ONCE a year the imposing portrait of Robert Baden Powell, founder of the Scout movement, is taken down from the Memorial Hall in Bentley to make way for the watercolours of the Friday Art Group.

Baden Powell lived in the family home at Pax Hill near Bentley for 20 years in the middle of the 20th century.

He is a revered former resident and his painting will no doubt be treated with care to make way for the annual spring art exhibition.

This is a much-anticipated social event in the village, with regular visitors enjoying a welcoming cuppa and the chance to chat to the artists.

Those exhibiting this year at the show, which is running from April 22 to 24, are: Wendy Bennett, Lindsay Goolding-Berry, Pam Jones, Alex Phipps, Robert Roope (whose Sea Loch is pictured), Paul Dickie, Carol Ann Hildreth, Tom Moss, Angela Vizard and Tony Yates.

This year the group has four new members, who have brought their own unique styles and subject matter.

Sadly, during the past year much-loved member Peter Foley died but, with the assistance of his widow Pam, the group is holding a non-selling retrospective of his paintings during the exhibition.

Entrance is free and there is easy parking.

Opening times are noon to 5pm on April 22, and 10am to 5pm on April 23 and 24. There is no disabled access.