Welcome to the Exmoor BRANCH!
We are the most westerly of the Somerset Branches, with members from across West Somerset into Devon. Although small we are a very active and inclusive group with members keeping honey bees in diverse locations geographically from seaside to moorland, and great pool of knowledge within the Branch.
Each year we hold a beginners’ course in the spring, initially in the classroom and then out in the apiary. Subsequently, throughout the year we hold monthly get-togethers to discuss and air problems we might all have and to guide beginners. There are always mentors on hand to give advice to beginners and nurture them through their first years.
Fun is always an excellent way to learn and we have a lot of fun as a group. During the summer months generous members host bee teas – a jolly occasion to view somebody else’s apiary and share concerns over an excellent tea with, of course, the beekeepers’ essential, cake!
Besides introducing and teaching beginners about beekeeping, our other important aim is to educate people and promote honeybees as a vital part of the pollination process. To this end we attend various summer shows and fairs in July and August, in, for example, Porlock, Dunster, Carhampton, Exford and Sampford Brett. At these venues we sell our honey and wax products. We also promote and educate, with the ever-popular observation hive. This is a great draw, particularly to youngsters. People can also have a go at candle-rolling – another popular activity.
Besides these larger shows, individuals or small groups quite often have a stand at smaller shows – all depending on manpower on the day. In early autumn we hold our annual Honey Show with upwards of 20 different classes, judged by a professional honey judge. This, again, is a fun but serious event, furthering all our skills in the art of showing honey and beeswax and ensuring we sell good quality produce. We are supported by a range of broadly bee / honey-related stalls with craft items and produce.
Currently our teaching apiary is on the outskirts of Minehead. It is now proving rather too small for our needs and we are in the process of creating a new site rather nearer Dunster. Our members will be coming together to create these exciting new premises.
A warm welcome will be extended to anybody who feels they might like to learn more about honeybees – we would be delighted to see you.
Each year we hold a beginners’ course in the spring, initially in the classroom and then out in the apiary. Subsequently, throughout the year we hold monthly get-togethers to discuss and air problems we might all have and to guide beginners. There are always mentors on hand to give advice to beginners and nurture them through their first years.
Fun is always an excellent way to learn and we have a lot of fun as a group. During the summer months generous members host bee teas – a jolly occasion to view somebody else’s apiary and share concerns over an excellent tea with, of course, the beekeepers’ essential, cake!
Besides introducing and teaching beginners about beekeeping, our other important aim is to educate people and promote honeybees as a vital part of the pollination process. To this end we attend various summer shows and fairs in July and August, in, for example, Porlock, Dunster, Carhampton, Exford and Sampford Brett. At these venues we sell our honey and wax products. We also promote and educate, with the ever-popular observation hive. This is a great draw, particularly to youngsters. People can also have a go at candle-rolling – another popular activity.
Besides these larger shows, individuals or small groups quite often have a stand at smaller shows – all depending on manpower on the day. In early autumn we hold our annual Honey Show with upwards of 20 different classes, judged by a professional honey judge. This, again, is a fun but serious event, furthering all our skills in the art of showing honey and beeswax and ensuring we sell good quality produce. We are supported by a range of broadly bee / honey-related stalls with craft items and produce.
Currently our teaching apiary is on the outskirts of Minehead. It is now proving rather too small for our needs and we are in the process of creating a new site rather nearer Dunster. Our members will be coming together to create these exciting new premises.
A warm welcome will be extended to anybody who feels they might like to learn more about honeybees – we would be delighted to see you.
Forthcoming Events
The Exmoor Honey Show will take place this year on Saturday 16th of November, at the Methodist Hall in The Avenue, in Minehead.
Click on the link below to obtain the schedule or download the attachment in the calendar.
Click on the link below to obtain the schedule or download the attachment in the calendar.
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Exmoor BRANCH Events
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Contact Information
Chairman Robert Fox, Waterwheel Cottage, Rodhuish, Minehead, TA24 6QR T: 01984 640072 E: [email protected] |
Treasurer Lance Moir A: Catford Cottage, Escott, Williton TA4 4JQ E: [email protected] |
Secretary Caroline Ralph - [email protected] |
Swarm Contact Greg Bartnik T: 07976 952989 |
Membership Secretary Lance Moir - contact details above, |
Newsletter contributions to John Eastaugh E: [email protected] |
