Lasting tribute to a Bangor football legend who will never be forgotten

Vera Owen was one in a million.

If anyone deserves a lasting tribute for services to local football it is this wonderful lady.

Just short of a year since her passing, today will see the unveiling of the Vera Owen Stand at Treborth – the home of CPD Bangor 1876.

A ceremony will take place at 1876’s North Wales Intermediate Cup match against Llanfairfechan Town (kick-off 1.30 pm).

Vera (1938-2020) was a loyal supporter, volunteer and club official who passed away on December 24 last year.

Tributes in abundance were paid to her dedication to football in Bangor.

Club secretary Dafydd Hughes said: “Vera will be remembered by anyone connected with football in Bangor over the last six decades as an ever-present, loyal, dedicated, and immensely likeable lady who made an enormous contribution behind the scenes.”

Mel Jones referred to her as “an unbelievable woman who was always interested in the players, the coaches, and how everyone was doing”.

1876 striker Les Davies recalled how Vera would often be one of the first people he’d see at the ground pre-match and would miss having a chat with her while having his pre-game coffee.

Celebrated defender Michael Johnston talked of his pride in having “shared the best footballing moments of my career” with Vera.

In a club statement, Bangor 1876 said: “We would like to thank Bangor University for making the initial suggestion to name the stand at Treborth after Vera. It is a highly fitting tribute given that she worked for the university in the accommodation department.

“We are delighted with the plaque on the stand that has been made for us by Dragon Signs, and look forward to welcoming several members of Vera’s family to Treborth on Saturday.”

A graduate of Bangor Grammar School, Vera worked at the city’s university and continued supporting Bangor City after being widowed.

She was a lifelong supporter of City and in November 2019, was elected to the board of breakaway club CPD Bangor 1876 shortly after it was formed.

Today her name will be remembered more than ever with the christening of a lifetime memorial.

Thank you for everything Vera.