FORMER Pewsey carnival queen Kathie Marshall is thrilled to have her first children’s book published which includes one of the short stories she wrote 38 years ago.
It was only by chance the 67-year-old, who lives near the Bouverie Hall in Pewsey, was volunteering at the Pewsey Gallery and spoke to Mick Pavey, who has his own publishing company called Ditty Box Publishing.
She spoke about some of the children’s short stories she has written after giving birth to her daughter Claire Welburn while living on a farm in All Cannings. Mr Pavey sent a sample to his seven-year-old granddaughter, who gave it glowing feedback.
They have now been working together to produce the illustrated children’s fantasy book called Tales from Windy Woods, which is made up of three short stories called The Owl that lost its Hoot, Mrs Rabbit and the plans and the Fox and the Robbers.
“It is wonderful to have it published,” said Ms Marshall.
“It is about the animals that live in the woodland and what happens to them and their adventures there and Andrea Cradduck has done the most amazing job with the illustrations.”
The retired secretary, who is a former Woodborough Primary School pupil, has also been visiting primary schools in the area to read the book to youngsters.
She said: “The reason of writing is you want people to read and enjoy your books and I would love to go to other nurseries or schools and read to the children.
“The book is dedicated to my former teacher Mrs Stanton who really inspired me to read and write and on a Friday afternoon for 15 minutes she would read to us. The book that really stuck in my mind was Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.”
Ms Marshall, who was Pewsey carnival queen in 1974, worked at Police HQ in Devizes as a radio operator in the 70s, and then in admin for the Army based in Netheravon, also writes humorous poems.
She added: “My next book is in production and a third book is being edited – I love writing.”
The book can be bought from Amazon for £6.95 or direct from Ms Marshal for £6 by emailing her on: marshallkathleen@pobroadband.co.uk
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