The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (IoMNHAS) will this weekend begin its 2021-22 winter programme with a lecture on the rich variety of fungi in the island.

On Saturday (October 23), Bob Moon will give a presentation entitled ’The Secret Kingdom of Man’ in the Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, on Kingswood Grove and Crellin’s Hill, Douglas, at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Mr Moon says: ’Fungi are to be found everywhere from the sands and rocks of our coasts to the very highest points on our island and are vital to the healthy ecology of our biosphere.

’This lecture will explore the spectacular and often colourful diversity of the fungal kingdom that reigns in many of our island habitats.

’This is going to be essentially a photographic tour through some of the different habitats of the island to reveal some of the diversity of fungi present.

’I’ve titled it the "Secret Kingdom" as it is a greatly misunderstood kingdom and usually only referenced by the public as a place to forage edible mushrooms - or a way to be poisoned by those that don’t turn out to be so edible after all.’

As with all IoMNHAS presentations, those attending are advised to arrive early to be sure of a seat and Bob’s talk will be followed by tea and biscuits. Non-members attending the lecture will be invited to make a small donation.

The Programme will continue on Saturday, November 20, at the earlier time of 2pm, with an Extraordinary General Meeting to consider changes to the society’s rules, followed by Peter Davey speaking on ’The Manx rosy basin: a quest for ceramic identity?’ This gives the background story to items which still adorn kitchen shelves and mantlepieces throughout the island.

For further details log on to the society’s website www.manxantiquarians.com or see the society’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IsleofManNaturalHistoryandAntiquarianSociety