic morning. It was a really great chance to meet one of the most famous people in the world!”
Established in 1884, the University was initially accommodated in a former hotel.
The growth of the University however led to the need for a new site, and in 1902 Bangor City Council presented a gift of ten acres of land to the University. To this was added a further four acres purchased by the College Council.
Following a successful appeal across the whole of North Wales a total of £42,275 had been either collected or promised by the time the Foundation Stone was laid in 1907. This reflected the widespread support from the people of the area who understood the value of education and the importance of the University to their communities.
ENDS
3.7.07
Caption:(Image File:InternatStudents)
Bangor’s international student community was delighted by the opportunity of meeting HRH Prince Charles. Here, from left to right pictured with The Prince of Wales are: Kaori Matsuoka (Japan), Ryosuke Yamagishi (Japan), Alba Stefani (Albania), Jing Zhang (China), and Iliana Salazar (Mexico).