TO combine with the start of North Cornwall book week, a new film was shown at St Endellion church hall on October 6, to celebrate the life and work of poet Charles Causley, writes Helen Pusey.

With everyone comfortably seated with a glass of wine from the bar, the film and its creator were introduced.

Jane Darke, film maker, said: “The film took two years to make from start to finish, but not working on it continually of course.”

For Causley enthusiasts, or those just wanting to learn more about the poet, it was the perfect way to learn, not only about his younger days, but much of his life growing up, including his days spent in the Royal Navy and later as a teacher at the National School in Launceston. Past friends spoke about the man, as well as distant family members.

This low budget film was well received with much applause.

Phillipa Giles, managing director of Bandit television, said: “Jane Darke’s film provides local insight into a local poet and access to leading poets like Andrew Motion and Roger McGough, as well as a unique archive of the local community in Launceston.”

Mrs Giles asked Ms Darke about the making of the film and how the information was collected over time. Questions were also encouraged from the audience.

Although Charles Causley had lived in other places, he always gravitated home, back to Launceston where he lived with his mother in a cottage, at Cyprus Well. This house remains as a memorial, preserved virtually as he left it and is used for poets in residence, normally for up to six months at a time. For more information, visit thecharlescausleytrust.org