A FORMER Worcestershire Poet Laureate (WPL) from Fernhill Heath is launching her debut collection ‘Lore: Flowers, Folklore, and Footnotes’.
Charley Barnes’ book, released next Sunday, February 14, is being published as part of her winning the WPL competition.
She told the Standard she had been inspired by many interesting stories in the county, including witchcraft and witch trials that happened in Droitwich and Worcester.
In one story, an old woman jumped out on a boy and shouted ‘boo’. He was dumbstruck and she was trialled for witchcraft.
Charley said: “I have tried to overturn a few stories and explore some of the forgotten folklore around Worcestershire.
“There was plenty of misplaced gems for storytellers – it’s pure gold,” she said.
The book – available from Black Pear Press – is £7 plus postage.
Charley is holding a launch event on Zoom next Sunday, February 14.
Click here for more information, to buy the book and click here for the Zoom event page on Facebook.
