FORMER patients of a Beaminster doctor who did his calls on horseback have made an exhibition of his life.

Their memories of Dr Herbert Lake, who was a family doctor in Beaminster from 1919 to 1962, have contributed to the display at the town's museum, which also features his artwork.

The exhibition, which opens tomorrow, has been a long time in the making. It follows a chance encounter between one of the doctor's former patients and the son of Dr Arthur Dearlove, Dr Lake's post Second World War Two partner. Paediatrician Dr John Dearlove, from Corscombe, stopped off on his way home to buy a bag of potatoes. The farmer's wife remarked on his resemblance to Dr Arthur Dearlove.

The farmer's wife had been a patient of Dr Lake and she told her visitor the story of her infected fingernail. She recalled: "I might have been eleven, and we were at Mosterton. I didn't know what would happen next. But he pulled out a pair of pliers from the saddlebag. I didn't notice if they were medical pliers. And pulled off the nail. Just like that! But to this day I remember how much it hurt"

Dr John Dearlove told the News: "Over a year ago you published a letter about Dr Herbert Lake's art exhibition. The response from your readers was wonderful. Even the famous Dr Edgar Hope-Simpson (Dr Lake's former partner), now 92 and living in Cirencester, still reads The Bridport News!"

Dr Dearlove junior realised there were so many memories, particularly of pre-National Health Service days, that would be lost if nothing was done, so the idea for the exhibition was born.

"The pictures form a springboard for patients and friends to talk about their own experiences during the 1920s, for instance the 1924 Chedington Court way to cook a hare (sitting upright in a pot!). The thirties and how bubonic plague didn't wipe out Beaminster (The Bridport News mentioned again.) And the 40s with thwarting the enemy's plans to invade through Hooke Wood and Horn Park."

Dr Dearlove, with the help of his 16-year-old nephew, Dominic Cleal from Bridport, put together a fascinating website for those people who cannot get to the exhibition. The address for the next ten months is www.drherbertlake.org.uk

The exhibition, which runs until June 1, has been produced by art student Laura Eddey. It is hoped that it will spark more memories from his patients.