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 2025
Central Somerset Beekeepers Honey Show 2025 was held in the Bees and Honey Tent at the Mid-Somerset Show in Cannards Grave, Shepton Mallet on Sunday 17 August. This year proved to be a great success for Central Branch, with the displays, bee suits for children and the observation hive attracting much attention. Although both the sales of honey and hive products and attendance at the candle-rolling stall were lower than last year, public interest remained high and 20 people added their names for further details of our Beekeeping for Beginners course (see below).
There were over 100 entries in the honey show which meant that the accredited judge was able to bestow, at her discretion, a Blue Ribbon Award from the National Honey Show for the best entry. This year the Blue Ribbon was awarded to Mark Jones for his entry in Class 27: two jars of light honey.
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. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Mid-Somerset Show and Central Branch Honey Show on Sunday 16 August 2026
There were over 100 entries in the honey show which meant that the accredited judge was able to bestow, at her discretion, a Blue Ribbon Award from the National Honey Show for the best entry. This year the Blue Ribbon was awarded to Mark Jones for his entry in Class 27: two jars of light honey.
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. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Mid-Somerset Show and Central Branch Honey Show on Sunday 16 August 2026
beekeeping for beginners course 2026
Interested in knowing more about the fascinating world of the honey bee? Whether you would like to keep bees or just want to learn more, why not sign up to our new course for 2026 - Beekeeping for Beginners, based in Shepton Mallet? Over four evening theory sessions in the classroom and three daytime apiary-based practical sessions, you will be introduced to the ancient craft of beekeeping. You will gain an understanding of honey bee behaviour and learn how beekeepers work with their bees to provide the optimum environment for them to flourish. The cost of £50 for the whole course includes all safety equipment, refreshments and associate membership of Central Branch SBKA for the year. For all queries, course dates and the application form, including details of how to pay, click the link below.
Yellow-legged asian hornets
The yellow-legged hornet (vespa velutina) is an invasive non-native species that poses a threat to native insect populations. It is a highly effective predator that can devastate honey bee colonies and harm other native pollinators.
What can we do to reduce their impact?
Put out monitoring traps that you can check regularly and report any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch App. Check the button below for a simple and cheap monitoring trap.
What can we do to reduce their impact?
Put out monitoring traps that you can check regularly and report any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch App. Check the button below for a simple and cheap monitoring trap.
Join Central BRANCHThe Central Membership Form 2026 is available below. Please complete and return the form, including the section(s) on data privacy and gift aid (if applicable). For full insurance coverage, please remember to allow for the maximum number of colonies you might have at the peak of the season. The separate Central Gift Aid Form 2026 is to be used if you subsequently wish to Gift Aid. |
Central BRANCH events |
Useful Links
Handling and examining a colony of bees
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Useful Documents
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