Welcome to the Central Branch of Somerset Beekeepers' Association, where you can find all the information you need about joining, contacting and getting involved with the Branch. We're very welcoming and love to talk about bees and beekeeping!
Here you can find out what we're up to with our events calendar, join the Branch or sign up to our beginners' course, as well as contact us.
Here you can find out what we're up to with our events calendar, join the Branch or sign up to our beginners' course, as well as contact us.
Honey Show
Central Somerset Beekeepers Honey Show 2024 was held in the Bees and Honey Tent at the Mid-Somerset Show in Cannards Grave, Shepton Mallet on Sunday 18 August. The Mid-Somerset Show is the only one day agricultural show in the South-West with free admission to the Show for pedestrians. It offers a fantastic day out for all the family with wonderful arrays of food and drink, livestock displays, craft stalls, cheese tasting and dog shows.
The Honey Show includes the Central annual honey and bee-related products competition, with plenty of categories to suit all members. The 2024 Honey Show schedule is below and the classes range from honey and wax to cakes, biscuits, photos and sculptures. Members of Central Somerset Beekeepers who exhibited in the Honey Show were also eligible to sell honey and honey products in the very popular and always busy Honey Tent shop. This year, the honey exhibited in the gift classes was donated to the Lawrence Centre, Wells, which is a community-centred charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues and memory loss.
The Honey Show in Shepton Mallet is a fantastic opportunity for Central Somerset Beekeepers and all SBKA members to show case their honey and bee and honey-related products to the general public. For three years running there have been sufficient entries (over100) to enable a Blue Riband to be awarded for Best in Show at the discretion of the National Honey Show accredited Chief Judge.
At the 2024 Honey Show the Blue Riband was awarded to Yvonne Pearson for her outstanding depiction in cake icing of an anatomically correct honey bee, which included labelling the parts. The Judge also recommended that this winning entry was of such a high standard that it would be eligible to be an entry to be judged at the National Honey Show in October at Sandown Park in Surrey.
The Honey Tent also featured an observation hive, candle-rolling, topical displays and bee-related information stands and there were plenty of Central Somerset Beekeepers on hand to talk about all things bee-related to the public.
Central Beekeepers are grateful for the continued support and sponsorship by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, who host the fantastic annual Mid-Somerset Show in Shepton Mallet. Date for your diary: The next Mid-Somerset Show will be held on Sunday 17 August 2025 at The MidSomerset Showground, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 4GF.
Interested in knowing more about the honey bee? Even if you don't expect to become a beekeeper, there is plenty you can learn at our Beekeeping for Beginners' Course. Starting in March 2025, the course consists of four theory classroom-based sessions and three practical sessions, where you get close to many thousands of bees. All safety equipment and supervision is provided. Scroll down to click the link for more information.
The Honey Show includes the Central annual honey and bee-related products competition, with plenty of categories to suit all members. The 2024 Honey Show schedule is below and the classes range from honey and wax to cakes, biscuits, photos and sculptures. Members of Central Somerset Beekeepers who exhibited in the Honey Show were also eligible to sell honey and honey products in the very popular and always busy Honey Tent shop. This year, the honey exhibited in the gift classes was donated to the Lawrence Centre, Wells, which is a community-centred charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues and memory loss.
The Honey Show in Shepton Mallet is a fantastic opportunity for Central Somerset Beekeepers and all SBKA members to show case their honey and bee and honey-related products to the general public. For three years running there have been sufficient entries (over100) to enable a Blue Riband to be awarded for Best in Show at the discretion of the National Honey Show accredited Chief Judge.
At the 2024 Honey Show the Blue Riband was awarded to Yvonne Pearson for her outstanding depiction in cake icing of an anatomically correct honey bee, which included labelling the parts. The Judge also recommended that this winning entry was of such a high standard that it would be eligible to be an entry to be judged at the National Honey Show in October at Sandown Park in Surrey.
The Honey Tent also featured an observation hive, candle-rolling, topical displays and bee-related information stands and there were plenty of Central Somerset Beekeepers on hand to talk about all things bee-related to the public.
Central Beekeepers are grateful for the continued support and sponsorship by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, who host the fantastic annual Mid-Somerset Show in Shepton Mallet. Date for your diary: The next Mid-Somerset Show will be held on Sunday 17 August 2025 at The MidSomerset Showground, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 4GF.
Interested in knowing more about the honey bee? Even if you don't expect to become a beekeeper, there is plenty you can learn at our Beekeeping for Beginners' Course. Starting in March 2025, the course consists of four theory classroom-based sessions and three practical sessions, where you get close to many thousands of bees. All safety equipment and supervision is provided. Scroll down to click the link for more information.
Join THE Central BRANCHThe membership form for 2025 is available below and includes a section on data privacy. If you are a tax payer and would like Central Branch to claim Gift Aid on your behalf, please also complete the Central Gift Aid form and follow the guidance for payment and return of the forms. Previously registered Central members need only complete the forms if their details have changed. For full insurance coverage, please remember to allow for the maximum number of colonies you might have at the peak of the season. Beginners' Course 2025
Have you always wanted to keep bees? Are you interested in finding out more about these fascinating creatures? Click the link for details and to put your name down for the Central Branch 2025 course. |
Central BRANCH events |
Useful Links
Handling and examining a colony of bees
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Useful Documents
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