*Above members of Ysgol Y Mynydd Du show Kirsty Williams AM around the new building
On 11th May, Ysgol Y Mynydd Du situated on the edge of Talgarth welcomed dignitaries from Powys County Council (PCC), Talgarth & Bronllys Town Councils, School Governors and Wilmott Dixon Builders in the official opening of the new school. As part of the cluster of schools in the area with 'new builds', they were along with the new school in Llangorse part of the 21st Century Schools Programme, jointly funded by Welsh Government and Powys County Council (with funding from other stakeholders in some cases).
They were joined by Kirsty Williams AM Cabinet Secretary for Education in the National Assembly of Wales and Chris Davies MP for Brecon and Radnorshire.
Speeches were made to an audience of parents, staff, Governors and invited guests, by among others, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, Leader of PCC, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander Portfolio Holder for Learning and Welsh Language PCC, and the Chair of School Governors Bev Matthews. A small video was shown made by the school children on state of the art equipment which will benefit both learning and social events in the school.
Despite the official proceedings and usual pleasantries, the children sat patiently and at the end of the formalities gave flowers to some of the VIP's, and then went on to sing beautifully to the guests in the fantastic and huge Main Hall of the new school. Following on from this, the School Councill and selected guests unveiled a new plaque officially marking the opening of the new school which now sees Talgarth and nearby Bronllys Primary Schools come together under one roof.
Sam Toone, Headmistress of Ysgol Y Mynydd Du, showed the party of visitors around accompanied by the School Council made up of children from the various year groups. Parents had previously been invited for an informal opening early on in April.
All in all a wonderful climax to the much waited for new school. It was easy to see how both staff and children have adapted to the 'modern' building and seemed as if they had been there for a long while already. Good luck to the school and everyone connected with it. Despite what seemed a prolonged journey the two school finally have a joint new future together.
Below: images from the Official Opening on 11th May 2018.
Images courtesy of Ann Seymour Photography.
L to R : Kirsty Williams AM, Cllr Rosemarie Harris PCC and recently elected Mayor of Talgarth, William Powell also Cllr for PCC
Cllr Myfanwy Alexander Portfolio Holder for Learning and Welsh Language
Chair of Govenors, Bev Matthew... dreams answered with the new school
The unveiling of the new plaque
Chris Davies MP, enjoyng the opening of the new school
Head Mistress Sam Toone, enjoys a joke with Kirsty Williams AM on the tour of the school
Chris Davies MP talks to Elaine and Vin Stephens, whom the land was acquired from
Pictured Jacquie Wilding (C) (recently stood down Mayor of Talgarth,) with dignitaries from School builders Wilmott Dixon. Town Cllt Wilding had been a very active supporter within the School as Community Governor and Leader of the Town Council in ensuring the development plans kept on track
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