Stories of Interest

Geoff Bazin

apiarymanager PBKA, Stories of Interest, Training

It is with great sadness, that we must report that our good friend and fellow beekeeper Geoff Bazin, passed away last week.

Many of us have reasons to thank Geoff for getting us into beekeeping in the first place, due to his training sessions as Apiary Manager, down at Kethin’s Farm, which I am sure many of you will remember. An Essex man, Geoff used to holiday down here with his wife and was great friends with Ricky Wilson and Ian Richards. He subsequently decided to retire in Pembrokeshire and put his many years of beekeeping experience to good use, having worked with such greats as Ted Hooper and Clive De Bruyn.

Geoff was also the local Thornes agent for many years and many of us will have not only have bought equipment from him, but also received advice and practical assistance in putting it together!

Geoff was a passionate beekeeper who cared deeply about their welfare and of the importance of good training.

We will certainly miss him.

Geoff’s funeral is at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Saturday 23rd November at 1pm, with refreshments afterwards at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth.

I am sure many of you will wish to go along and pay your respects.

 

Attempted Bee Thefts

apiarymanager Stories of Interest

We have been advised of an attempt to steal bees in the Carmarthen area, where several men in bee suits with a large white van and a double wheeled trailer, were attempting to enter an out-apiary. When they realised they had been seen they drove away quickly at speed.

We advise all beekeepers to be on their guard and to advise the land owner (for those of you with out-apiaries) and also any other beekeepers in the area. If you should see any suspicious activity, please try and get the registration number of the vehicle and a phone picture if possible.

Concern for future of bees after fall in honey crop

apiarymanager Stories of Interest

An article from the BBC has expressed concern about the future of honey bees after a survey showed a “steady decline” in the honey crop.

The British Beekeepers Association says the average yield per hive in England and Wales was down by 2.3lb (1kg) this year from the previous year – and numbers have been dropping for decades.

Wales and south-west England were two of the lowest producers of honey while south-east England was the best.

We would be interested to hear the views of beekeepers in Pembrokeshire as well as other parts of the UK (and beyond) with their experiences!