Treasures of faith discovered at Barnetby Church now on display
Three remarkable treasures recently discovered at St Mary’s Church, Barnetby, have been united at North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe.
Read the storyThe Cranmer Awards returns to Lincolnshire
The Cranmer Awards is a national public-speaking competition for young people aged 11 to 18. It is returning to St Botolph’s Church in Boston, who will host a regional showdown. You don’t just have to be from Boston, it’s open to all those eligible in the Diocese of Lincoln!
What Are the Cranmer Awards?
The Cranmer Awards invite young people from all backgrounds and faiths to recite a passage from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. It is a text at the heart of Anglican worship and English literary heritage. The competition is open to both individuals and groups entered by schools or churches, with categories for Juniors (11–14) and Seniors (15–18).
Lincolnshire Regional Heat Details
Date & Time: Saturday 17 October 2026 at 2pm
Venue: St Botolph’s Church, Boston (AKA Boston Stump)
Eligibility: Open to all young people aged 11–18
Competitors will present a passage of their choice from the Book of Common Prayer, lasting 3–5 minutes, to a panel of judges and an audience of supporters. There are prizes of £50, £30, and £20 to the top three in each age group at the regional level. Every participant will receive a certificate.
How to Enter
Please complete this form and return it no later than Friday 17 October 2025. You can this by post or hand to St Botolph’s Parish Church, Boston (Boston Stump), Market Place, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6NP or by email to admin@parishofboston.co.uk
National Final of the Cranmer Awards at Hampton Court Palace
Winners from the Lincolnshire heat will be invited to the final which is held on the last Saturday of February. The 2027 final of the Cranmer Awards will take place on Saturday 27 February at the University of St John, York.
In recent years, prizes have been presented by His Majesty The King, who is Patron of the Prayer Book Society.
Why Take Part?
The Cranmer Awards celebrate the beauty and depth of the Book of Common Prayer, a cornerstone of Christian worship and English language. The competition offers young people a unique opportunity to develop public speaking skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.
How You Can Help
We encourage schools, churches, and community groups to share this opportunity widely and support young people as they prepare. Family, friends, and supporters are warmly invited to attend the regional heat and cheer on the participants. Refreshments will be available for all.
For more information about the Cranmer Awards and the Prayer Book Society, visit their website.
For more information
Contact:
The Parish of Boston
1 Wormgate, Boston, PE21 6NP
Tel: 01205 310929
Email: admin@parishofboston.co.uk
Facebook: @bostonstump
X: @Stump_boston