 Chris Harries presiding over Taunton Division's equipment auction Beekeepers from across the South West started the season at an equipment auction held in Taunton on Sunday (March 25).
Eager to get prepared and grab a bargain, they bid for more than 120 lots during a two-hour sale run by Taunton Beekeepers. Auctioneer Chris Harries, in his 32nd year presiding on the podium, said: “At this time of the year beekeepers are getting ready for the coming season. “There was some strong interest in complete hives and we sold scores of hive parts and useful equipment,” he said. The lots were varied and included top bar hives, equipment to extract and bottle honey, decorative honey pots, protective suits, back copies of beekeeping magazines and an observation hive. Peter Maben, Chair of Taunton Beekeepers, commented: "Once again, our annual auction was extremely well supported by buyers, sellers and a great team of volunteers led by our auctioneer Chris.” The auction raised hundreds of pounds for Taunton Beekeepers to spend on educational activities for its members and to promote beekeeping at local schools and events. ends Notes to editors:
 The winner of Somerset Beekeepers’ most prestigious honour – the West Country Honey Farms Award – has been presented to Bridget Knutson from Cheddar.
Her outstanding contribution to the craft was recognised by fellow beekeepers at their annual meeting held at Wedmore on Saturday (March 10). Judging panel chairman Milns Priscott said in his citation that she was an active member of the beekeeping community at both local and national level. “Bridget has demonstrated her ability as a beekeeper to a very high standard. She has set new bench marks for the quality of her exhibits at honey shows and has always been generous with her support to help beekeepers to extend their knowledge,” he said. She is Chair of the Wedmore and Cheddar Division, manages the visual aid library for the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) and teaches and mentors on local beginners, improvers and specialist courses. “If Bridget did not exist, we would have to invent her! The quantity, quality and level of contribution to beekeeping in Somerset is outstanding, and an example to us all,” he added. Also, she is Somerset Beekeepers’ yearbook editor and exams secretary and has passed all BBKA theory modules and practical exams putting her one step away from becoming a master beekeeper. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. For more visit www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk Ends Pic cap: Bridget Knutson with the West Country Honey Farms Award rose bowl.  Asian hornet experts briefed the South West Beekeepers’ Forum and posed outside the venue with an outsize model of the invasive insect. Pictured are, from left to right, Dr Pete Kennedy, a research fellow at the University of Exeter; North Devon beekeeper Martyn Hocking, who discovered Asian hornets in his apiary last year; South West Beekeepers’ Forum Chairman Peter Darley; beekeeper Bob Hogge from Jersey where Asian hornets established within a year. Beekeepers in the South West are being urged to prepare for more sightings of the latest threat to honeybees and pollinators – the highly destructive Asian hornet.
Experts have been briefing the South West Beekeepers’ Forum (SWBKF), which represents around 10,000 beekeepers. Latest research shows the speed with which Asian hornets are spreading in Europe destroying honeybee colonies and putting a critical strain on other insects vital to local ecosystems. Dr Pete Kennedy, a research fellow at the University of Exeter, warned that in 10 years Asian hornets could be widespread throughout the South West and Wales if left unchecked; in 20 years most of England would be affected. He presented the latest findings from a government-funded project which attached specially-designed tags to hornets in Jersey and France to test tracking systems. These techniques are used to track hornets back to their nests so professional teams can quickly dispose of them. SWBKF Chairman Peter Darley, from Poole, said: “The Asian hornet is the next big test of British bees and beekeepers.” He urged beekeepers, wildlife groups and the public to all play their part in detecting the insect and reporting it to the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat. “One of the difficulties with the Asian hornet is that it can be imported anywhere in the country on transport from France and Spain and that’s what we have to be so careful about.” He called on lorry drivers and cross Channel ferry passengers to carefully check their vehicles in the summer in case they were unwittingly returning to the UK with an Asian hornet. Jersey beekeeper Bob Hogge described how the invasive insect arrived on the island two years ago and had spread rapidly. Beekeepers were working with the Channel Islands’ government to hunt down and eradicate nests and were developing new tracking techniques. The most recent sighting in the UK was in Woolacombe, Devon, by beekeeper Martyn Hocking, who described the shock of making “a most unexpected and unwelcome discovery”. “As a result of what happened in my apiary, I would like to see beekeeper action teams set up to investigate possible sightings and support individual beekeepers,” he said. South West Regional Bee Inspector, Simon Jones, said rapid reporting could make all the difference between eradication and widespread establishment and encouraged all beekeepers to know how to spot the insect. Asian hornets are slightly smaller than native hornets, have a distinctive black/dark brown thorax; brown abdominal segments with the fourth segment almost entirely yellow-orange, brown legs with yellow ends, a black head and an orange-yellow face. Beekeeping associations in the South West are drawing up ‘battle plans’ ahead of the coming season. Ends  Somerset beekeeper Milns Priscott receives a BBKA certificate to mark 60 years as a beekeeper from Ken Tredgett, President of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association. Somerset beekeeper Milns Priscott’s 60-year membership of the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) has been recognised with a presentation in front of nearly 200 beekeepers on Saturday (February 17).
He received congratulations and a commemorative certificate from Ken Tredgett, President of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA), at a lecture day held in Somerton on Saturday (Feb 17). Afterwards Milns said he enjoyed beekeeping as much today as when he took up the craft and had no plans for retirement. “I bee-keep with two friends and I really enjoy the commradie,” he said. “There may be more problems now than when I started, but I have no plans to stop!” he said. Milns, from Milverton, has been Taunton division Chairman and President and Somerset’s Vice Chairman. He has given many beekeeping talks and demonstrations across the county and has been a very successful competitor at honey shows. Over the years the challenges facing honeybees have increased as environmental pressures reduce forage and invasive species such as the varroa mite have made bees more susceptible to disease. This coming season beekeepers in the South West are on high alert for sightings of the invasive Asian hornet which wreaks destruction on honeybees and other pollinators. Ends  Two Somerset beekeepers have triumphed at their first outing to the National Honey Show. Mark and Christine Gullick from Axbridge came first in two classes against very stiff competition from not just the UK but overseas. Also they were awarded a prestigious trophy for their winning frame of honey comb suitable for extraction. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association Chairman, Anne Pike, said: “Mark and Christine’s success is a tremendous achievement. They were up against some of the best beekeepers and most experienced exhibitors in the country. “Their success is all the more special in light of a very difficult beekeeping season in Somerset when the average honey crop fell to its lowest level in decades.” Mark and Christine Gullick have enjoyed great success at honey shows this year winning Best in Show at the Bristol Honey Show as well as many prize cards at the Royal Bath & West Show. Ends Photo cap: Somerset beekeeper Mark Gullick was presented with a trophy by His Excellency Orville London, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago at the National Honey Show Notes to editors:
Categories All  Somerset’s honey crop is one of the worst for decades say members of Somerset Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA).
Some beekeepers have not harvested any honey at all, while others are substantially down on last year. The British Beekeepers Association’s (BBKA) annual Honey Survey released today (October 23, 2017) reveals that beekeepers in the South West saw their honey crop drop to 18 lbs per hive. SBKA Chairman Anne Pike said: “The glorious early Spring saw colonies build up fast but when the weather turned the honey stores were quickly consumed by the growing colonies of bees.” David Morris from Taunton has been keeping bees for 61 years and describes this season as the worst-ever and averaged just five pounds of honey per hive. “The cause is mainly weather-related,” he said. “We had a hot June followed by a wet July when what we want is the reverse to give us plenty of blackberry and clover nectar for a summer honey flow.” Local honey is in short supply and prices are expected to rise to reflect this season’s shortage. “Local honey is an extraordinary, natural product – it’s usually raw (untreated), contains local pollen and is additive-free,” added Anne. “Honey doesn’t just taste different from place to place, but from hive to hive and week to week! To use a wine term, local honey truly reflects the local terroir.” There are two honey crops a year, one in Spring and the other at the end of the summer and one hive can produce 60lb (27 kg) in a good season. Bees fly about 55,000 miles, making more than a million visits to flowers, to make just one pound of honey. Margaret Murdin, BBKA Chairman, concludes: “Everyone can play a part in helping honey bees and all the other insects they love such as butterflies and bumble bees by planting the right sort of flowers and shrubs. Check the label to see that anything you plant will be rich in nectar and pollen, as not all plants are equal in this respect. A crocus is so much better for bees than a daffodil, for example. “Our survey shows that suburban gardens and urban roof tops produce some of the best honey crops, so how we garden really can make a difference.” Ends  Beekeeper and website creator Neil Cook puts the finishing touches to the new Somerset Beekeepers' website Somerset Beekeepers (SBKA) is inviting the public to explore its new website launched today. The new website is packed with up-to-date information aimed at those who are interested in honeybees as well as beekeepers. SBKA Chairman Anne Pike said: “Our beautiful and informative new website contains information ranging from what to do if you spot a swarm to news about the latest Asian hornet sightings.” The site has been created by fellow beekeeper and IT security specialist Neil Cook from Yeovil to work on a PC, tablet and mobile. “Making the site informative and useful, but also relatively simple to navigate and ‘clean’ rather than cluttered, was a challenge,” said Neil. It took around 200 hours to build the site which is aimed at SBKA members, the public, press, and as a shop-window for apiculture. He added: “I think what is quite revolutionary, at least as far as I’ve seen in beekeeping websites, is having a central calendar and website for the whole SBKA, but with the divisional aspects updated and maintained by each division.” SBKA is a volunteer-run registered charity which works with more than 850 members and raises awareness of issues affecting honeybees more widely. Anne Pike added: “We are the voice of Somerset’s beekeepers and honeybees and this wonderful new website enables us to do this better. “Honeybees and other pollinators are having a tough time because of pests and diseases, loss of habitat and pesticides. One of our key roles is to help our members to keep healthy and strong colonies and to encourage the public to get behind pollinators.” Ends  Jenny Gammon with the Blue Ribbon awarded for the best exhibit at the 2017 County Honey Show. At her side is SBKA President Ken Tredgett. Taunton beekeepers Jenny and Sid Gammon scooped the blue ribbon for the best exhibit at the Taunton and Somerset honey show held at Taunton Flower Show (August 4 and 5) with their exceptional soft set honey.
Jenny and Sid were also awarded three trophies for hive products from prize-winning honey to exquisite wax flowers and candles. Beekeepers David Pearce from Bathealton and Graham Welfare from Hatch Beauchamp were awarded four trophies each while mother and daughter, Rosemary and Eleanor Burgess from Taunton, won three. Peter Maben, Chairman of Taunton Beekeepers, said: “The show is a great shop window for bees and honey, providing visitors with plenty to see and do as well as showing the enthusiasm and passion of local beekeepers.” He was particularly impressed by the stunning displays submitted by local schools. Taunton primary schools - Kingston St.Mary and Holway – were joint winners. Ken Tredgett, President of Somerset Beekeepers, added he was delighted to see so many visitors swarm to the feature and hoped they would leave with a love of bees, a desire to plant for pollinators and an appreciation of the work that goes into producing every pot of honey. “A honeybee has to fly about 55,000 miles to make just one pound of honey, that’s one and a half times around the world! Meanwhile, it requires local beekeepers to care for their colonies all the year round as well as dealing with a very labour-intensive harvest,” he said. Thousands of visitors enjoyed the beautiful marquee packed with information about keeping bees, honey tasting, bee-friendly plants and candle rolling for children. An observation hive, where bees are displayed behind glass, and an outdoor demonstration area, which is screened by protective netting, gave visitors plenty of opportunity to see honeybees at work. More than 40 classes attracted entries from beekeepers who went head-to-head in a vibrant demonstration of how the ancient craft still flourishes today. Taunton Beekeepers are holding a taster afternoon on Saturday, September 9; for more information contact Mike Dillon, mikedillonbees@gmail.com or 01823 669619/ 07585537030. 2017 Somerset Honey results The Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in Show in the judges’ opinion: Jenny and Sid Gammon The Taunton Perpetual Challenge Trophy ( winner most points ) Taunton full member) in the show Class 1-42 Winner: SJ & JA Gammon; The Priscott Perpetual Skep Plate (Runner up (Taunton full member) in the show Class 32 – 42 Winner: R & E Burgess; The Stoker Perpetual Silver Trophy (winner most points (Somerset member) in the show Class 1 - 42 Winner: SJ & JA Gammon; The Pat Barter Silver (plated) Trophy (winner most points classes 1 – 30) Winner: D.Pearce; The W .Elmsall Perpetual Observation Hive Trophy class 16 Winner: Taunton & District Division; The Andy Coles Memorial Trophy for Mead Class 8 – 9 Winner: G.Welfare; The Tom Tucker Trophy for Cookery (all classes) 19 – 22 (Taunton member) Winner: G.Welfare; The Downes Perpetual Cup (Most points in classes 20 and 21 (Cookery) Winner: R & E Burgess; The Gammon Perpetual Trophy (winner class 18 Novice) Winner: A.Miles; The Taunton Honey Show plate (winner most points (Taunton Full member) in Section 2 32-42 Winner: D.Pearce; The Sally Bennett Trophy (Runner up class 32-41 (Section 2) Winner: R & E Burgess; The John Spiller Mascot (Best exhibit in Section 2 – in judge’s opinion) Winner: D.Pearce. County Cups: Jubilee Cup - Most points in classes 1-18 inclusive Winner: D.Pearce; Miss M.D Bindley Cup - Winner class 2 Medium Honey Winner: S.Perkins; Terry Arnold Perpetual Challenge Trophy – Winner classes 18 -22 incl. Winner: G.Welfare; The Duffin Challenge Trophy - (Cake of Beeswax) Winner class 12 Winner: R & E Burgess; The Clifford Langford Award for Mead Winner most points classes 8 – 9 Winner: G.Welfare. Class 1 Two lb jars of light honey: 1st D.Pearce 2nd S.Perkins 3rd - Class 2 Two lb jars of medium honey1st S.Perkins 2nd SJ & JA Gammon 3rd M.Crook Class 3 Two lb jars of dark honey 1st M.North 2nd - 3rd D.Pearce Class 4 Two lb jars of naturally crystallised honey1st A.Pike 2nd D.Pearce 3rd R & E Burgess Class 5 Two lb jars of soft set honey 1st R.Fox 2nd - 3rd - Class 6 Two lb jars of heather honey 1st A.Nelson 2nd - 3rd - Class 7 Three lb jars of honey labelled for sale 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd D.Pearce 3rd S.Perkins Class 8 One bottle dry mead1st G.Welfare 2nd - 3rd A.Nelson Class 9 One bottle sweet mead 1st G.Welfare 2nd - 3rd - Class 10 Two containers of cut comb 1st D.Pearce 2nd - 3rd - Class 11 One shallow comb of honey suitable for extracting 1st A.Pike 2nd S.Perkins 3rd - Class 12 One cake of wax 1st R & E Burgess 2nd A Robbins and A Halpin 3rd SJ & JA Gammon Class 13 Composite 1st R & E Burgess 2nd S.Perkins 3rd G.Welfare Class 14 Embroidery/water colour/model/drawing produced by beekeeper 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd - 3rd - Class 15 Artistic/decorative exhibit relating to beekeeping 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd D.Pearce 3rd - Class 16 Observation hive 1st Taunton & District Beekeepers 2nd - 3rd - Class 17 - judged by public - results to be announced Class 18 Novice one lb jar of honey 1st A.Miles 2nd M.Crook 3rd - Class 19 Walnut and honey cookies 1st J.Crosher 2nd G.Welfare 3rd R & E Burgess Class 20 Honey fruit cake 1st M.North 2nd G. Welfare 3rd R & E Burgess Class 21 Cornish fairings 1st R & E Burgess 2nd D.Parry 3rd G.Welfare Class 22 Honey and banana tea bread 1st M.North 2nd J.Crosher 3rd G.Welfare Class 23 Three photographs in a series on a single mount 1st A Robbins and A Halpin 2nd J.Crosher 3rd - Class 24 Single photograph 1st S.Perkins 2nd A.Robbins & A.Halpin 3rd M.North Class 25 One decorative wax exhibit 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd S.Perkins 3rd - Class 26 Display of beeswax flowers 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd M.North 3rd R & E Burgess Class 27 Beeswax furniture polish or cream 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd A Robbins & A Halpin 3rd R & E Burgess Class 28 Two moulded beeswax candles 1st A.Pike 2nd SJ & JA Gammon 3rd - Class 29 Two dipped candles 1st R & E Burgess 2nd SJ& JA Gammon 3rd - Class 30 Honeybee forage 1st J.Crosher 2nd R & E Burgess 3rd - Class 31 A counter display 1st R & E Burgess 2nd - 3rd A Robbins and A Halpin Section Two Full Members of Taunton Division Class 32 Two lb jars of light honey 1st M.North 2nd D.Pearce 3rd R & E Burgess Class 33 Two lb jars of medium honey 1st D.Pearce 2nd SJ & JA Gammon 3rd M.North Class 34 Two lb jars of dark honey 1st D. Pearce 2nd M.North 3rd - Class 35 Two lb jars of crystallised honey 1st R & E Burgess 2nd A.Pike 3rd G.Welfare Class 36 Two lb jars of soft set honey 1st - 2nd G.Welfare 3rd - Class 37 Five wax blocks 1st A.Pike 2nd SJ & JA Gammon 3 rd R & E Burgess Class 38 One frame of honey suitable for extracting 1st R & E Burgess 2nd - 3rd - Class 39 One standard container of cut comb 1st D.Pearce 2nd M.North 3rd - Class 40 One commercial block of wax1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd R & E Burgess 3rd G.Welfare Class 41 Three lb jars of honey labelled for sale 1st SJ & JA Gammon 2nd R & E Burgess 3rd G.Welfare Class 42 Novice Two rolled candles – no entries Class 43 Special class for schools 1st Kingston St.Mary and Holway schools both awarded a first sbk_tbk_taunton_somerset_honey_shows.pdf  David Pearce of Bathealton with his prize-winning honey, and SBKA President Ken Tredgett Somerset beekeepers are celebrating a sweet victory at the Royal Bath and West Show when they beat tough competition to take the prestigious Challenge Shield for gaining the most points. Talented Westcountry beekeepers competed in 44 classes spanning honey, wax, cookery and photography. Somerset won an unbeatable total and knocked rivals Wiltshire into second place with a margin of just three points. Double award-winner David Pearce of Bathealton near Taunton impressed the judges and went away with two trophies including one for winning more points than any other Somerset member. President of Somerset Beekeepers and Show Steward, Ken Tredgett, said the standard of competition was very high and he was delighted Somerset had won back the shield. “Regaining the Royal Bath & West Challenge Shield demonstrates the high quality of beekeeping going on in the county. Wiltshire ran us a very close second but some of our exceptional beekeepers ensured victory was ours!” Somerset Beekeepers’ Association is made up of 12 divisions and works to advance the craft of apiculture within its membership and to promote general awareness and understanding of honeybees. 
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