Beekeepers encourage beginners to have a go at producing honey

Experienced beekeepers are offering to help beginners keen to start a new hobby.

The Mid-Cheshire Beekeepers Branch is inviting anyone who would like to have a go the chance to find out more.

Secretary Stuart Forbes, from Hartford, said: "I am fascinated by bees and started a couple of hives when I finished full-time work.

"We want to offer people the chance to come along and look at one of us looking after our own hives before they commit."

A beginners meeting is being held at 7.30pm tomorrow, Monday, March 1 on Zoom.

A short talk will be followed by basic information about how hives work, the beekeeping season and the equipment required.

Taster sessions will be arranged so beginners can visit a hive and chat to an experienced beekeeper.

"We are a big family and want to help and support any new people," said retired industrial chemist Stuart, who has been keeping bees for five years.

"We can offer advice and can come and stand with them when they open their hive for the first time for an inspection."

The club has around 60 members and branches across Cheshire attract around 1,500 regulars.

It is estimated that thousands more people across the county keep bees.

Members usually meet at Hartford Methodist Church hall for a talk followed by tea, coffee and cakes but, due to lockdown restrictions, they can only get together online.

Members of Mid-Cheshire Beekeepers Branch visit each other's hives to share tips

Members of Mid-Cheshire Beekeepers Branch visit each other's hives to share tips

The club hopes to resume visits to each other's hives in the summer.

"It is fairly straightforward to keep bees," said Stuart. "Some people start small whilst other expand once they get the bug and expand with hives in orchards and fields.

"The amount of honey they produce depends on climatic conditions at various times of the season. If you get a lot of rain or it's cold, it won't be as good. Some people get 40lbs or more off one hive."

It can cost around £300 to get started to pay for protective equipment, bees and a hive.

"We can lend equipment initially whilst people get started and may even be able to give you a small colony of bees."

Anyone interested should register in advance of the meeting through facebook.com/MidCBK/

There is no charge for the meeting.

For further information call Stuart Forbes on 07500 848727.