Sat, 10 Apr 2010
Summer Excursions 2010
Come and join us on our Summer Excursions this spring and summer - and learn more about the Natural History and Antiquities of the Isle of Man.
Everyone is welcome, you don’t need to be a member of the Society.
Saturday 17th April at 2.00 pm - Mausoleum Crawl
Leader: Jonathan Kewley
We mark the inclusion of the Isle of Man in the national gazetteer by looking at some of our finest mausolea. We start at Onchan with the Island’s most extensive collection, notably the Egyptian-revival Heywood Mausoleum, and then travel via Maughold, where two mausolea dominate the ancient churchyard, to finish at Lezayre with the Lamothe Mausoleum, architecturally the best in Mann.
Meet at the main entrance to Onchan Churchyard SC 400782. Parking in Onchan village. Public transport: Buses to Onchan from Douglas and Ramsey; event finishes at Lezayre Church (buses on Douglas/Peel/ Ramsey route). Travel between venues is by car; please identify yourself as requiring a lift.
Weekend of Friday 23rd to Monday 26th April - Visit of the British Lichen Society
Members are welcome to join the society’s programme – please see The Antiquarian for details.
Saturday 8th May at 2.00 pm - Ancient Woodland at Groudle
Leaders: Philippa Tomlinson and Andree Dubbeldam
Following Dr Philippa Tomlinson’s seminar for the CMS last year and Andree Dubbeldam’s researches for the Manx Flora, we track down one of the last remaining pockets of ancient woodland on the Island – not in a remote northern corrie but within sight of suburban Onchan.
Meet at the seaward end of Groudle Glen SC 420782. Limited parking at meeting place; more parking on main road above. Public transport: Manx Electric Railway, alight at Groudle halt.
Saturday 19th June at 2.00 pm - Knockaloe
Leaders: Claire Corkill and Pat Newton
We will explore the different facets of this important site and its history. Claire Corkill of the University of York will lead us round the extant remains of the Great War internment camp and, in the lecture room, show us images of it in operation and a selection of ‘finds’. Pat Newton will guide us round the buildings used by the experimental farm, the role of the site for the past eight decades.
Meet and park at Knockaloe Mooar SC 237823. Public transport: Limited buses from Peel.
Saturday 10th July at 2.00 pm - The Geology of Manx Building Stone – Peel
Leaders: Ashley Pettit, Dave Burnett, John Booth and Patricia Tutt
This is the first of what it is hoped will be an annual series of investigations to see exactly what stone has been used in our older buildings. In Peel the question is which red sandstone is local and which is imported, and if it is local, whether differentiation is possible between different quarries. We may also find some of the much rarer Peel yellow sandstone. Led by two architects and two geologists we will start in Peel Castle (where Eva Wilson did work on the subject in the 1980’s) and then move on to look at a selection of sites in the town, with maybe a visit to a quarry as well if time permits.
Meet at Fenella Beach car park, Peel SC 242844. Members will have to pay Manx Museum charges for entry to Peel Castle unless they can produce a card entitling them to free entry (National Trust, Friends of MNH, etc). Parking: In Fenella Beach car park or in Peel town. Public transport: Buses to Peel bus station.
Saturday 7th August at 2.00 pm - From Barnacles to Basking Sharks – Exploring the Coast at the Niarbyl
Leaders: Fiona Gell and Eleanor Stone
A short walk and exploration of the coast and shore at the Niarbyl led by Fiona Gell and Eleanor Stone, Marine Officer of the Manx Wildlife Trust. This will be a chance to do some coast-watching for basking sharks, whales and dolphins, and to find out more about Manx marine conservation and protected species. The event also coincides with low tide so there will be a chance to learn to do marine species identification on the shore.
Meet by the Niarbyl Cafe SC 212776. Parking near meeting place. Public transport: Limited bus service from Peel.
Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th September at 2.00 pm - Looking at Old Buildings
Leader: Andrew Johnson
An opportunity to take part in some practical building survey work, led by MNH Field Archaeologist Andrew Johnson. This should particularly appeal to anyone with an interest in our traditional buildings. Wrap up warm, and wear appropriate footwear: there will be some rough walking and a lot of standing around! (Part of the Vernacular Biennium – see The Antiquarian for details)
Meet on Saturday at 2.00 p.m. above Kilabrega on the Druidale road from Brandywell Cottage to Ballaugh Glen SC 368911. (Sunday in Sulby Glen; meeting instructions will be given on Saturday). Car parking: at meeting place. Public transport: Bus to Ballaugh Bridge, on Douglas/Peel/Ramsey route, then approximately 3 miles walk up Ballaugh Glen.
Please check all public transport details at www.iombusandrail.info/timetables.html
No dogs, please, on excursions.
Isle of Man Charity No. 428, Registered Data Protection Act 2009