TEESDALE author Kay Wilson celebrated the 25th anniversary her first book with the launch of her latest publication.
Mrs Wilson’s first book of poetry, Teesdale Tales and Other Verses, was published by the Teesdale Mercury in 1994.
Since then she has written and published five books for adults and another ten for children.
For her latest work, Beware, Beware, Peg Powler is There, she has delved into the folklore surrounding the legendary river siren who lures people into the waters and their doom.
She said: “There are lots of stories about Peg Powler going back through history.
“Some call her a witch others call her a river siren and some a hag.
“The message though is all really the same. The tales were told to keep children away from the River Tees, which was really dangerous with undercurrents and the legendary rolls.”
She added following the building of reservoirs further up the dale in the seventies stories of Peg Powler tailed off.
She said it was a chance conversation with Michael Coverdale, from the Barnard Castle Brewery, that proved the inspiration for the new story.
The brewery produces a dark ale named after the water witch.
Mrs Wilson added: “A lot of my books feature the Tees as I find it so inspiring and I decided to make the book for adults as I don’t want to be responsible for children venturing down to look for her.”
To launch Beware, Beware, Peg Powler is There, an event was held at Curlew’s Bookshop, in Market Place, Barnard Castle, last week.
Guests were able to pick up a signed copy – and sample the brewery’s Peg Powler bottled beer into the bargain.
