In the countryside in Victorian times there was little in they way of entertainment. This meant that any occasion when people gathered together was looked forward to. These gatherings were often in school time and caused many children to be absent.

At Derwenlas in 1887 the records show one of many events of this sort...

This entry from the school diary reads:
"Today a large and popular fair is held in Machynlleth; the school was opened in the afternoon, but in consequence of the fair only twelve were present; they were dismissed and the school was closed."

Children were also often absent for hiring fairs and Jubilee celebrations, for livestock markets, auctions and eisteddfodau. And also for religious meetings...

Off school for the chapel meeting...