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NEWS FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Children with dyslexia: tell your story

Children who have difficulties reading and writing can enter short poems, stories or articles on the theme of ‘Dyslexia and Me’ in a new competition launched by Gloucestershire Dyslexia Association (GDA). It’s a chance for young people to describe their challenges, triumphs and how they deal with misconceptions about the condition. Children who haven’t yet been officially assessed for dyslexia are also welcome to enter.

“It may seem illogical to hold a writing competition for dyslexic children and those who struggle to read and write,” says GDA chair Claire Penketh. “However, we will be focusing on their storytelling and ideas, not their grammar and spelling. They can also send us a short audio file or video. Writing is about thoughts, feelings and opinions, and you don’t necessarily need perfect spelling and grammar to express yourself.”

The closing date is Thu 14 April and there will be an awards ceremony with competition judges, children’s writer John Dougherty (pictured) and Ziggy the Poet at The Sub Rooms, Stroud on Sat 30 April.

Gloucestershire Dyslexia Association

Waterways’ family amble

W: gloucestershiredyslexia.org.uk

Cotswold Canals Trust marks its 50th anniversary with a fundraiser on Sun 1 May, the CanAmble, a sponsored walk along the towpath between Stroud and Sapperton. Families can enjoy beautiful countryside and learn about how the trust is restoring and reunifying the Cotswolds’ canals with the national network.

Walkers meet at Wallbridge in Stroud between 10am and 11am, with various options for food and refreshments along the way. Registering costs £20 per adult, free for children, but every extra pound you raise through sponsorship and donations is welcomed by the trust.

CanAmble 2022 Sun 1 May W: cotswoldcanals.org

FESTS RETURN

Two family-friendly festivals return to Gloucestershire, with Wychwood Festival back at Cheltenham Racecourse from Fri 3 Jun to Sun 5 Jun, with a brilliant kids area, and music from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Boney M. Before that, Lechlade Music Festival returns from Fri 27-Sun 29 May, with kids’ tent, bouncy castles, fairgrounds and headliner Alexandra Burke. U16s go free.

Tall ships ahoy!

Gloucestershire families should get ready to splice the mainbrace and cry ‘anchors aweigh!’ as Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival heaves into view after its postponement last year due to Covid-19. The rescheduled event sails into Gloucester Docks for the Queen’s platinum jubilee weekend (Fri 3-Sun 5 June), and includes the Sea Shanty Festival with performers in streets already decked out for the jubilee.

As well as the chance to climb aboard the tall ships, there’ll be live battle re-enactments, seafaring characters and music of all kinds to enjoy. The event was named one of the 40 best UK festivals to book for 2022 by the i newspaper and normally attracts some 100,000 visitors to the city. Keep an eye on the website for more details as the big weekend approaches.

Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival Gloucester Docks 3-5 June W: www. gloucestertallships.co.uk