The sessions at the Kenwood Apiary have ceased and I have not opened up the garden hive but I am keeping an eye on it to ensure that it is still secure and that the entrance has not become blocked with debris. Most days the bees are flying and still bringing pollen in. I trust the stores have not been depleted too much but purchased some fondant from the National Honey Show which can be used if the hive seems light or the weather takes a bad turn.
The National Honey Show
For the third time I went to the National Show in Addlestone. I booked in for an all day skep making workshop but we only managed to make about a third of a skep despite working hard and taking minimal breaks. I think that the publicity should have stated that skeps would not be completed - just the craft learned. The tutor was knowledgeable and skilled but the arrangement of the room was poor and there were insufficient scissors to go round which slowed the process up. In summary learning was poorly planned and managed. With so little time I only managed to do a quick whizz around the competition and the trade hall. Overall the event was rather tired and did not do the image of beekeeping in the 21st Century many favours which is depressing as it will not encourage new people to join in. For example I had considered entering some of the competitions but that meant making a special journey at a non-concession fare on a day when not much was taking place, in addition to going to the skep workshop. It feels like the event is organised for the organisers not the people who might go.
The National Honey Show
For the third time I went to the National Show in Addlestone. I booked in for an all day skep making workshop but we only managed to make about a third of a skep despite working hard and taking minimal breaks. I think that the publicity should have stated that skeps would not be completed - just the craft learned. The tutor was knowledgeable and skilled but the arrangement of the room was poor and there were insufficient scissors to go round which slowed the process up. In summary learning was poorly planned and managed. With so little time I only managed to do a quick whizz around the competition and the trade hall. Overall the event was rather tired and did not do the image of beekeeping in the 21st Century many favours which is depressing as it will not encourage new people to join in. For example I had considered entering some of the competitions but that meant making a special journey at a non-concession fare on a day when not much was taking place, in addition to going to the skep workshop. It feels like the event is organised for the organisers not the people who might go.
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