The Sutton and Barnby Moor Gardening Club held its first meeting of the year on Tuesday 5th January at Barnby Moor Village Hall, at the usual time of 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
After a warm welcome by chairperson Jenny Bailey, and a general update of club matters and announcements, the speaker for the evening was introduced. Chris Edge, from Birch Hill Apiary Shireoaks near Worksop, has addressed the group on previous occasions.
Chris is a beekeeper first and foremost and the title of the evening’s talk was ‘The Life of a Beekeeper’. Starting from the beginning, Chris explained how he visited agriculture shows in and around the local area as a schoolboy and how his interest in beekeeping was aroused – and still gets his full attention even now! He told of the history of bees from many years ago, originating in Africa and eventually spreading through Europe and reaching our very own shores as things evolved.
Lots of topics relating to the bees were covered, starting with selection of hives, arrival of a Queen Bee and the purchase or acquirement of a swarm. This led to the good housekeeping tips and work required to maintain the hives and contents whilst trying to avoid any infections or unwanted guests trying to gain entry to the apiaries, Varroa mite being only one of many problems he has encountered and dealt with over many years.
A magnificent collection of pictures was on show on the night, all themed around the life of bees, and the talk was accompanied by a slide show presentation. On completion of the talk a Q&A session was held, with many and varied questions forwarded and all answered successfully.