Recordings from the 2010 Cranmer Awards Finals
Please click here to hear Junior First Prizewinner Isabelle Tett (aged 12) reciting from the Book of Common Prayer.
The prizes were presented by former Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary Lord (Douglas) Hurd of Westwell. Click here to hear his remarks.
The 2010 National Finals were covered by BBC Radio Four on the 'Sunday' programme. Click here to hear the report.
What are the Cranmer Awards?
The Cranmer Awards are an annual competition run by the Prayer Book Society to introduce young people to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer - the bedrock of the Anglican Church and among the finest writing to be found anywhere.
Entrants from across the county read or recite a passage of their choice, 3-5 minutes in duration, from the Book of Common Prayer. Local heats are held around the country, and the winners of the heats go through to the National Final where competitors must recite their chosen passage by heart. Entrants are encouraged to ask a teacher or a priest for guidance on how to prepare for the Cranmer Awards.
There are two age groups: Juniors (11-14 years) and Jeniors (15-18 years). To enter the Junior class you should be at least 11 but not yet 15 on 1st February next; senior class 15 but not yet 19 on 1st February next.
Ideally suited to students of English, drama or RE, the Cranmer Awards allow young people to experience the sheer magic of Cranmer's language.
Teachers find the Awards a useful adjunct to studies, and students can relate to the Awards in their coursework and examinations. Each school/college/church may enter several young people in each category (Senior and Junior).
Click here for the Rules.
Click here for advice for competitors.
How to enter
For information about your local heat of the Cranmer Awards, please contact the National Administrator:
Merriel Halsall-Williams
To email Merriel please click here.
(or, for Oxon, Berks & Bucks - email Clare by clicking here)
Click here to return to the society page.