Well, The Spring Convention, organised by the Welsh Beekeepers Association (WBKA ) looms, so the Smallholders’ is nigh…And this year, because I can’t keep my mouth shut, I have more to do than usual.

In addition to agreeing to be secretary for Spring Conventions to come, I also agreed (in a weak moment while my blood sugar was low, and the balance of mind was disturbed), to organise the WBKA stand at the Smallholders’ this year.

Fortunately I’ve had plenty of suggestions and have been promised assistance over the weekend to man (or woman) the stand.

A Welsh honey-tasting appeals: for while we may not all be Welsh, and our bees may not hail from native strains, the honey produced is a product of plants grown in Welsh soil. It’s also a fun, sticky thing to do, and a great ice-breaker.

I am also organising a colouring competition aimed at children from 3-11, thereby craftily capturing the attention of those too young to race round the Showground with their friends, but large enough to be out of a buggy: Reasoning? If the children are quietly occupied, the parents will be free to talk bees and beekeeping for a few minutes: Crafty, or what? There’ll be some give-away planting sheets, to encourage visitors to create pollinator-friendly gardens, an observation hive, details of courses in Wales, and advice on becoming a beekeeper.

I’ve also ordered a DVD entitled ‘The Honeybee’ which will be playing in the background. (My daughter wants me to play ‘Bee Movie’, but I’m unsure about the copyright/license laws on that one!) Also some kind of ‘demo’ possibly renovating bits of hive: (In recession-filled times, make-do and mend rules): It’s ecologically-friendly and kinder on the pocket, anda Anyway, men tend to bond better when using tools …Who said sexism’s dead?

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