Memories have been shared of a stalwart Saundersfoot teacher and familiar face on Pembrokeshire’s music scene.

Isabel Merriman, affectionately known as ‘Bel’ of Reynalton, sadly passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 28. She was 73.

Bel who taught at Saundersfoot CP School for many years was a talented musician and someone who traveled worldwide to concerts, especially Bruce Springsteen, with it estimated to be over 70 times that she had seen ‘The Boss’ live, after first seeing him perform live back in 1981.

One such connection to Bruce came back in the summer of 2015, when Bel’s living room at her home in the quiet village of Reynalton, became the venue for a unique one of a kind musical experience performed by a member of Springsteen's E Street Band!

American singer-songwriter Jake Clemons who took over the role of saxophonist for Springsteen's backing band when his uncle, Clarence Clemons, a founding member, passed away in 2011, visited the Pembrokeshire village as part of his 'In Your Living Room' tour of the UK and Ireland.

"I'm still coming down to earth. To have Jake Clemons perform such an intimate and special gig in my home, for family and friends, has been beyond my wildest dreams and such a huge privilege,” said Isabel at the time.

Ray Dony of Pembroke Dock, who knew Isabael from the Pembrokeshire music scene, shared his thoughts following her passing.

“How would we describe a lady who managed to combine two careers, one of public service and one which involved extensive UK and world travel. Such a lady was Isabel Merriman,” he said.

“From a young age Isabel showed a love of all things music, coming from a family with a musical background. In 1969 she went to college in Liverpool for teacher training.

“She quickly established herself in that hot bed of acoustic music, being the home of Beatlemania.

“The management of the famous folk singers ‘The Spinners’ offered Isabel a chance to tour with them as a support act, but she declined the chance to tour for a few months, and finished her college course and taught in Liverpool and St. Helens.”

Isabel returned to teach in Saundersfoot after a few years away, teaching thousands of children down the years.

“Teaching is not a nine to five job in fact it is a vocation, but Isabel also found time make her mark on the music scene, doing many recording sessions as a vocalist, and when work commitments allowed, she toured the UK with ‘Atlantic Crossing’ a well established Country and Western Band,” continued Ray.

“During holidays she travelled the world, from America to Australia, again having opportunities to pursue a musical career. The uncertain life of a professional musician did not appeal to Isabel, so she finished a very full life as a guitar vocalist with ‘The Cleddau River Ramblers’ a local country/bluegrass outfit.

“We will miss Isabel, in a world short of characters. A lovely lady,” he added.