Special award for fostering the study of languages
The Threlford Cup is CIOL’s prestigious award for inspiring the learning of languages, presented annually for an activity that has inspired others with an original language-learning or teaching initiative.
The winner of the award is selected from nominations received from the wider languages community. Everyone is welcome to nominate.
If you would like to make a nomination, please complete the online nomination form.
If you have any queries, please contact us.
History of the Threlford Cup
First presented in 1935 by Sir Lacon Threlford, Founder of the Institute of Linguists, the cup was described as the world's greatest trophy for fostering the study of languages and of marvellous beauty.
Current holder and previous winners
2024 winner: Charity Translators
Cari Bottois, the charity's co-founder, is pictured with John Worne, CEO CIOL, to receive the award on behalf of all volunteers at Charity Translators.
Charity Translators has grown from just a handful of volunteers to a community of over 1500 volunteers who use their language skills to support a wide variety of charitable projects. These include support for human rights, education, migration, mental health and palliative care to name just a few.
As Charity Translators have said of themselves: "We are 100% people-powered and our reward comes from using our languages and knowledge of translation and interpreting to help charities and their beneficiaries.
In 2023 the Threlford Cup was awarded jointly to two winners:
Stephen Spender Trust
Dr Charlotte Ryland, pictured here with colleagues and CIOL Patron Prince Michael of Kent, was awarded the Threlford Cup for her work as Director of the Stephen Spender Trust (SST). Inspired by the vision, beliefs and actions of Stephen Spender toward multilingualism and the importance of languages in society, the Stephen Spender Trust has developed a number of outstanding competitions and awards promoting multilingual translation of literature. Their flagship programme ‘Creative Translation for All’ is representative of their cultural activism around a diverse range of languages. Initiatives include Poetry in Translation Award and Creative Translation Education programmes in schools.
Robbie Norval, pictured here with CIOL Patron Prince Michael of Kent, picked up the award on behalf of Lingo Flamingo, an organisation with an innovative approach to making language learning accessible for older adults and people living with dementia which recognises that language learning helps strengthen the brain. Participants have reported an increased sense of worth and self-confidence, and they have the opportunity to complete an SQA certified unit which provides them with a sense of achievement and accomplishment. The ethos is that it is never too late to learn something new!
More Threlford Cup award winners
First presented in 1935 by Sir Lacon Threlford, Founder of the Institute of Linguists, in the archives of the time, the Threlford Cup was described as "the world's greatest trophy for fostering the study of languages" and "of marvellous beauty".
Current holder and past winners
2024: Charity Translators
2022-23: Joint winners: Stephen Spender Trust / Lingo Flamingo
2021-22: Civil Service Languages Network
2020: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
2019: uTalk Junior Challenge
2018: Young Interpreter Scheme
2017: MFL Student Mentoring Project
2016: Sally Fagan, Business Language Champions
2015: European Masters in Translation Programme/Angeliki Petrits (programme leader)
2014: GCHQ Language Outreach Programme
2013: Lizzie Fane, Founder, ThirdYearAbroad.com
2012: Arsenal Double Club Languages
2011: Italian in Italy, Association of Italian Schools
2010: Luisa Ribeiro
About Sir Lacon Threlford
Sir Lacon was, amongst other things, the Governor of Fiji, a Mason of outstanding rank, sponsor at the induction of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and has a window dedicated to him at the Church of St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London.
