Creating a buzz about beekeeping (From Ilkley Gazette)

New group formed for Addingham and Ilkley

7:10am Tuesday 28th September 2010 in News By Jonathan Redhead

A new beekeeping association is being set up in Addingham and Ilkley in a bid to encourage the insects to thrive.

The new, not-for-profit, association is being set up with the help of well-known beekeeper Ken Pickles, who hopes that with careful breeding and management, bees will be able to survive better in the climate.

Mr Pickles says classes will be arranged for next spring but an inaugural meeting will be held next month to bring the first members together, before the association commences properly in May.

“This will be a non-profit organisation of friends with a wider interest in the countryside and the inter-related aspects of beekeeping,” said Mr Pickles, whose book, Beekeeping in Wharfedale, was published this year.

“It is open to all ages. It is hoped to keep the group small enough for gatherings at apiaries over tea and buns throughout the active season, thus giving members greater confidence with their own bees.

“However, we are not bound by parochial districts and this is a genuine attempt to improve the lot of honeybees near and far, bringing inspiration and fun back into the craft.”

For details about the association, call Mrs H Simpson on 01535 611178 or e-mail hilarysings@talktalk.net.