It was with much joy and excitement, on Sunday 13th March in our Parish Eucharist, that Bob Cooles was presented with the Lancelot Andrewes Award. The Lancelot Andrewes Award is in the gift of the Bishop of Southwark, which is bestowed to individuals in recognition of their ‘zeal for the Gospel and Godly service’.
Bob Cooles has worshipped at St Mary’s Battersea since 1965, where he began bell ringing as a teenager, having started his bellringing ministry in Clapham. It was at St Mary’s that Bob met his wife Carole, who persuaded him to join the choir, and he taught her to ring bells.
Bob served as Tower Captain from 1967 up until last month. As well as his valuable ministry in the belfry and in the choir, Bob has served in numerous capacities over the years as PCC Secretary, Treasurer, PCC Vice Chair and Churchwarden! Not only that, but Bob has served the wider diocesan family advising on bells for the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and the Diocesan Pastoral Committee. Bob’s humble service, gentle character and extraordinary knowledge has been, and continues to be a gift to St Mary’s, the local community and the Diocese. We give thanks for the gift that he is to us, as he continues in the Lord’s service in the place.
