A former Penarth resident living in Texas has set up an educational scholarship in memory of his late wife. 

Geoffrey Mules, 76, was born on Glebe Street and his wife, Annette was born on Salop Street. Sadly, Annette died on September 6, 2021, her 75th birthday. "We [the Mules family] just thought, in her honour, because she was from Penarth that we could inspire kids from the town with big dreams," Mr Mules tells Penarth Nub News. 

The scholarship is open to students aged between 13-19 and applicants must write an essay with a minimum of 200 words explaining how the money will be used to achieve their life goals.  

Both Geoffrey and Annette were born in Penarth. (Image credit: Geoffrey Mules)

One girl and one boy will be chosen to receive a cash reward of £500 each. All applicants must live in Penarth or attend a Penarth school and the essay should also include a reference of either a teacher, relative or friend. "If you want to buy a flute, go on holiday, buy a bible – I don't care what it is. Send us your story and we'll judge who should get it," says Mr Mules. 

Annette's humble beginning, from working as a shop assistant in her teens to starting her own businesses in Canada and America, is the inspiration behind starting the scholarship. "Annette left school when she was 14 and started work in a little shop called Perks selling bacon and cheese," he says. 

"But working in a little shop from the age of 14 to becoming a controller at a major corporation with 120 employees, managing the accounting functions with her educational background. 

"I'm the one with a degree in economics and she was the one that did all of the accounting!" 

Annette's humble beginning and her rise to starting her own businesses is the inspiration behind the scholarship. (Image credit: Geoffrey Mules)

The couple left Penarth in 1977 and relocated to Canada, where two of Mr Mules' brothers were already in the country. When they arrived, Annette started work in a department store before getting a job at Toronto-Dominion bank, and the company enrolled her on a typing course.  

After five years, the couple settled in Texas and embarked on setting up their own businesses, first with home remodelling and then manufacturing. "She ran the businesses for more than 25 years," says Mr Mules. "We were a great partnership, a great family, and successful businesses."  

From picking up a guitar in her early 50s, Annette and Mr Mules also performed music together with their daughter, Kathy at a few local bars and large music venues to raise money for various charities. 

Approximately $350,000 raised by the couple went to start up the International Space School Foundation (ISSF) at Stanwell School in 1998.  

The couple raised more than $350,000 from performing music together. (Image credit: Geoffrey Mules)

Eventually, students around the world could apply to live with astronauts or at their home near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for three weeks. "After some time, we ended up with 40 kids from 20 different countries coming to stay with us and we funded it all," says Mr Mules.  

As a result of her contribution to space science education, Annette was awarded a NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal in 2003. 

A concert celebrating the life of Annette will also be taking place at the Penarth Ex Servicemen's Club on September 4, between 14:00 – 17:00, where Geoffrey will return to the town to perform with other musical guests.  

Scholarship applications should be sent by email to [email protected] by no later than midnight on August 30.  

Remember to include your full name, address, age and the school attended.