Guest post by Roger Patterson
The recent BIBBA conference held on the Island has alerted Manx beekeepers to the opportunities for visiting a number of such interesting and informative events. Some are held only a short distance away, where we can learn so much about our craft for very little cost and effort. With reasonably priced short flights, we can easily visit events of the size and scope that we are unlikely to see here.
One worthwhile visit would be to the National Honey Show (NHS), to be held 26th-28th October at Sandown Racecourse, near Esher in Surrey. This is only a short distance from Gatwick Airport, that is just an hour’s flight away.
Highlights of the NHS are:-
The Honey Show is the worlds premier honey show, where you can see a staggering display of exhibits that may inspire and encourage you to exhibit at the Isle of Man Honey Show.
The Trade stands where you can see a wide range of beekeeping equipment and books all under one roof. Easy to get carried away: be careful what you try to bring back on the aircraft!
Lectures for beginners, Special series on the Saturday only. There will be four presentations by experienced beekeepers on different topics. These are designed to be of real, practical use to new beekeepers with up to about 2 years experience.
Lectures for all beekeepers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is a wide range of topics, both scientific and practical, by well respected, good speakers who will give the audience the benefit of their knowledge and experience.
Keynote speakers
-
- Tom Seeley
-
- Meg Seymour
-
- Daisy
-
- Kim Flottum
-
- Heather Mattila
-
- Pat Lehain
-
- Will Steynor
-
- Roger Patterson
-
- Peter Tomkins
Workshops on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, usually for 2½ hours, on a wide variety of topics from photography to wax model making, microscopy, skep making and a great variety more, to suit all interests. These are popular, and places are limited. Booking online from 1st September. There is a small extra charge for these, but they are excellent value and well supported, so book early.
Chatting, networking, meeting other beekeepers
All the exhibitors, judges, trade, lecturers, and visitors from far and wide stay around, mingle, and enjoy the ambience of the show. There’s a cafeteria, wifi, plenty of good accommodation and restaurants within walking distance of Sandown Park.
It would be a great social occasion for a group of Isle of Man beekeepers to visit, perhaps book into the same hotel, and reap the benefits of all the events and extras the show has to offer. Over to you!
To find out more visit www.honeyshow.co.uk
Details of the 2017 lecture and workshop programme: http://www.honeyshow.co.uk/lectures-and-workshops.php
