Bees and Honey
Taking up the challenge - Claire Waring learns of a forgotten trophy brought back into the limelight at the Bath and West
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| Entries secretary Val Bath holds the Cornwall Beekeepers' Association Challenge Cup |
IN 2007, Gillian Searle issued a challenge to the 200 members of the Cornwall Beekeepers' Association. It was quite simple. Enter the honey classes at the Royal Bath and West Show and bring the Cornwall Beekeepers' Association Challenge Cup back to the county.
The silver rose bowl was first awarded in 1949 to the resident member of the Cornwall Beekeepers' Association who notches up the most points in the classes for light, medium, dark and set honey. This is quite a challenge as it takes skill and dedication to enter top quality honey in all four classes.
When the Bath and West Show was held at a different venue each year, including places like Plymouth, Truro and Falmouth, there was strong competition and great rivalry to win this award. However, the last time the cup was won was in 1958 when the show was held in Plymouth. In 1965 the show moved to its permanent home in Shepton Mallet and the number of those prepared to make the long trip to enter their honey slowly diminished.
Gillian's challenge did not go unheeded and the Challenge Cup did indeed return to Cornwall in 2007. The proud winner was Mike Leverton from Lelant, near St Ives. In keeping with the occasion, Lady Caroline Cameron, wife of the president of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, made a special visit to the honey tent to present the trophy. Chief steward of bees and beekeeping, Chris Rawlings, described Mike as a master showman and the judges were very impressed by the quality of his honey.
Now it remains to be seen if other Cornish beekeepers will take up the challenge in 2008. The show will be held at Shepton Mallet on May 28-31 and beekeepers from all over the South West of England can be found in the bees and honey marquee on Woodland Avenue. This is a great attraction for children and adults alike. There will be live demonstrations with the bees, a chance to make your own beeswax candles, taste the honey and see the exhibits on display. You can learn about the craft and how to start beekeeping.
Full details of all the honey and other competitions can be obtained from the Bath and West Showground on 01749 822200 or visit the website at www.bathandwest.com where closing dates can be found and where entry forms and schedules can be down-loaded as they become available.
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