Mike Jones gave an insight into bees and beekeeping at the final talk of 2012.

Mike decided to take up this fascinating hobby in his retirement after having watched his father look after hives. He encouraged members to do their bit for the bees’ survival by growing the sorts of plants and flowers that they love when planning gardens. He also suggested that gardeners have a wildlife habitat, with plants such as poppies, scabious, wallflowers, thrifts, saxifrages, cornflowers, buddleias etc.

With the help of a friend, Mike showed some of the equipment necessary for their hobby. This included a real hive, honeycombs, smoker, protective bee suit, gloves, boots hat and veil.

The queen bee is the only one to lay the fertilized eggs and the workers store honey and pollen and keep the hive spotless. It is even cleaner than an operating table. The bees communicate through dance and it was hysterical to watch Mike demonstrating ‘The Bee Waggle Dance’. Mike also talked about the wonderful medicinal properties from honey means it is useful for burns, wounds, leg ulcers, bedsores, anti-biotics, conjunctivitis, sore throats and colds. He also spoke about the valuable wax which can be used to make candles.

However, he was concerned about the fact that genetically modified crops would damage the wild life. The group rounded off the year with a very successful ‘American Supper’.

Derek had arranged an exciting quiz and Chris Russell gave details about the intended trip to Peterborough and planned holiday to Northumbria. The committee would like to thank Hazel Rogers for the floral arrangement on the table and everyone who provided the brought delicious delicacies including sandwiches, sausage rolls savouries, cakes, mince pies, sponges, and crisps.

They were also grateful too for all the donations brought for the Christmas raffle.