END OF SCHOOL: Following the decision to close St David Lewis RC School, Bettws, on July 20, much praise must go to chairman, Michael J Ryan, and committee for their deliverance of non-stop attempts to review the situation of impending closure but it has happened. The pupils have been attending St Mary's, Queens Hill, for first tastes of their new pastures. If people think it has broken hearts then, yes, but their spirits are staying high, which was quite evident to myself on Tuesday, July 17, when I visited with my daughter and grandchildren the Riverfront Theatre for the end of school history concert portrayed by all 63 pupils, 18 teachers and 12 ex-pupils, entitled Magic Moments. I was amazed to witness the full capacity of families and friends to give their support to a quite brilliant display of stage entertainment.

The school opened in 1970 and since then many great attributes have accrued from pupils who have gone on to greater things in education and sport. So the school of today can boast a fantastic history to be proud of, from the first headmistress, Mrs Hornsby, to the present head teacher and staff.

The evening began with MC, renowned singer Jade, following the introduction of staff to their reserved seats, who started off with the six girls of Lauren, Nikkita, Nadine, Katie, Rachel and Abigail performing their fully trained routine of Irish dancing on behalf of the O'Donnell Dancing School. Next on was a surprise for eight ex-lady pupils harmonised two versions of songs, Leaving On A Jet Plane and I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, and it was really good, from just five minutes' practice! We were then given a lesson in acrobatic disco dancing from young Tammy Love who showed what can be done with double jointed limbs, it was incredible to watch, called Every Time. Next were the infants who performed a medley of songs.

The audience had 20 minutes to have a break alongside the river before returning for the second half.

First on was Zoe Holloway with her rendition of Your Song, she was wonderful. We were treated to a Unity Dance Group of girls who performed music and acrobatic actions before their theme Take Me Out, followed by a lovely song which was relevant to the occasion, Days sung by Jade, a young lady from Bettws whose mum is Mrs Evans from the school, and she had appeared on TV. A great cheer went up for the Pink Ladettes as they danced the stage with their version of Grease. The juniors then took to the stage for a medley of songs especially for the time spent with teachers at the school. It was brilliant to listen to and brought tears of joy and sadness, but well performed.

The finale was sad, happy and heart-warming by the whole school surrounded by the teachers, brilliant pianist Mrs Pettit, and helpers who were met by a fully packed auditorium with a standing ovation of five minutes.

Thanks to Councillor Noel Trigg for his recount of events and best wishes to pupils and teachers, and thanks for the attendance of St David Lewis RC Church priests and sister, to Councillor Lloyd Delahaye, chairman of committee for school Mr Michael J Ryan, to the first pupil to set foot in the school.

We finish with this accolade of remembrance: Father in my life I see, You are God who walks with me.

You hold my life in your hands, Close beside you I will stand.

I gave all my life to you, Help me, Father, to be true.

Jesus, in my life I see, Spirit, in my life I see.