​Helping hand for an aspiring beekeeper in Somerset

Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is seeking nominations for the 2023 New Leaf Life Design Award set up to help an aspiring beekeeper get started.
The Award seeks to encourage either an enthusiastic young person in Somerset who cannot afford to take up beekeeping or who deserves assistance.
Somerset BKA chair Stewart Gould said: “It’s not cheap to set yourself up with all the necessary bits and pieces to start beekeeping and this award is to be given to a person or project who might find it difficult for financial or other reasons.”
Last year the award was made to a 16-year-old autistic student whose experience managing his own bees has helped him to secure a place at an agricultural college. The youngster, who lives in the Mendips, attended a beginner’s course, set up his own colony and even managed to breed a new queen bee to give to another new beekeeper.
Becky Wright, who runs the workplace wellbeing company New Leaf, is funding the award. Stewart added: “Becky very kindly donates a percentage of her consultancy fees to support the Award which funds the start-up costs. The award winner will receive a colony of bees in a new hive, a bee-suit, smoker and hive tool, and also have a mentor for the first year of beekeeping.”
Nominations should be sent to Maggie Norris [email protected] by January 19. 
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Photo credit: Stewart Gould