THIS year’s telling of “The Story of St Boniface” will take place at 3pm on Sunday, June 5, St Boniface’s Feast Day, in Newcombes Meadow, Crediton.

The 20-minute dramatic interpretation is free and is designed to appeal to children and adults.

“It’s a bit Horrible Histories, a bit educational, but mostly a lot of fun”, said Rachel Vowles, the former Associate Director of Youth and Community at the Northcott Theatre, who is directing the short play.

Families are encouraged to take a picnic and watch the play, which will be staged in front of the statue of St Boniface.

The award winning Oliver’s Bakery has designed a special St Boniface cupcake for the occasion and 100 will be available at the play for people to enjoy, free-of-charge.

The telling of the “Story of St Boniface” will follow a free guided educational walk about St Boniface around the old town, taking in Tolleys, where St Boniface was born, the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of the Holy Cross.

The walk, which is open to all members of the public, will be led by local historian Judi Binks and will start at 2pm from the town square. 

Later in the day, the diocesan pilgrimage to Crediton, presided over by the Bishop of Plymouth, will hold a number of events beginning at the St Boniface Church in Park Road at 4pm.

This will include a procession to the statue of St Boniface in Newcombes Meadow followed by prayers and afternoon tea back at the church at 5pm.

St Boniface was born in Crediton in 680AD and is recognised as one of Europe’s most important religious figures.

Once described as “the greatest ever Englishman”, St Boniface’s missionary work covered most of central Europe and he is reputed to have given Christian symbolism to the fir tree, which later became the Christmas tree.

Boniface was murdered by Frisian bandits in 754AD in Dokkum, Germany. His dramatic life and achievements will be entertainingly acted out in Newcombes Meadow at 3pm on Sunday, June 5.

For more information, please contact Paul Tucker on 07967 179666.

Alan Quick