PICTURE by Bangor 1876.

AFTER the passing of Anglesey football stalwart Rob Hughes on Christmas Eve, there was further sad news for the local footballing community earlier today as we heard that Vera Owen had passed away.

A passionate and loyal supporter of Bangor City, and more recently Bangor 1876, over the years, she was a very familiar face to many – including myself. When I started off as a journalist for the North Wales Chronicle she had welcomed me to Nantporth with open arms the very first time I went there to work. From there on out, I had many a great conversation with Vera who truly loved the beautiful game and her beloved Bangor.

The 82-year-old had travelled across Europe with City in the past, to the likes of Denmark and Finland, and during Phoenix club 1876’s debut campaign she had travelled home and away with the club.

She had also played an important part on matchdays at the club’s Treborth home ground, by helping out with the teas, coffees and catering for players and officials.

Always with a smiling face, Vera will be missed by so, so many within the Bangor community.

Earlier today, Bangor 1876 Secretary Dafydd Hughes paid tribute to her, saying: “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.”

1886 manager Mel Jones described Vera as “an unbelievable woman who was always interested in the players, the coaches and how everyone was doing”. He added that she was “a supporter of the team through thick and thin who never had a bad word to say”. Mel remembers Vera’s presence at Farrar Road from his own playing days and has told that “she was there when I made my debut for Bangor and she was always delighted to see local players doing well”.

So many have paid tribute to her today and that’s a testament to the great impact she had on football in Bangor. RIP Vera ❤️.