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Read the storyYoung people from across Lincolnshire showcased their skills in reciting the Book of Common Prayer at diocesan heat hosted by St Botolph’s Church, Boston.
St Botolph’s Church, Boston – widely known as the Boston Stump – recently hosted the diocesan heat of the national Cranmer Awards, celebrating the tradition and beauty of the language of the Book of Common Prayer.
Organised by the Prayer Book Society, the competition invites young people aged 11–18 to recite a passage from the historic Book of Common Prayer before an audience of supporters and a panel of judges. Invitations to take part were sent to secondary schools across Lincolnshire, with information also shared through local parishes.
The competition showcased an impressive range of passages, with candidates reciting from the Psalter and readings appointed for particular Sundays. One participant took on the formidable challenge of reciting the Athanasian Creed in its entirety. The judges remarked that this is arguably one of the most challenging texts in the Prayer Book to recite.
The standard of performance demonstrated the continuing appeal of the Book of Common Prayer and the enthusiasm of a new generation for engaging with its rich language and heritage.
Brother and sister Vasanthan and Vijayaranu, from the parish of Wyberton, were among the outstanding performers, winning their respective age groups. Both will now progress to the national finals, which will take place next February at York St John University, where they will compete against winners from dioceses across the country.
A huge well done to all who participated!