A RARE book collection and recordings of the life and work of a late Forest author can be enjoyed in Cinderford this Saturday (September 10).

An exhibition of Leonard Clark’s work will be at St Stephen’s Church and feature his entire catalogue of written work, stretching from 1923 until his death in 1981, comprising more than 100 books.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to hear re­cordings of Clark reading his own work loaned by the British Sound Library. The University of Glou­cestershire, Reading the Forest Project, have organised the exhibition supported by the Heritage Open Days scheme and Cinderford Churches.

Among the books on display will be some from the collection local history enthusiast David Price, of Newnham, has grown since a child. Earlier this year he met with the Cinderford author’s daughter, Mary-Louise Clark.

He said: “I am delighted that my collection of Leonard Clark books will be available for people to see. Some of them are extremely rare. They are packed with references to the Forest. A look inside any of them shows how much he loved the Forest and Foresters.”

Leonard or ‘Bob’ as he was known was raised in Belle Vue Road and became a teacher and

educationalist, authoring poems and books for adults and children. He lived in many parts of Britain and became an important literary figure in the UK and USA, where his poetry for children was very influential. His biographies of his childhood and adolescence in the Forest, A Fool in the Forest, Green Wood and Grateful Caliban are still popular.

Roger Deeks, a member of the Forest of Dean History Society, added: “It is a great venue for the exhibition. St Stephen’s was Leonard Clark’s own church that he regularly attended. He came back to the church to get married and finally had his ashes laid to rest here. We are very grateful to Rachel Witham and Cinderford Churches for their help and support.”

The event runs from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free. For further details visit www.facebook. com/readingtheforest