Floyd Reading Prize celebrates the magic of reading aloud

The Floyd Reading Prize is a long-standing tradition in the School Calendar, run annually by the English Department. Now in its 103rd year, the competition is named in honour of George Alexander Floyd, a renowned teacher at Tonbridge between 1890 and 1921.

This year’s competition was adjudicated by guest speaker, Natalie Greenwood, who welcomed participants and guests in her opening address, “It gives me great pleasure to be here to celebrate the art and the magic of reading aloud; to enter into the spirit of a time-honoured tradition, and to hear old words given new life for future readers and listeners.”

The ensuing competition showcased a diverse selection of readings from the Novi, Intermediate, and Senior categories.

In the Novi category, George (WH1) impressed the judges with his impeccable readings of The Day The Saucers Came by Neil Gaiman and I Used To Live Here Once by Jean Rhys, earning him first place. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It was a privilege to be able to take part in this prestigious competition. I have liked the poem in particular for a while, so it was an honour to be able to read it aloud.”

William (CH2) claimed the top prize in the Intermediate category with his performances of War Music by Christopher Logue and The Machine Stops by EM Forster.

In the Senior category, Farlie (Sc5) emerged victorious with powerful readings of Omeros by Derek Walcott and No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.

Summing up the evening, Sam Farmer said, “As always, the evening conjured magic, surprise, and was thoroughly entertaining. Long live the spoken word.”