An author has used his granddaughters as the inspiration for his new fairy tale book set in Wallingford.
Greg Ryder, from Cholsey, named the mythical fairies in The Wallingford Fairies after the 11 granddaughters he shares with his partner Sarah.
Among the characters are Evelyn, who helps to repair customers’ spectacles in an optician with a tiny screwdriver, and Romilly (pictured) who lives above a hairdresser shop and collects hair for robins so they can line their nests.
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Mr Ryder, who conceived, wrote, and illustrated the book, said: “It’s been great fun bringing these fairy tales to life.”
For him, just writing a book isn’t enough. He has made the story come to life.
A simple map and clues are included in the book which lead to miniature fairy doors he has created outside 11 of Wallingford’s shops and other premises.
Known as the Wallingford Fairy Trail, there are also small objects that “the fairies have left behind” for readers to find.
Mr Ryder said: “I’m hoping that this family-friendly experience will be a source of joy and wonder for our community as well as visitors.”
Every penny raised will go to the Oxford-based children’s hospice, Helen & Douglas House to help the families of terminally ill children.
Root One Garden Centre covered the production costs of this first edition, and other shops have since offered to follow suit by sponsoring future print runs.
The book is available for £10 from the Wallingford Bookshop, Root One Garden Centre, Champions, and Homebase estate agents.
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