SELBORNE villagers will be in for a royal treat next Wednesday when the Prince of Wales pays a visit to Gilbert WhiteÕs House and the Mouth and Foot Gallery.
More than 100 invited guests will greet Prince Charles when he arrives in the village to open the new Gilbert White Field Studies Centre.
Guests will include local councillors, residents, a representative from the Heritage Lottery Fund and others who have helped to fund the conversion and extension of a 16th century barn to form the new field studies centre.
The barn, which originated in 1545, now provides a modern education centre, enabling more than 5,000 students to study in Selborne every year.
The Rev Gilbert White (1720 - 1793) was author of the world famous book The Natural History of Selborne, which has never been out of print and is the fourth most published book in the English language.
His intention was to Òpromote a more minute inquiry into natural history; into the life and conversation of animalsÓ.
Chairman of the Trustees of Gilbert WhiteÕs House and The Oates Museum, Major General Patrick Cordingley, said: ÒWe are thrilled that his Royal Highness will honour us with his presence.
ÒWe hope that his visit will raise the awareness of the importance of Gilbert White and will encourage further donations towards the restoration of his house, which we are to renovate early in 2003.Ó
The Prince of Wales will arrive in the village at around 3-30 pm and will take a tour of the villageÕs Mouth and Foot Gallery which features a collection of work by artists who do not have the use of their arms or hands.
Then he will cross the road and take a private tour of Gilbert WhiteÕs House and the Oates Museum before officially opening the field studies centre.
Villagers are expected to turn out in force to try to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor.