Skip to main content
The Soulton Hall Blog

Celebrating Shropshire’s National Dyslexia Awards Finalists for Dyslexia Awareness Week

By 5 October 2026No Comments

As 2026’s Dyslexia Awareness Week highlights the achievements and strengths of dyslexic individuals across the country, attention naturally turns to this year’s national Dyslexia Awards.

Now in their 10th anniversary year, the awards have grown from a regional Shropshire initiative into a prominent national event celebrating creativity, resilience, and achievement.

Jacob Chandler at a private exhibition of his aAS YOU LIKE IT dancers at Soutlon Hall

Jacob Chandler at a private exhibition of his AS YOU LIKE IT dancers at Soutlon Hall

The finalists represnet an incredible range of talent across fields like the arts, business, and STEMM, with the winners set to be announced at an October ceremony. Among the standout names recognized from Shropshire are several remarkable individuals:

  • Jacob Chandler (Telford): Nominated in the Amazing Artist category. As a sculptor and artist specializing in bronze, Jacob’s work explores movement, balance, and the human experience. Having previously worked with Soulton Hall, his extraordinary talent and spatial creativity make his recognition as a finalist a true milestone to celebrate.

  • Jane Pickworth (Shrewsbury): Also a finalist in the artist category, working dynamically across television, theatre, visual art, and children’s entertainment as a creator, puppeteer, and voice actor.

  • Simon Horton / Leo Loco (Telford): Recognized for his work as a circus performer and entertainer who uses circus arts, magic, puppetry, and creative workshops to inspire audiences.

  • Thomas Bibb (Telford): Shortlisted in the STEMM and entrepreneur categories for his work founding Exascale, improving digital connectivity and infrastructure in rural communities.

  • Tullis Matson (Whitchurch): A STEMM finalist specializing in agricultural technology, artificial intelligence, and livestock innovation at Stallion AI.

  • Anthony Cannan (Ludlow): Shortlisted for the Entrepreneur award, recognized for building successful businesses while creating opportunities for others.

Founder and dyslexia champion Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE noted that the judges faced tough choices this year, praising the incredible stories and work of everyone nominated.

At Soulton Hall, celebrating creative thinkers like Jacob Chandler reminds us of how valuable non-linear, spatial, and innovative minds are—whether they are shaping bronze into profound physical art, driving rural digital infrastructure, or uncovering the hidden patterns of history.