CHRISTMAS is often seen as a time to reflect and be thankful, and despite a year spent relentlessly fighting to retain its very existence, vociferous supporters of a Powys primary school are right to end 2021 full of cheer.

Despite Powys County Council receiving fervent backlash against its decision to shut the doors at Llanfihangel Rhydithon Community Primary School in the small Radnorshire village of Dolau, the local authority’s cabinet decided to press ahead with their plans regardlessly when it published a statutory notice formally proposing it be shut in September.

The county council had already received hundreds of objection letters and emails opposing the closure of the 37-pupil village school, near Llandrindod Wells, while a further 273 angry responses were sent within a 28-day objection period following the cabinet decision.

A plethora of schools across rural Powys are battling closure, but few support groups have been as tireless or determined as those rallying to save Dolau.

“As we come to the end of an exhausting but worthwhile year, let's have a look at what we've achieved in this small but mighty community of ours,” said a post on the Dolau School Action Group’s Facebook page.

“Two duck races, a cake stall at Penybont races, a heavily supported fun ride, a hugely attended tractor run, a successful big breakfast, tasty curry night and fantastic promise auction raising £20,000.

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“A ‘Summer of Fun’ free to attend events, numerous newspaper articles featuring our school, pupils, past pupils and community, first prize at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair children’s' miniature garden competition, 2nd place overall in Llandrindod Eisteddfod, an amazing jumper video, a wonderful video from past pupils showing where they are now, and how Dolau School helped them, a village walk, our own Facebook profile frame.

“We invited cabinet members to meet our community, welcomed local political figures to our village, there were an incredible 420+ consultation responses in support of our school and an equally incredible 273 objections in a really short amount of time.

“We’ve had TV news and radio appearances, a fabulous action group who are pro-active in campaigning for the future of our school, a school full of wonderfully resilient children, who continue to come to school despite uncertainty, an amazing head, teachers, staff and governors, who have helped our children through this turbulent year with lots of positivity.

“We’ve had Church in Wales registration and 3+ funding for our Cylch Meithrin Dolau, and the brilliant leaders there, there was a Zoe Ball ‘pick your own playlist’ dedicated to the school and it's community, an eye-catching campaign of banners, bale stickers, scarecrows and car stickers, all around the county and a fundraising week in the community charity shop.

“We’ve also had massive and appreciated support from surrounding areas, as well as from our MPs, MS’s, councillors and so many people who have been touched by our plight, and can see the value of our school.

“Take a bow Dolau School and it's amazing community – what an unbelievable effort.”