The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society is celebrating the centenary of an important natural history book.

Frank Morey (1858-1925) published his ‘Guide to the Natural History of the Isle of Wight’ in 1909, and set in motion a process which resulted, 10 years later, in the founding of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society.

A FREE Exhibition is being held in the Minster Church of Sts Thomas in Newport which will tell the story of the Guide, and how it has influenced the development of the Society and its work.

The Guide covered almost 7000 species of fauna and flora found on the Island in Edwardian times, and contained chapters on meteorology, geology, archaeology and even earthquakes! Copies of the Guide, now unobtainable, will be on display at the Exhibition for visitors to browse, along with plenty of other material explaining the breadth of work undertaken by the Society. Members of the Society will also be on hand to give further details.

Two guided walks associated with the Exhibition will take place on the Saturday afternoons: one will look at the Changing Wildlife of Newport (26th September) and one will look at 100 years of Newport (3 October). Details of these walks are available on the Isle of Wight Council website (www.iwight.com/just_visiting/walking/) or in the Summer and Winter Walks leaflets.

Location: The Minster Church of Sts Thomas, Newport, Isle of Wight
Dates: Tuesday 22nd September - Tuesday 6th October 2009
Opening times: Weekdays and Saturdays: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Sundays: 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Admission: FREE
Further details: Johanna Jones 01983 526656