Talented teacher wins scholarship in memory of Welsh music legend

A TEACHER who composed music has won a scholarship set up in memory of a Welsh music legend.

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Elin Rhys Owen, a teacher at Welsh-medium primary school Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin, said she was “extremely moved” to have been chosen as the recipient of the Leah Owen Scholarship.

Leah, originally from Rhosmeirch on Anglesey, lived in the village of Prion, near Denbigh, for many years with her husband, Eifion Lloyd Jones, and children Angharad, Elysteg, Ynyr and Rhys.

Elin met Leah several times when she visited Ysgol Pen Barras for teaching projects.

She said: “Her musicality was beyond compare. I always felt it was a real privilege to be able to meet her, listen to her sing and watch her mentor our young pupils, who were completely entranced by her music.”

Elin is the second winner of the scholarship, which was established last year by Denbighshire Music Cooperative in association with Leah's family. The award funds an annual scholarship in Leah's name to enable a Denbighshire teacher or a Year 11-plus pupil to attend the annual course led by Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru.