My background is financial and business management, running both large and relatively small publishing and advertising companies

I usually keep two – occasionally rising to four – colonies at an out-apiary, and am on the Association’s swarm collector list. After starting on WBCs, I have switched to National boxes inside WBC lifts; I find the combination provides good insulation while providing slightly more brood space for the colonies. My experience includes all the usual excitements of splits, shook swarms, missing queens, winter losses, pleasing honey crops and unexpected successes!

When schools and allotment societies ask, I talk to them about bees – which often prompts me to consider my own knowledge and how I can improve! (Hardest question yet: Why are bees the size they are?) At present I am progressing through the BBKA examination modules, and have completed the Basic and Honey Bee Health assessments, with an ultimate view to reaching Master Beekeeper.

Email here

Link trustee for:
Buckinghamshire; Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead; Surrey; Sussex; Sussex West; Twickenham; Vale & Downland