SBKA in the News

S.B.K.A. Publicity Officer David Morris, interviewed for Farm Radio talks about C.C.D.

Trouble in the hives, July 2008

An item produced by Geoff Pagotto with David Morris about CCD is on the Farm Radio website.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~David Morris ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A startling headline claim that bees could face extinction within 10 years drew Geoff Pagotto to visit Somerset Bee Keeper David Morris. The so called Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD, has been seen in hives across Europe the UK and the United States, where it was first observed just two years ago. But are bees really at that much risk?  Geoff caught up with David as he prepared for the start of the bee season.

Click on the link below,  then scroll down to 'Trouble in the Hives' and click on the straw bale to listen to the interview.

http://www.farmradio.org.uk/programs_edition43a.htm

Somerset Beekeepers' Website is World Number One

Press Release 28th August 2005

At the World Biennial Beekeeping Congress, Apimondia, held in Dublin last week, the Somerset Beekeepers Association (S.B.K.A.), won the gold medal for having the best website on Beekeeping in the world. Amongst the 101 countries with delegates attending this Congress, 26 of them were represented by entries submitted for consideration in this competition. The judging took 60 hours to complete as every web page was scrutinised.

The web pages, that were initiated and produced by Gerald Fisher from the Somerton Division, and his son in law, Steve Horgan together with a number of other members of SBKA, gives information on a wide range of topics. As well as trying to encourage more people to learn about bees and to take up beekeeping, other topics covered include, historical aspects, news items, the structure of SBKA, the local groups in Somerset, together with list of their meetings, as well as guidance detailing with many aspects of the craft.

The prize was collected by David Morris, the publicity officer of SBKA and one of the contributors to the web pages. He was amongst a number of Somerset beekeepers attending the Congress. The gold medal was presented to him by Dermot Ahern, the Irish Foreign Minister.

Gerald Fisher said, 'To receive any award at such a prestigious event, and in the company of so many world experts is indeed extremely gratifying. To be chosen as the best is an experience that will remain in the minds of SBKA members for many years to come'

Next year will be the centenary of the SBKA, and the winning of this prestigious award in our 100 th year could not have come at a better time.

Couple win top award for SBKA

The SBKA website won international acclaim, when it was voted the best beekeeping website in the world by a team of international judges at the 2005 Apimondia International Apicultural Congress held in Dublin. There was great excitement amongst the Somerset beekeepers present, when David Morris, the SBKA Publicity Officer, received the Gold Medal from Dermot Ahern, the Irish Foreign Minister.

The website was the brainchild of Steve Horgan, (seen here on the left), who planned and constructed the site, and the major content was provided by Gerald Fisher, (right) SBKA Promotion Officer, and a beekeeper of over 30 years experience. It was originally intended as a promotional tool, but has grown into a medium that not only promotes the craft, but also provides an education centre, with its video clips, "How To" pages, and "Knowledge Centre". It also encompasses local information, detailing Divisional programmes and contacts, and courses available for newcomers.

SBKA at National Amateur Gardening Show

The Somerset Beekeepers' Association were once again in the news when the Somerton Division put on a display at the popular National Amateur Gardening Show, which is held each year at the Royal Bath & West Showground. Over 40,000 people visited the show, and the SBKA stand was kept very busy answering questions posed by a very interested general public. Gardening and beekeeping are somewhat affiliated, and this was very much in evidence throughout the three days of the show.

Visitors were treated to regular live demonstrations in the Bee Garden, and there was a constant crowd around the observation hive, which appears to fascinate people of all ages. At one point, we thought we would run out of honey for sale, such was the demand, but last minute reinforcements saved the day. The show is principally a promotional medium for us, providing us with a means of reaching out to people who might have more than a passing interest in the craft. Invariably we are able direct people to Introductory Courses, or to contacts in their area.

S.B.K.A.. Publicity Officer: David Morris, ‘Cranford’, Halse, Taunton, Somerset. TA4 3AB

Telephone 01823 432686 E Mail: dgmorris@cooptel.net