AS has been the tradition for many years, prayers were said at the St Boniface Statue to mark the Crediton Saint’s Feast Day, held annually on June 5.

Observing social distancing, prayers were led by Crediton Rector, Rev Matthew Tregenza, other local faith leaders and the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking and Bob Edwards, chairman, Boniface Link Association, also speaking.

Members of the Boniface Link Association attended as well as many members of the public.

Folk singer Jim Causley, who thought of the idea that St Boniface become Patron Saint of Devon, two years ago, sang the song he had written entitled “St Boniface Day”.

The idea that Saint Boniface of Crediton be proclaimed Patron Saint of Devon was highlighted by Alan Quick in the "Crediton Courier" and it was this story which inspired the late Judy Tucker, secretary of the Boniface Link Association and friends to launch a campaign.

Religious leaders were asked for letters of support, which were readily forthcoming, and with these, the then County Councillor for Crediton, Cllr Nick Way, took the recommendation from the Boniface Link Association to Devon County Council.

Devon County Council made its historic decision, after cross-party support, to agree to Boniface becoming Patron Saint of Devon at its meeting at the end of May, 2019.

During the ceremony at the statue there was a tribute to Judy Tucker who led the campaign and it was acknowledged that without her hard work and enthusiasm, Boniface might not have become Devon’s Patron Saint.

Boniface was born Wynfrith in 680AD in Crediton. He took Christianity to Germany and Holland and has been described by eminent historians as “The greatest Englishman of all time” and “the Englishman who has had a greater influence on the history of Europe than any other Englishman”. He is said to have founded the tradition of the Christmas tree.

Alan Quick