Honey Show report kindly provided by Linda Cain
It was such an enjoyable afternoon, many of us meeting for the first time since lockdown. It was also good to see many new beekeepers attending for the first time.
Our new President Brian Bradley kicked off the proceedings welcoming everyone and thanking those who had entered the Honey Convention this year.
It was left to our former president Harry Owens BEM as guest speaker to say a few words and reflect on this year’s honey production and open the 71st Honey Convention – the only one in the British Isles this year due to Covid restrictions.
There were 40 classes, 96 entries in total to be judged. Many thanks to Mr Gary Clueit and his wife Susan for taking on the task.
Best in Show this year went to Bryan Lord for his exquisite “Cake of Beeswax”
Maggie Hughes was awarded the Herby Quirk Memorial Trophy for making the most significant contribution to Manx Beekeeping this year. The Ramsey & District Community Apiary has made great progress and is a tribute to all those involved.
The bottle of mead was hotly contended by three members from the North and one from the South all beautifully displayed – another 1st for Brian Lord.
Congratulations to everyone who won prizes – there are just too many to mention.
A break for Tea, cake and sandwiches and a chat of course, was much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who contributed – there was a fantastic spread.
Mr. Gary Clueit, our judge this year is a relatively new resident to the island, who kept bees for many years when he lived in America. He gave us a fascinating talk about beekeeping in Washington DC and the wider state. It’s almost impossible to get your head round the scale of farming and commercial beekeeping in the states, sadly sometimes to the detriment of the bees. He also spoke about the many challenges they face, Varroa, disease and pesticides (most of which are banned in Europe)
Finally our President gave his vote of thanks and the Close of the Convention.
Thank you to our Show Secretary Danny Kneale – amazing job as usual. John and Bronwyn Ward, Debbie Carcas for their stewardship, and everyone who helped set up/made the teas, we couldn’t have done it without you. Take care everyone and stay safe.
Prize Winners 2020
