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The Charles Causley Festival
The first Charles Causley Festival was held at Launceston on June 4th and 5th.
The photographs below can only hint at the success of the venture
and the enjoyment of all those participated.
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In the town square, the Junior Town Band entertained visitors to the Buttermarket, whilst LADS member Liz Eagles read poems to some of the younger generation. Other LADS members gave poetry readings in local residential homes. The Town Band played in the garden of Lawrence House Museum
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The opening events on the Friday evening were local author Paul Broadhurst who gave a talk on the Arthurian origins in Cornwall, followed by a book signing. This event was sponsored by the Launceston Civic Society. At the same time, a quiz organised by the Launceston and District Twinning Group proved very popular. One of the best aspects of the Festival was that many local organisations sponsored or organised events around the theme. |
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Cornwall-based
author Tessa Hainsworth, whose books chart her move from high-flying
executive in London to postmistress in Cornwall, signing copies
of her new book "Seagulls in the attic" at the Bookshop. |
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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. Cornwall Councillor Alex Folkes and Gwyngala member Vonnie Carter admire one of the exibits. |
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Jane
Nancarrow from the Charles Causley Society 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". The group also visited Causley's
grave as well as the National School building where he taught for
many years. |
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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. |
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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 took place in Link Into Learning who also ran a creative writing course. This
was followed by a reading of their own poetry in St Mary Magdalene. |
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Over 30 admirers of popular novelist Marcia Willett ate their cream
teas whilst she described her methods of working and tried to work
out why she is so popular in Estonia. This event was organised by
- and took place in - the Library. |
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Poet
and Creative Writing tutor Roselle Angwin charmed her audience with
a reading of her own and others' poems. Guitar support was by Rob
Crocker. |
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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. |
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Text and photographs © Malcolm Wright
e-mail: thebookshop@eclipse.co.uk