Andy Pollock writes:
Saturday 17th August was a very special day for Iwan and fun day all round for all involved.
- Footgolf at the Glebe, Bowness.
- Wedding Ringing at Hawkshead
- Surprise Major Practice at St Mary, Wigton
- Presentation of the CDGCBR Young Ringer of the Year Award
- Meal at the Sun Inn Red Dial, Wigton (plus some games of pool)
All of Andy and Jayden’s subterfuge paid off handsomely as 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.
So, Very Many Congratulations to Iwan Cotgreave 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 (a few extracts below).
When home from University, Iwan attends both Barrow and Dalton practices as well as Sunday ringing for both towers, weddings and other ringing such as supporting ringers to new achievements.
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. Iwan also attends many outings with the WCS as well as the LACR and CDGCBR.
Iwan always tries to attend our tower social events and pub trips and is a very well-liked member of the band.
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.
Iwan’s first quarter peal was 5 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.
Has shown leadership as Ringing Master and Steeple Keeper (St Mary’s Swansea) and Deputy Master or 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.
He is always keen to support and help with open days, recruitment, and other jobs and events – both physical help and ‘mingling’/chatting to interested people. He is always keen to try new ideas, explain to others and stand beside learners to help them when they ring. There is always a positive and fun atmosphere when he’s present.
