FORMER Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, gave the town of Launceston a memorable weekend during his special visit.

Invited by the Charles Causley Trust, Dr Williams stayed in the late Launceston poet’s house, Cyprus Well, now owned by the Trust.

On Saturday morning, Dr Williams could be found in the library, sitting on the floor reading a Christmas poem from Charles Causley’s book ‘Bring in the Holly’ to groups of young children — and ‘young’ adults.

To everyone’s delight, he settled himself on the carpet among children and families to read the ‘Christmas Pudding’ poem, which describes how four icons of Christmas — the pudding, the turkey, the tree and the cracker — all decide to run away together.

Then, with assistance from a team led by local artist Karen Howse, made Christmas cards with illustrations inspired by the poems they had listened to. Sponsored by Launceston Rotary Club and supported by Tesco, this event proved popular with children and parents alike.

Visitors were treated to readings again upstairs in the library, where a collection of Charles Causley books is held. Between times, Lord Williams had a chance to discuss people’s art and crafts that were created on the morning, based on the poems he had read. Library staff were delighted to hear a family recite two poems by heart, which Lord Williams joined in, clearly showing how popular Charles Causley’s poems are.

In the evening, a large audience at the town hall witnessed a very special event. Chairman of the Charles Causley Trust, David Fryer, introduced Father Anthony Maggs, a very close friend of Causley, who spoke warmly of the times they spent together searching out the lesser known parts of Cornwall — particularly the churches, and especially the church of St Hilary. Causley subsequently wrote a moving poem about the church.

The former Bishop of Truro Bill Ind — Bishop Bill to all who know him — introduced his friend Dr Williams, who then spoke about Causley’s poetry and the influence it had on his own writing — Dr Williams is himself a published poet.

In 2015, he contributed an introduction to the publication of a new book of Selected Poems of Cornish poet Jack Clemo. Dr Williams cites Causley as being a major influence on his work.

He spoke of the enigma of Causley’s own faith, which was obviously deep but was not manifested in regular church attendance.

On Sunday morning, St Thomas Church was packed for the Eucharist service, which was led by the Rev Teresa Folland, with help from Bishop Bill and Fr Anthony Maggs, and with a sermon from Dr Williams.

St Thomas was the church where Causley’s grandmother and mother baked the bread for communion, where Causley was baptised and where both Causley and his mother are buried.

During the service Dr Williams presented organist Carol Baker with a certificate commemorating 25 years’ service as organist to the church, as well as rededicating the newly overhauled organ.

After the service, a small group visited the grave of Charles Causley where Dr Williams laid a small wreath and read Causley’s poem ‘Eden Rock’, a poem, which describes him being reunited with his parents at his own death. At this point the sun made a rare appearance.

After a short lunch at the bowling club, Dr Williams set off for his home in Cambridge leaving behind a large number of people who had been moved by his warmth, his spirituality and his down-to-earth friendliness.