THE latest recipients of The Mail’s Bouquet of the Week are a couple who are leaving Barrow behind after more than half a decade as pillars of the community.

Canon Gary Cregeen, the team rector of south Barrow churches, and his wife Julie are due to leave Barrow to take up a new church role in Penrith.

The pair were nominated for the flowers by Reverend Robin Ham, of Barrow’s Grace Church.

Gary has presided over Sunday services at St George’s and St Aidan’s Church for the last seven years having moved from the north east.

He also served as the rural dean, responsible for a number of churches around Barrow and acted as the personal chaplain to a number of Barrow mayors.

Robin said: “Both Gary and Julie have served wonderfully and have given themselves to the people of Barrow wholeheartedly - they really are a team.

“Gary has been an excellent voice for the community during his time here.

“He also guided through my training year when I moved to Barrow and I am very grateful for his support and guidance.

“Julie has also been a key figure in the community and should be mentioned as well as Gary.”

Gary said he would be sad to leave Barrow and enjoyed his time in the town.

“I will miss Barrow a great deal.

“I have really enjoyed my time here and will be said to leave the community behind.”

Mayor Bill McEwan praised the pair and said he and his wife Judith had become good friends with the couple.

Cllr McEwan said: “In my year as mayor it’s been a pleasure to have Gary as our chaplain, not only in his job, but myself and Judith have become friends to Gary and Julie and it’s a friendship I hope will continue and I hope we can keep in touch.

“We will be sad to see him and Julie leave as will all his congregation and colleagues.

“It’s been a pleasure to have known him and I wish him and Julie every success and best wishes for the future.”

If you would like to nominate a special person or group for The Mail’s Bouquet of the Week then please send your nominations to dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk, making sure to leave your contact details.

If you would like to nominate a special person or group for The Mail's Bouquet of the Week then please send your nominations to dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk, making sure to leave your contact details.