Launching at the upcoming 818th Wells May Charter Fair, Charles Heal and Sons Big Shows by local authors Richard Green and Guy Belshaw deals with the former Glastonbury businessman, philanthropist and showman who did so much charity work at his fairs.

This included during WW1 raising enough funds to purchase an ambulance for the St John's Brigade and during WW2, he and his fellow showmen purchased a Spitfire, while locally for Wells he held many benefit nights for the extension to the former Wells Cottage Hospital.

At the annual November carnival the Charles Heal Silver Cup is regularly awarded. The Rogers family who present the current twice-yearly fairs, are directly related to Charles Heal.

The book is available from the Wells and Mendip Museum or by mail order from the Fairground Heritage Trust Museum at www.fairground-heritage.org.uk. All proceeds to both museums. The official opening of the fair is at 11am on Saturday May 4th.