PICTURES and illustrations of the fair which has been celebrated in Tavistock for more than 800 years have been published by author Guy Belshaw. ?Tavistock Goose Fair? is Guy?s third fairground book. The publication follows two years of research, sourcing elusive photos of fortune tellers and bygone shows which once enlivened Goose Fair. The book contains six chapters, detailing a rich and colourful history of this famous fair. Goose Fair in Tavistock dates back to the early 12th century, when a Michaelmas Fair held every September 29 provided the opportunity for business and animal trading. The name Goose Fair came about as farmers brought their geese to market ready for fattening for Christmas. When the new calendar was introduced in 1752 the ?loss? of eleven days changed the date of the Michelmas Fair to October 10. Now the Fair is held on the second Wednesday in October each year. During the 19th and early 20th century the fair brought electric lights and cinema to the town for the first time, and dancing bears, performing lions and ghost illusion shows were standard fare in the 19th century. After the second world war, boxing booths, dancing girls and the Wall of Death thrilled the crowds. The first Dodgem Cars caused a sensation in 1930. The Rowland family provided all the fun of the fair for more than a century and a chapter from the book details this. The founder of the Rowland family dynasty, Tom, died at Tavistock in October 1925. The story is brought up to the present with a debate about the future of the fair being questioned by some in the town. Guy Belshaw has written books which include ?A History of Bridgwater Fair? and ?T Whitelegg of Plymouth?. This book is available tomorrow (Friday) from Crebers or at the launch at the Wharf on Wednesday, October 11 for £12.95.