That’s that for Eileen

A MUSIC teacher who can count Take That star Mark Owen among her former pupils is ending her career on a high note.

Eileen Dwyer retires from Oldham Music Service at the end of the month after a harmonious 34 years.

She has taught music in numerous schools around the borough — including Holy Rosary where Mark Owen was one of her students — and Corpus Christi, St Patrick’s RC, Friezland primary and Blackshaw Lane primary.

She was originally introduced to OMS as a PGCE student in 1973 and commented at the time it would be a lovely place to work.

Little did she know seven years later she would be doing just that when she was appointed in 1980 by former director of music Dr Eileen Bentley.

In 1983 she was promoted to deputy head of the voice department and conducted various girls choirs and took on the role of accompanist, particularly with the boys’ choir.

Some of her fondest memories include being involved with the boy’s choir when they famously performed for the late Oldham-born dramatic soprano Dame Eva Turner in the 1980s and taking one of the girl’s choirs to the world-famous Llangollen Festival in 1995 and 1996.

Gerard Booth, director of Music for Oldham, said: “Eileen is a dedicated and highly-valued member of the Music Service.

“She will be sorely missed, not just in the music centre but also by all the pupils and staff of the Oldham schools in which she has worked. She has made a huge impact over the years and her love of singing has been passed on to countless children in Oldham.

“We will all miss her friendship and professionalism and everyone at the music centre wishes her and her husband, John, a long and happy retirement together.”