The Society’s Journey of a Lifetime Award, run in partnership with BBC Radio 4, gives you the chance to undertake an original, inspiring and personal journey anywhere in the world, with £5,000 to cover expenses and the support of a BBC radio producer to help you record your journey for a BBC Radio 4 programme.
Lynne Anderson received the Journey of a Lifetime Award in February 2020. After over two years of delay due to the pandemic, Lynne was able to undertake her journey, travelling to Salt Lake City in Utah, USA in April this year.
We caught up with Lynne to ask her more about her unique journey, and what advice she would give anyone wanting to apply for the 2023 award.
What is your journey of a lifetime about?
21 years ago, at the age of 21, I served as a Mormon missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. This spring I returned for a 20-year reunion, though with a different perspective and outlook. Revisiting the past, this time looking from the outside in, my journey took me from Salt Lake City on to the epic landscapes of Utah, to find a different sense of spiritual peace to what I’d experienced in the city. I reflect on what the experience meant to me and what if anything might have been different if I were to have my time again.
Where did you travel?
I flew into Salt Lake City Utah and spent a week there before leaving to explore Utah's 'big five' National Parks. Then passing through Arizona to take in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon before flying out of Las Vegas, where I spent the last few nights of my trip.
What radio training did you receive from the BBC, and what equipment did you use?
Part of the selection process involved a full day’s training at BBC Broadcasting House. The morning was spent listening to clips of previous episodes with explanations of how to obtain similarly useful recordings. We were introduced to the handheld recording device, that would be used if we were successful, and shown how to use it. We also had an opportunity to practice everything we had learned in a real-life situation. The training was very practical and helpful, and a very enjoyable day.
After the competition element was over the BBC producer who would be putting the final show together was on hand every step of the way. He could not have been more helpful and supportive.
What advice would you give to someone looking to apply for this award in 2023?
I think I'd say choose something close to your heart with personal significance then don't overthink or over complicate your proposal. Let the idea choose you, then forget it's a competition and just enjoy each stage of the process.
You can listen to Lynne’s broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Monday 24 October at 4.00pm, or any time after the first broadcast, along with past episodes, on BBC Sounds.
If you want to go on your own Journey of a Lifetime in 2023, find out more and apply now.