On the Friday evening of the August Bank Holiday weekend, John and Di Garner hosted a demonstration of how to set up hives, the equipment required and the various processes involved in collecting honey. Despite the threatening showers, we were well protected under a marquee, with seating, for John’s talk. At that time of the evening the bees were docile and John was able to extract the honey without threat to those of us who are allergic to bee stings.
John Garner demonstrates how to collect honey from his beehives.
With willing helpers Katie Branfield and Brian Mills, John demonstrated procedures, which, with almost 50 years of experience, he accomplished with ease, but which actually require considerable skill. We were all surprised to find just how heavy the honey is, for example, and holding a frame containing the honey whilst wielding a sharp knife to remove the wax from the frame certainly looked tricky. Never again will I complain about the price of honey. It is worth every penny!
Added bonuses of the evening were that we were able to view Di and John’s lovely garden, to enjoy the wine and nibbles, which they provided and to buy some of their Montana honey at a reduced price. Altogether, it was a delightful evening and we do thank them for their very kind hospitality and a very enjoyable and instructive demonstration.