The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (IoMNHAS) is running the first of its summer programme of walks and excursions on Sunday.

For this first event, leader Cathy Clucas will take IoMNHAS members and others interested in exploring the history of Port St Mary on a walk through its streets and lanes entitled ’Purt Le Moirrey - A Native’s View’.

During the walk she will explore such questions as:

l Who occupied Towl Foggy?

l Where was the boundary between the Abbeylands and the Lord’s Lands?

l Where was Port St Mary farm?

l And which buildings were used as part of the Second World War internment camp in the village?

While the option of taking afternoon tea after the walk is already fully booked, taking part in the walk itself does not need to be booked in advance and those wanting to go along should meet in the Clifton Road car park at Kallow Point (grid ref SC207671) at 1.30pm on Sunday.

Next month will see the summer programme continuing with ’Buzzing Bees and Buidlings, led by Cilla Patt at Shenharra Farm, St John’s, on Saturday, May 13.

During this event the lifecycle of bees, the make-up of hives and the island’s unique status regarding the problem of varroa mite will be explored, as well as there being the chance to take a look at traditional Manx farm buildings.

For those who wish to, there will even be a chance to don protective clothing and visit the hives.

For this event those wanting to take part should meet at 2pm at Shenharra Farm (grid ref SC262823).

This will be followed a week later on Saturday, May 20, by ’Glendhoo Flora and Families’, a walk led by John ’Dog’ Callister and Sarah Christian.

They will explore the late spring plants of this remote upland valley in one direction, and then the story of the various families who used to occupy and sustain life in the valley on the return direction.

excursion

Those wishing to join this excursion should wear walking boots, take some refreshments and meet at 1.30pm at the Ballaugh Plantation car park (grid ref SC353918).

For further details of these walks and excursions and the others taking place throughout the summer up until October look out for future articles in Isle of Man Newspapers, telephone IoMNHAS excursion secretary Patricia Newton on 861560 or email [email protected]

For further details about the society see www.manxantiquarians.com and www.facebook.com/IsleofManNaturalHIstoryandAntiquarianSociety, or to join email [email protected]