Bonnie Tyler's passing has left a profound impact on her home village of Mumbles, where she was known as Gaynor Sullivan, a down-to-earth neighbor rather than a global superstar. The singer's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with the community council organizing a book of memories at the Ostreme centre. This book is filled with stories from locals, many of whom recall meeting her at the local Marks & Spencer store, where she was always happy to stop and chat. One entry tells of a woman from France who was feeling homesick while living in Mumbles and was helped by Bonnie's kindness. Family friend Julie Read, who calls her Gaynor rather than Bonnie Tyler, remembers a much more personal side. She stayed at the singer's villa in Portugal for their honeymoon and shared many Christmas days over her house. One of her favorite photos is of her daughter playing the piano there with Gaynor standing beside her. The village will remember Tyler's life with a special event added to this year's Retro Week music event. This event will feature singers performing some of her songs, a chance to hear from members of her team, and people sharing stories about her life and career. Organizer Paul Whittaker said, 'She was just Gaynor from up the road. I think that's what endeared her to people. She was down-to-earth, there were no airs and graces. She wasn't surrounded by a team of people protecting her, she was just herself.' The event will also give fans a chance to meet and share their own memories. But perhaps the most poignant moment will be when the cortege passes through the streets on Saturday. The music at the week-long festival will stop during this time. Then later, at the family's request, Tyler's hit 'It's a Heartache' and her version of 'Simply the Best' will be played across the bay. For a singer who sang all across the world, it will be an intimate farewell in the place she called home.
