Each year, on Ascension Day, we walk around the medieval parish of St Mary the Virgin, marking the old boundaries, through colleges and libraries, crossing alleyways and the High Street, from Brasenose, to the Bodleian, to Hertford, All Souls and University College, all the way around to Oriel.

One of the highlights of this tradition is the cherry cake served at All Souls College (part of the College is built on the site of a cherry orchard which belonged to the Vicar of St Mary’s). This year we are going on a Virtual Beating of the Bounds and we are announcing a Cherry Cake Competition, using a recipe kindly offered to us by All Souls College.

Use the recipe below and send us your most imaginative pictures of your cherry cakes by 20 May. We will feature the best ones on our social media on Ascension Day.

You can download the recipe here.

Teach us, O God, to view our life here on earth as a pilgrim’s path to heaven,
and give us grace to tread it courageously in the company of your faithful people.
Help us to set our affections on things above,
not on the passing vanities of this world,
and grant that as we journey on in the way of holiness
we may bear a good witness to our Lord,
and serve all who need our help along the way,
for the glory of your name. Amen