A DOLGELLAU girls’ school has been “very highly commended” — despite the fact it shut down 41 years ago.

Dr Williams’ School in Dolgellau first opened its doors to pupils in 1878 and was a pioneer of secondary education for girls in Wales.

The school closed in 1975, just short of its centenary, but has been immortalised in a new project which has brought the history of the area to life.

In 2013, an Old Girls Association from the school was awarded a grant of £51,300 by the Heritage Lottery Fund for an 18-month project called ‘Still “Ardua Semper”— sharing stories of Dr Williams’ School Dolgellau 1878-1975’.

Last year a community heritage site opened which explores the history of a school that was once integral to the life of the town.

There are stories and images contributed by those with first-hand knowledge of the school.

Now, thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and with help from several other agencies, all of the Old Girl’s stories have been catalogued online allowing visitors a unique insight into the life and times of children in Dolgellau throughout much of the 20th century.

The pictures, tales and archival documents collected by various sources over the years have been uploaded by the Old Girls themselves, teaching an older generation how to utilise a vast array of digital skills and tools.

To discover the constantly evolving Dr Williams’ School project, visit www.dwsoga.org.uk.

See this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News for the full story