THE first Charles Causley Festival, held in Launceston on Friday and Saturday, has been hailed as a success, with many hoping the event will become an annual one.

The festival was organised to promote the literacy legacy of Charles Causley, who is often referred to as 'the Poet Laureate we never had.'

The festival included a Causley Walk, poetry workshops, a folk evening, poetry in action with LADS (Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society), cream teas, a Launceston Town Band concert and a number of talks and book signings.

The opening event was local author Paul Broadhurst who gave a talk on the Arthurian origins in Cornwall, followed by a book signing.

Arts group Gwyngala held an exhibition of their work (inspired by some of Charles Causley's poems) in St Mary Magdalene church throughout the week.

Jane Nancarrow led a walk around the town reading some Charles Causley poems at appropriate points. Starting with 'Eagle one, eagle two' outside the Eagle House Hotel, the band of 50 followers moved on to St Mary Magdalen Church to hear 'Mary, Mary Magdalene.'

Television reporter and crime novelist Simon Hall delighted his audience with anecdotes from his television work as well as giving insights into the writing of detective fiction.

The Moor Poets (Susan Taylor, Graham Burchell and Simon Williams) ran a fascinating workshop using Causley's poem 'Eden Rock' as material for study. This was followed by a reading of their own poetry in St Mary Magdalene.

Devon-based folk singer Jim Causley (a distant relation to Charles) ended the festival with a sell-out memorable gig at No 8 in Westage Street. His version of Charles's 'Angel Hill' will remain a highlight for all those who were there.

Charles Causley Society member, Jane Nancarrow, who led the Causely Walk, said the walk was a great success, with a large number of people taking part.

"I was really thrilled because we had just under 50 people which is fantastic. The weather was idyllic. I think everything seemed to go really, really well. The museum was busy all day with people in and out."

Local people mingled with visitors, including one man who had travelled from Southampton, who knew Charles Causley from his time at Exeter University.

Jane said: "He took part in just about everything and he was very enthusiastic. He thought it was wonderful."

She hoped that the festival would take place next year and grow from strength to strength, adding: "It was a packed programme. There was so much that you couldn't access everything. It was fantastic."

See this week's 'Post' for more photos and festival news.