As all Manx National Heritage attractions open for the season, MNH introduce the first of the events in their exciting and varied April to August programme. These events will encourage locals to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of the start of British summertime, as well as enhancing their visit to the heritage sites.
Following the popularity of the Manx Night Sky presentation last year, and to commemorate that this April sees the 50th anniversary of the first man in space, we are holding a Stargazing at the Abbey event, an exclusive fine dining and stargazing experience.
Hosted on the evening of Thursday 14th April by renowned, local astronomer Howard Parkin this is a chance to indulge in a welcome drink, 3 course dinner and coffee at The Abbey Restaurant followed by the opportunity for some guided stargazing in the beautiful Rushen Abbey grounds.
Howard Parkin commented;
“This month sees a very important anniversary in the history of space exploration. The 50th anniversary of the first man in space - the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on 12th April 1961. Hopefully if skies are clear we will take the opportunity to use the dark surroundings of Rushen Abbey to look at the constellations of Leo, Virgo and the other stars of springtime. This may include the opportunity to see the magnificent sight of Saturn and its ring system.”
Of course we can’t predict the Manx weather. If cloudy, in the harmonious surroundings of the Abbey Restaurant enjoy a presentation on the Manx skies, the significant role of the Isle of Man in space commerce and a question and answer session with our astronomy and space expert.
Fully inclusive tickets are ?50, available at the Manx Museum Heritage Shop and www.manxheritageshop.com. Pre-booking is essential. Arrive at 7.30pm to be seated for dinner at 8pm.
Also timed for mid-April, when the woodland floor is carpeted with wild flowers, you can take a morning walk in Silverdale Glen guided by Curator of Natural History Kate Hawkins on Friday 15th April. If the weather is pleasant, it is also a lively time of year for birds, woodland insects, bumblebees and butterflies such as the Orange-tip.
2011 was declared the International Year of Forests to help raise awareness and strengthen the conservation of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. Kate will reveal the thriving activity in the beautiful woodland on this gentle stroll through the Glen and along the Silverburn River.
Kate comments:
‘I will demonstrate the productivity of deciduous woodland by sweeping the lower vegetation with a net, searching crevices in bark and under stones and using a garden sieve to flush bugs and beasties from leaf litter. There might also be butterflies about. There should be birds singing, even towards the middle of the day, and we might spot the odd summer visitor like Willow Warbler, Blackcap or Chiffchaff.’
Tickets are priced ?8, available from the Manx Museum Heritage Shop. Places are limited and pre-booking is essential. Meet at The Abbey Restaurant, Ballasalla at 10am for tea or coffee (included in the price), and finish for 12pm.
Discover the art of ploughing with horses in the stunning springtime landscape of The National Folk Museum at Cregneash as they hold a Ploughing Match on Saturday 9th April from 10am to 4pm. Skilled ploughmen and their teams of working horses will compete in this highly competitive event.
Ploughing matches were first promoted by the Society for Agriculture in the early 1800s and were great occasions. A hundred years ago horsemen were hired by farmers at the end of September to begin the cycle of traditional agricultural work. The ploughman was considered one of the most skilled of the farm workers and took great pride in the quality of their furrows.
The Cregneash Ploughing match provides the perfect opportunity to find out more about the ploughman’s skill, his preparations, including the fine tuning of his plough and the way he works with his team of horses. The Cregneash Blacksmith will also be on hand to make any running repairs required to the ploughs throughout the day. Standard admission charge applies, ACE Cardholders go FREE.
ENDS
Thursday 7th, April 2011 09:16pm.
