Celebrating Young Talent Across the Diocese

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The Knights of St Columba continue to celebrate the creativity and faith of young people across the Diocese of East Anglia through their annual competitions.

Two pupils from St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School achieved notable success in the Provincial Round of the Nativity Scene Painting Competition. Vivien Carrara (aged 8) was awarded first place at Key Stage 2 level, while Trixie Taylor (aged 6) achieved third place at Key Stage 1 level. Both were presented with their cash prizes and certificates at the school’s final Pilgrims of Hope assembly before half term. They also received National Participation Certificates in recognition of their excellent work.

This year’s only National winner from East Anglia & Brentwood Province 10 was Robert Hilland (aged 5) of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Robert received a personally inscribed trophy together with first prize awards of cash and certificates at National, Provincial and Council levels. Chosen from four national entrants submitted by his council, Robert was also the overall national winner at Key Stage 1. As a result, Our Lady of Lourdes Church received a £150 supporting grant from the Knights of St Columba.

Brother Christopher Brooks also presented cash awards and certificates at St Mary & St Peter Catholic Primary School, St Benet’s Catholic Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. These awards recognised six winning entrants in the Lowestoft Council 518 round, with additional encouragement prizes presented to runners-up.

In the Knights of St Columba Christmas 2025 Photography Competition, entrants were invited to depict either an altar scene or a crib scene. Lowestoft Council 518 was once again the only council represented at Provincial level, submitting all twelve of its first and second place entries to the National round. Two entries went on to receive National awards, in addition to their local and provincial recognition. Neha Shiji achieved first place at Key Stage 2 in the crib category, and Kirushanya Yokithan was awarded second place at Key Stage 3, also in the crib category.

An awards presentation for Provincial winners was held in February at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. In the front row of the group photograph are the National winners, Kirushanya (second from left) and Neha (centre). Behind them stand Brother Christopher Brooks, Province 10 Youth Officer; Fr Stephen Bould, Council 518 Chaplain; Caroline Langdon, Parish Safeguarding Officer; Fr Padraig Hawkins, Parish Priest; and Brother Jason Wickard, Grand Knight of Council 518.

The Knights are now looking forward to receiving entries for the forthcoming Easter competitions, including Painting and Photography, as well as Prayer Writing and Essay Writing. These competitions are open to primary and secondary schools and parish entrants. Details were circulated by email before Christmas. Any late enquiries regarding Easter competition entries from parishes or individuals may be directed to Brother Christopher Brooks on 01502 563208.