The Bosherston Art Group, which meets each Friday afternoon in Bosherston Village Hall, held recently the third annual exhibition of their work in the historic Bosherston Church.

This group of 16 or so amateur painters, led by Dudley Jones, put on a display of over 80 works of varied subject matter in a range of mediums. The quality and the span of their work was highly commendable and at prices well worth buying, with some pieces of a near professional standard.

Regardless of the quality, however, it is the sheer joy of portraying animals, landscapes, seascapes and figure groups, that make such exhibitions often a joy to visit, and that certainly was the case in this instance.

Winston Churchill in his small book entitled 'The Pleasures of Painting' speaks of the relief and fulfilment he got from painting, in his case, during the strain of office in the Second World War, but the same is true in all creative work taken on either as an activity outside work or in retirement.

Coupled with this is the fact that it is not the final product that matters, despite a satisfying conclusion, but the experience one goes through in producing the piece. This was plainly evident from the viewing of the work on display in the quiet of the church.

Dudley Jones himself had on display a vibrant 'Receding Storm at St. Govans' and a collectable 'Pembroke Oil Refinery' that would grace any wall, while his wife Joyce had a beautifully worked 'St. Govans Chapel' which, although small in size, had real atmosphere.

Dorothy Dowler had a number of local views of delicate quality, while Barbara Williams revealed work of a personal and intricate nature with her 'Gathering Nuts' particularly appealing. Lee Newberry had on exhibition an assured 'The One Arched Bridge' and 'Bluebell Wood', both of which showed a real feeling for colour and texture, while 'Rural England', a landscape by Martin Strudwick, encapsulated, in a small frame, a sensitive view of sweeping countryside.

Work of note was also evident by Eileen Machin, Gwyneth Purser, John and Marion Bird, and Ray Prout, while Malcolm Dryden had two well observed studies of St. Twynells Church.

Finally, on display was work by Maureen Hill, who sadly passed away only recently, but in whose painting is shown a love of poetry and emotive atmosphere. In her portrayal of 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare, one senses the artist so strongly.

In all, a very worthy exhibition and evidence of real enthusiasm and satisfaction, and a growth of confidence and skill as each year passes.