Thomas Metcalfe of Kirkby-in-Furness who has been appointed an MBE for over 60 years of service to bell rining in South Cumbria.03/01/2017JON GRANGER
An MBE was awarded to Thomas Metcalfe, of Kirkby-in-Furness, for his services to bell ringing.
Mr Metcalfe has rung the bells and taught the ropes for 60 years, ringing at St Cuthbert's in Kirkby, St Mary's in Great Urswick and in Broughton.
"This was very unexpected," he said. "It is one of those things you never expect to happen to you, and it is not why you do the work.
"I got into bell ringing out of curiosity. I was in a choir in Flookburgh, and I heard the bells ringing, and I went to have a look.
"I was hooked from then, so to speak.
"It can be hard work teaching people; you can't see what you are doing. You just have the feel of the ropes. But it has kept me out of mischief for 60 years."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here