School closure ends family’s 180-year tradition

Huw Williams of Llangyndeyrn, Carmarthenshire, Wales, learned that Ysgol y Fro, the school in his village, will close at the end of the year.

For nearly 180 years, six generations of his family have been educated at the school, and he regularly visited to share the story of a local battle with students.

In 1960-1963, Huw participated in a committee that successfully fought against a water corporation’s plan to flood the valley where his farm, Pant-teg, and the school were located to create a reservoir. The school’s closure follows declining student numbers, financial difficulties, and poor building conditions across several schools in Carmarthenshire. The local council states its intention is to modernize education and provide sustainable funding.

Huw feels the loss deeply, noting the school is the heart of the community and a vital part of local traditions like the annual Christmas concert. Huw remembers attending Ysgol y Fro during World War II, recalling air raid drills and a stricter disciplinary environment. He fondly describes walking miles to school, often soaked in rain, and drying clothes by the stove.

He fears the end of an era and hopes there will be a chance to share memories before the school closes its doors for good. The council is also consulting on the potential closure of three other primary schools in the area due to similar financial concerns.