SIGNALLING the start of the festive season for many, the Causley at Christmas service was held at St Thomas Church on December 6.

The service in memory of Launceston’s late poet, held by the Causley Trust, saw children from local schools give readings of Charles Causley’s poems. Pupils represented St Stephens Academy, St Joseph’s and Launceston College.

The service also heard readings of original poems from two South Petherwin School pupils, who were poetry competition prize winners.

The service started with a welcome prayer from Rector the Rev Jane Everitt, before carols and poems. Causley Trust CEO Jen McDerra gave a reading, as did trust secretary Malcolm Wright, current Cyprus Well artist in residence Charlotte Walker, and Cornwall Councillor Neil Burden, who read a lively version of ‘Parson’s Lea’.

There was a musical piece from Barbara Grigg and two fellow musicians, who together played a fiddle, squeezebox and bassoon.

Jane Nancarrow, who was involved with organising the event, described the music as ‘beautiful’, adding: “It was almost like being in the church in Thomas Hardy’s day.

“It’s quite a special service and for some people it signals the start of Christmas. It’s very atmospheric.

“The children took part and read Causley’s poems, which is just what he would have wanted really.”

A retiring collection raised £234 for St Petroc’s Society, which works with single homeless people in Cornwall.