Civic service

THE new mayor of Liskeard, Tony Powell, is to hold his civic service at St Martin's church on Sunday June 17 at 11am.

He will be officially accompanied by the mayoress, his wife Janet.

Coffees for

Sierra Leone

A COFFEE morning is being organised on behalf of Liskeard Churches Together, on Saturday June 2, at 8 Trevanion Road, Liskeard, home of former mayor Pat Ambler.

The event is to raise funds to help with the rehabilitation and recovery for those families caught up in the conflict in Sierra Leone. It will take place between 10am and 2pm, and all are welcome.

Mayor's chaplain

THE mayor's chaplain for Liskeard during the term of new mayor, Tony Powell, is to be Rev Christopher Newell.

Both Rev Newell and Mr Powell are parent carers at the new respite centre, on the former BT site in Liskeard.

Dyslexia training

for local teachers

THE Dyslexia Centres, Devon and Cornwall (DCDC), branch based at Liskeard is starting nationally recognised accredited training courses for teachers of dyslexia to start in September.

The OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA) Certificate and Diploma courses for teachers of learners with specific learning disabilities/dyslexia can be studied at the Liskeard branch and can be taken by qualified teachers as a post graduate course. The diploma course takes two years to complete studying at the Liskeard base and occasionally the Plymouth base for five Tuesdays every term. The certificate takes one year to complete.

Plymouth teacher, Joanna Jeffery, who is the principal of the association is the driving force of the Liskeard centre located in Stuart House. She explained: 'We are trying to fulfil the need for professionally qualified teachers to teach children with dyslexia. There are no courses held in the area that I know of, and any teacher who wants to undertake such training has to travel or take long distance learning.'

Educational Psychologist, Linda Falkner, is teaching the course with Joanna, they are combining theory and practice. Linda explained: 'We are trying to meet the requirements of teachers in the area and to address the balance of there being no training available. Many parents worry about the ability of schools to meet the difficulties of their dyslexic children.'

Teacher Training Agency funding is available for some applicants wanting to complete the courses so long as they meet specific requirements.

The Liskeard base also holds tuition courses every Thursday and Friday for parents and children. There are still some places available on the diploma courses, for further information contact Joanna on 01752 663775.

Carnival

time ahead

LISKEARD Carnival week is to run from June 18 through to June 23, with a week of events planned.

The Liskeard Silver Band's flora dance will take place on Wednesday June 20, with the grand carnival procession on Saturday June 23.

The carnival week is traditionally arranged by Liskeard Lions.

In July the Liskeard St Martin's church festival is due to be held from July 18 for a number of days - this being arranged by new burgess, Tony Wood, to raise money for the church's roof fund.