The future of ringing was celebrated at the CCCBR Annual Council Meeting on 5 September 2026 when Francis Gilruth was announced as the winner of the 2026 Dorothy L Sayers Society Award for Young Leadership. The award recognises exceptional leadership among young ringers under the age of 18 and carries a prize of £500 to support their continued development in ringing.
The presentation was made in the presence of the Chair and members of the Dorothy L Sayers Society, who joined Central Council members in recognising the outstanding achievements of this year’s applicants. The judges were faced with an exceptionally strong field of candidates, with 20 entries showcasing a vibrant and thriving future for bellringing. Applications demonstrated remarkable commitment to teaching, organising events, rebuilding tower bands, developing new ringers, and promoting ringing within their communities.
Highly Commended
The judges awarded Highly Commended certificates to both Luca Greenslade and Daniel Holmes à Court, recognising their exceptional contributions to ringing and youth leadership.
At just 17, Luca has demonstrated outstanding leadership both locally and across Sussex. As Team Captain of the Sussex Young Ringers, he has organised practices, coordinated activities across a geographically dispersed group, conducted an all-under-18 quarter peal, and created opportunities for young ringers to develop their skills and participate in national events. His work running practice nights at Easebourne and Midhurst has helped other ringers progress while fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Judges described his application as “really strong” and praised the clear evidence of leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to developing others.
Daniel Holmes à Court, aged 14, impressed the judges with an extraordinary range of organisational achievements. As a project lead at All Saints, Odiham, he has coordinated ringing for school services and special occasions, organised tower outings and major trips, including a visit to Ypres and the battlefields, and developed innovative outreach projects such as a portable flowerpot mini-ring to engage new audiences. His work demonstrates exceptional initiative, communication, planning ability, and a clear desire to encourage young people into ringing. The judges highlighted his extensive record of organised events and described his leadership evidence as “exceptional”.
A Worthy Winner
The 2026 award was presented to Francis Gilruth, whose application stood out for its breadth, impact, and commitment to supporting others. As Tower Captain at Chapel Allerton, Francis has played a transformational role in rebuilding his band following the challenges of the Covid period. Through structured teaching, encouragement, and careful organisation, he has helped develop new ringers, strengthen participation, and create a cohesive and motivated group.
His leadership extends far beyond technical instruction. Francis has organised social events, reconnected ringers with the wider Leeds Branch, and created opportunities for others to achieve important milestones through quarter peals and ringing activities. The judges particularly praised his emphasis on enabling others to succeed, recognising leadership that is rooted in service, encouragement, and long-term community building.
Alongside these achievements, Francis maintains an impressive personal ringing record and contributes to youth ringing on a wider scale through his involvement with the Yorkshire Tykes. His leadership, mentoring, conducting and support for regional youth ringing demonstrate an impact that reaches well beyond his home tower.
The judging panel described him as an “excellent candidate” with “exceptional leadership”, “one of the strongest cases presented”, and “a highly developed young ringer with extensive ringing and leadership skills”.
Presenting the award, the Dorothy L Sayers Society celebrated not only Francis’s achievement but also the remarkable quality of all the entries. The applications demonstrated that young ringers are taking on leadership roles, rebuilding bands, mentoring others, organising events, and ensuring a bright future for the Exercise. With candidates of the calibre of Francis Gilruth, Luca Greenslade, and Daniel Holmes à Court, the future of bellringing is clearly in very capable hands.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Dorothy L Sayers Society Award continues to highlight the remarkable talent, commitment and leadership being shown by young ringers across the country. With 20 outstanding applications received in 2026, the judges were encouraged by the breadth of achievements and the enthusiasm of young people who are helping to shape the future of the Exercise.
Young ringers who are developing others, organising events, rebuilding bands, teaching learners, leading practices, or finding innovative ways to promote ringing are encouraged to consider applying for the 2027 Dorothy L Sayers Society Award.
Details of the 2027 award, including eligibility criteria and application arrangements, will be announced shortly. The Dorothy L Sayers Society and the Central Council look forward to receiving another strong field of applications and celebrating the next generation of ringing leaders.
Congratulations once again to Francis Gilruth, winner of the 2026 Dorothy L Sayers Society Award for Young Leadership, and to highly commended recipients Luca Greenslade and Daniel Holmes à Court. Their achievements demonstrate that the future of bellringing is bright, ambitious and in capable hands.
Vicki Chapman
CCCBR Deputy President