Daltonian praised for bellringing skills at an award presentation

Carlisle Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers presented a trophy to Iwan Cotgreave as the Young Ringer of the Year Award.

When home from university, the 20-year-old attends both Barrow and Dalton practices as well as Sunday ringing for both towers, weddings and other occasions such as supporting ringers to new achievements.

Iwan being presented the award (Image: Submitted)

Andy Pollock, the tower captain at St James’ church in Barrow, said: "Iwan was not expecting anything even after his parents Graham and Anne-Marie proudly appeared from nowhere at Wigton to share in the presentation of The Young Ringer Award. The surprise on his face as the penny dropped was priceless – we are all so delighted and very proud of Iwan.

"Very many congratulations to Iwan for his well-deserved Young Ringers Award, and thanks to Ruth Gilbert for presenting the Trophy and the Carlisle Diocesan Guild for recognising all his achievements and continued commitment to the art as mentioned in his nomination.

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"Iwan’s commitment at University is second to none as he is currently the Ringing Master of St. Mary’s, Swansea and the Deputy Master of the Welsh Colleges Society (WCS).

"Iwan also attends many outings with the WCS as well as the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers and Carlisle Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.

"Iwan always tries to attend our tower social events and pub trips and is a very well-liked member of the band.

Bellringers with Iwan (Image: Submitted)

"He is always looking to improve his own ringing as well as the ringing of others and is always willing to give advice when we can and is always keen to take the advice of others.

"He is keen to learn new methods and has recently developed an interest for conducting and composing. He has been exploring and experimenting with Complib to come up with unusual, weird and wonderful compositions."

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Iwan’s first quarter peal was five years ago in April 2019, his first peal in July 2022, and his first quarter conducted in August 2022.

In the last 12 months, Iwan has rung 18 quarter peals (5 of which he has conducted), 1 half peal, and 1 peal.

He has shown leadership as Ringing Master and Steeple Keeper (St Mary’s Swansea) and Deputy Master of the Welsh College’s Society.

"His enthusiasm and good nature has reinvigorated ringing in his demographic (students) in Swansea, helped to resurrect ringing at St Mary’s Swansea, and flown the flag for ringing in Cumbria," Andy added.