MEET THE TRUSTEES

I am a Hirael man born and bred and have lived in Bangor all my life. I started work as a telegram boy at the age of 15, then became a postman driver, then in 1967 I became a professional fireman serving in Bangor for 32 years retiring at 55 years of age. I then worked in Coleg Menai as a risk assessor for three years, then worked with the North Wales probation service, as a community service supervisor until I retired at 65 years of age. I also worked for Gwynedd County Council during local and national elections as a presiding officer in my local area of Hirael. The last ten years I have been the mace bearer for the city of Bangor having served ten different Mayors. The pier has always been a part of my life from a young age learning to swim off the jetty, with many dances taking part on the pier in my teenage years. It's four years since I became a pier volunteer doing two shifts a week and I have trained so many volunteers.

My name is Nigel Marland and I have been a trustee of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier since 2021. I worked for the NHS for 23 years before starting my own Architectural Design Practice with a colleague in 2003. As a child, I used to fish from the pier with one of my uncles. I think I lost touch with it in later years and after it was closed, finding it again during covid, as a tranquil place to go for a walk and reflect. I have also volunteered with and was chairperson of Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd during my teens and early 20’s where I met my now wife. The pier is undoubtedly a gem in the city of Bangor, and with the wonderful volunteers, we aim to keep it this way. Meeting and greeting visitors worldwide, and chatting about the pier is immensely rewarding, although I only fill in when and where necessary. I am the Trustee who looks after the technical aspects of the FoBGP website, email, etc.

I’m Vanessa Hawkins and I live in the Garth area of Bangor having moved here in 2014 after falling in love with the area, the Menai Strait and of course the amazing pier. I have worked in education for over 30 years both as a teacher and in pastoral management and latterly in marketing. Whilst working in schools I led student volunteering groups as well as organising fundraising activities and events. I joined the trustees of FBGP in March 2021 and I helped the group to achieve charitable status in March 2022.I also enjoy volunteering on the pier in the kiosk shop or the entrance kiosk as well as at our special fundraising events which has given me an opportunity to meet and work with enthusiastic, talented and energetic people. I am committed to securing the future of the pier for generations to come and helping the FBGP to develop into a sustainable community charity.    

My name is Siân Marland and I have been a trustee of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier since 2021 and treasurer since 2022. I have lived in Bangor my whole life as has my mother’s side of the family. My background is in banking where I have worked for over 40 years and am still working. I have previously been treasurer of Ysgol Feithrin Penrhosgarnedd and Bangor Swimming Club. I have been visiting the pier my whole life, and I remember the planks being much further apart as a young child! I feel strongly that the pier is important to Bangor and its people and am proud to be a trustee.

I’m Chris Conway, and I live in Hirael, Bangor. I’ve always loved visiting the Pier. I’ve been a Friend of Bangor Garth Pier for 3 years, after retiring from Openreach, where I worked as a Project Manager. I enjoy the opportunities that being a volunteer has brought - from taking entrance fees at the gate, selling in the shop, and now being a trustee. Meeting and chatting with both new and regular visitors to the pier gives me a lot of pleasure, as people are generally friendly and relaxed and take time to talk.

I'm Enid Parry, born and bred in Bangor. I worked in retail in our High Street all my working life and I served 10 years with a successful youth football team here at Bangor. I served 5 years as a Bangor City Councillor, and am now a trustee and volunteer for the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, a rewarding charity that is aiming to keep our pier for future generations.

I’m Carolyn Owen. I was born in Hirael and have lived in Bangor all my life. I worked for the NHS for 40 years as a sister in the Intensive Care Unit and, more recently, as a North Wales Genetics Service manager. I love the area that we live in and am proud to live in Bangor. I am extremely passionate about the restoration of the pier and any further development of the area. I became a volunteer on the pier in 2021 and the membership secretary and trustee in 2022. I look forward to the continued success of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, which would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers.

My name is Avril Wayte, and I have been Chair of Friends of Bangor Garth Pier since the charity’s inception in 2020. The pier is very important to me, and, having retired from my role as Consultant Biochemist in the NHS in 2023, I am delighted to be at the helm of this wonderful charity and its critical role in working with Bangor City Council in protecting our amazing pier for the future. I have extensive experience in chairing various NHS committees and being a trustee of a number of charities previously, including CAIS, the local Drug and Alcohol charity, and the Royal College of Pathologists, where I served as Chair of the Welsh Regional Council and Assistant Registrar for some years. Nothing, however, has given me greater pleasure than working day by day with our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who give generously of their time in support of our wonderful pier, and I feel truly honored to lead such a fantastic team

I’m Lucy Rothwell, Bangor born and raised. I have also spent time in Scotland, England, Australia and Azerbaijan. Working as an events manager, Sponsorship lead and fundraiser since 2004 I have been involved in charities and organisations such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival, and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games before ending up at the Woodland Trust. I’m excited to act as a trustee for the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier; it’s a wonderful destination and a place that I cherish and feel we should celebrate. I look forward to supporting Friends of Bangor Garth Pier’s fundraising and development work, ensuring the future of the pier is bright, successful, and sustainable.

My name is Meryl Read, born and bred in Bangor, the Pier has always been a place I have enjoyed visiting. A lovely relaxing walk with friends and family, taking in the wonderful views (weather permitting) and sharing our memories and experiences of previous visits during our childhood. I worked for Natural Resources Wales and its predecessors for 43 years and was also the Secretary for Ysbyty Gwynedd League of Friends for 16 years. Now, as a volunteer and Trustee, I hope that my time and commitment contribute to the preservation of the Pier, so that future generations have the opportunity to make their own special memories of visiting our beautiful Victorian Pier. Come for a walk on the Pier, on you own, or with family and friends. Our volunteers at the Entrance Gate and Shop are always keen to chat and listen to your own memories of our Pier, or indeed, for you to share your experience of your first visit.