The Dorothy L Sayers Society is offering an annual Award of £500 to a young person under the age of 18 who has demonstrated some leadership qualities in their bellringing. The Award will allow the person to use the money in any way that will further their interest and development as a bellringer. This might involve such activities as visiting other towers, attending courses or funding new equipment for their own tower. A group application involving several young people will also be considered.
The Award is made in the name of the author Dorothy L Sayers, who, although not a ringer herself, was very enthusiastic about bells, an interest which started for her as a child when her father was Rector of Bluntisham church in Cambridgeshire. One of her best detective novels is The Nine Tailors, in which the bells and bellringing play a key part. The book is set in the Fens in the period after the first world war and contains an affectionate portrait of her parents and village life at that period in history.
Submissions must be made in writing (no more than 500 words) using the online application form, or with a short video (no longer than 2 minutes) . Applicants need to demonstrate their real enthusiasm and commitment to bellringing in their application.
2026 Award
The revamped Dorothy L Sayers Society Award for Young Leadership has attracted an outstanding and inspiring field of entries, underlining both the scale and the strength of emerging leadership within the ringing community. This year’s submissions stood out not only for their number, but for the depth of substance, initiative, and commitment demonstrated throughout.
Entries showcased a vibrant and thriving future for bellringing, highlighting individuals who are not only developing their own skills but actively inspiring and supporting others. From rebuilding tower bands and leading practices, to organising events, teaching new ringers, and innovating within the wider community, the standard of submissions has been truly outstanding.
After careful consideration, three entries have now been shortlisted. All three exemplify the spirit of the award—demonstrating leadership, dedication, and a commitment to strengthening the future of ringing.
Francis Gilruth (West Yorkshire) – recognised for exceptional leadership in rebuilding and transforming a tower band while achieving an impressively high personal standard of ringing.
Daniel Holmes à Court (Hampshire) – shortlisted for his remarkable organisational leadership, including a wide range of events, projects, and innovative initiatives promoting ringing.
Luca Greenslade (West Sussex) – selected for his outstanding leadership in running practices, organising ringing opportunities, and captaining and developing young ringers.
Special Mentions
The judges were also keen to recognise a number of other entries which demonstrated notable enthusiasm, contribution, and potential and special mention is given to:
- Amber Wheaver (Staffordshire) – for her thoughtful and inclusive leadership in supporting and developing young ringers.
- Edith Allen, Lana Page, Liz Ffrench-Lynch and Immy Oliver (Liss) – for an enthusiastic submission demonstrating engagement and encouragement within a group context.
The shortlisted candidates have been notified and invited to attend the award ceremony, which will take place at the CCCBR Annual Council Meeting in Rugby this September. This will provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside the wider ringing community.
The CCCBR and DLSS extend their warmest congratulations to all who entered. The strength, diversity, and enthusiasm evident in this year’s applications offer great confidence that the future of ringing is in very capable hands.