ARE you fascinated by the colourful life of the seashore? As part of their educational, but fun talks, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery are pleased to present biologist Jill Ensom talking about 'A Walk on the Beach.'

Jill's talk will take the form of a meander along the Tenby beaches to investigate the algae and animals stranded on the shore and in the pools when the tide goes out. She will explain how valuable some of them are proving to be in scientific research. Reference will also be made to the various naturalists who have also enjoyed studying this coastline and those who donated their collections to the museum.

The heyday of natural history was the mid-Victorian period. Tenby, on its rocky peninsula, flanked by superb beaches and offshore islands, played a major part in this heyday. Biologists of the calibre of Thomas Henry Huxley and Philip Henry Goss were regular visitors to the town. Tenby's resident marine zoologist, Dr. Dyster, assisted these eminent biologists in their research.

In 1856, Goss published Tenby, A Seaside Holiday, based on his 1854 visit to the town. This beautifully illustrated book became the 'bible' of fashionable visitors to Tenby.

However, you do not need to be a graduate biologist reared on text books to study shells and watch sea-anemones on Tenby's beaches and rocks today. If you look carefully you can still find species collected by enthusiastic amateurs over a century ago.

Biologist Jill Ensom will explain all on Friday, July 10, in an illustrated talk entitled 'A walk on the Beach' at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Places are limited, so please contact the museum to book your place on (01834) 842809.