THE ancient forerunner to Tavistock's Goose Fair is set to make a come back, thanks to a Friends group in Brentor.

As part of their fundraising campaign to help with the restoration work of St Michael de Rupe Church in Brentor, the Friends committee is planning to revive the Medieval Michelmas Fayre, which was held between 1231 and 1550, beneath the tor on the last weekend of September .

After becoming notorious for its rowdiness, the fayre was finally shut down and moved to Tavistock where it became the forerunner of the town's famous Goose Fair.

An English Heritage survey of the area carried out in 2003 identified the slight earthworks that may have marked the fayre's original layout.

Jane Marchand, archaeologist with Dartmoor National Park, is especially keen on the idea of recreating the ancient fayre and has agreed to help the Friends get the project off the ground.

She said: 'There is no question that the Michelmas Fayre was a very important event in the area.

'As it was held annually for three centuries it would seem logical that semi-permanent structures such as booths, stalls and animal pens may have been set beneath the tor and the surviving earthworks are all that is left.'

Sheila Downs, chairman of the Friends group, has been talking to local farmer Richard Bickell about using part of his land to stage the event.

She said: 'We are all really excited about bringing some of the wonderful history of St Michael's back to life as well as being able to raise funds every year to ensure the building can be kept maintained and open to all.

'We want as many local people involved in recreating the fayre as possible.'

Anyone who would like to join the organising committee for the Michelmas Fayre can attend the Friends' first public meeting on Wednesday October 20 at 7pm, in the club room at the Cornish Arms, West Street, Tavistock.

For more information contact the Friends on 01822 852777 or email [email protected]">[email protected]