A cider supper sets a tradition.

The original supper, as Mr Arscott explained before the first glasses were raised, took place almost a century before and led to the Dymock Poets Edward Thomas, Robert Frost, Lascelles Abercrombie and Wilfrid Gibson losing their feet.This time round the cider, supplied by Dragon Orchard of Putley, certainly flowed.But this was only to oil the wheels of fine conversation.A century ago, the cheese was wormy and the host, a Mr Farmer, explained how he loved to crack "them winders" between his teeth.At Friday's party, the cheese was supplied by local producer Charles Martell and was of the highest quality, including the delicious "Stinking Bishop" which raised a few poetic eyebrows, because of its pungency and unusual name. Local butcher Dave Waller had supplied a stunning Poetry Festival pie, enjoyed by all, and the town's other two butchers, Gurney's and the Lllandinabo Farm Shop, made sure that everyone had enough locally-produced meat on their plates.With fresh strawberries and cream to follow, the event was a showpiece for local producers and a treat for the poets.British poets attending included Carol Ann Duffy and Jackie Kay.Jackie Kay said grace, speaking from memory the words of Robert Burns, and Carol Ann Duffy praised the festival for making the meal such an international occasion.Poets present from overseas included the Lithuanian writer, Marcelijus Martinaitis, whose poems were chanted at demonstrations before the fall of the USSR.Everyone left in good humour and nobody missed a step.