THE life and work of the poet Charles Causley was celebrated in his home town of Launceston last Wednesday on what would have been his 88th birthday. Readings of the poet?s work and personal recollections from friends were given to a gathering of more than 70 people, among them the Rt Rev Bill Ind, Bishop of Truro. The event, at Eagle House Hotel, also included the presentation of a prize of £250 to Hannah Emery-Wright, 15, winner of the first competition held in memory of Causley for young poets between the ages of 15 and 19. Hannah, a pupil of St Joseph?s School, Launceston, received her prize from Harry Chambers, of Calstock, president of the Charles Causley Society, and gave a reading of her poem, ?To Burn A Witch?. Personal recollections of the poet were given by Robert Tilling and John Hurst, who also presented a film from the BBC archives of Causley reading ?Paradise?, close to its setting in the grounds of Launceston Castle. Another friend, Neil Burden, recalled Causley?s regular Christmas Eve visits to his home and read the poem, ?A True Ballad of Henry Trecarrell?. Jessica Gardner, head of special collections at the University of Exeter, spoke about the original manuscripts Causley donated to the university, and read his poem, ?A Wedding Portrait?. Society member Jane Nancarrow, a former pupil of Causley?s when he taught at Launceston?s National School gave a reading of his poem, ?A Baptism?. The evening was presided over by Arthur Wills, a trustee of the Charles Causley Trust, which organised the poetry competition. A boyhood friend of Causley?s Arthur Venning, who is chairman of the Charles Causley Society, gave details of the organisation?s activities, which have included walks around the town with readings at specific locations connected with the poet?s work. An archive relating to Causley is being set up, and Mr Venning asked for anyone who may wish to contribute photographs, letters and written personal memories of the man to pass them to the society secretary, Richard Graham, at Launceston Bookshop. Charles Causley wrote many acclaimed collections of poetry and was author of several successful children?s books. He was awarded the Queen?s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1967 and appointed CBE in 1986. He died in November 2003, aged 86, and is buried in St Thomas churchyard, just yards from his birthplace.