A UNIQUE collection of original artwork and prints by the famous conservationist Joy Adamson formed a two day exhibition of her paintings at the home of Maureen and Denman Groves at Hartpury.

Over 100 people took the opportunity to visit the exhibition although not widely advertised, and see Joy's floral and animal prints.

Many people associate the late Joy Adamson with her work in conservation and as the author of the story of her life with Elsa the lioness at her home in Kenya.

Joy's husband, George Adamson, was a game warden who one day brought back to camp a recently born lion cub, which Joy set about rearing. She was named Elsa and Joy recorded in detail its rearing and its adventures and the book Born Free and its sequels were published and brought a great public awareness of wildlife and an appreciation of its place in nature.

With the royalties from the book and film Joy Adamson established the Elsa Conservation Trust with its object of promoting conservation through education and supporting projects aimed at conserving the diminishing wildlife.

The pictures and illustrations date from the late 50s through to the 60s. Joy had gone to Kenya as a botanical illustrator and was commissioned by the National Geographic Society to document the flora.

Following the tragic death of Joy, her home Elsamere, passed to the Trust who now operate it as a Conservation Centre.

The Elsa Conserv-ation UK Trust, a Gloucestershire based charity, has three trustees, Jean Aucott, Graham Dougan and Maureen Groves. Last year they held a very successful auction at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, of which George Adamson was a former pupil, for a bus project and raised £18,000, this exhibition of paintings was to raise money towards a new project, to build a new laboratory at the Field Study Centre.

The Centre was established to provide educational programmes for young children from surrounding schools and more advanced seminars for teachers. During the two day exhibition visitors could also watch a ten minute video made by Denman Groves.

As well as the paintings there was a stall of gift items for sale, a raffle and light refreshments and at the time of compiling this report the magnificent sum of £1,463 has been raised.

Friends and members of the three churches of Hartpury, Corse and Staunton were amongst hundreds of people who filled Gloucester Cathedral for the ordination of 14 Deacons in the diocese of Gloucester to be ordained Priests, Penny Hamer of the United Benefice of Hartpury, Corse & Staunton being one of them.

Every available seat was taken at this most impressive service presided over by the Bishop of Tewkesbury assisted by the Bishop of Gloucester, priests of the diocese and also by visiting clergy from other dioceses. The preacher was the Rev Timothy Raphael, formerly Archdeacon of Middlesex.

The Gloucester Cathedral Youth Choir was directed by Ian Ball, assistant director of music.

As a flourish sounded from the organ the congregation applauded the new priests and there was a surge forward from relatives and friends as they were hugged and kissed by family and friends and the sign of peace exchanged by the whole congregation.

Penny will continue in the parishes shortly to have Maisemore united with them together with Canon John Evans, priest in charge. We all wish Penny a long and happy ministry.