Tysoe seems to have grown over the years and is now quite a large event. It’s our 3rd show in August and the 2nd, and last, honey show.
Martin Sharp, who is our quartermaster, primarily looking after all the equipment at the Training Apiary and is Chair Elect, was Lead for the show and gives us his take on the day:
‘As we approached the Tysoe Fete weekend temperatures were still in the mid 30’s and I was becoming increasingly worried about set honey melting, volunteers wilting and the public staying away.
I decided not to stress any bees and to not take the observation hive but use the virtual hive instead in the expert hands of Mick Moore. Graham kindly lent us his white hive to help draw in the crowds.
As it turned out we had a very pleasant day that was mid 20’s and our location meant the honey was just in the shade all afternoon.
We tried another layout for the gazebo. The idea was to encourage a flow of people either through the information area and then to sales, or those with limited time and just interested in hive products, could approach the sales are. We also trialled having the taking of payments on a separate table so moving those paying away from blocking the stand for new customers. Information could also be handed out at point of sale.
We were fortunate to have plenty of members helping on the stand . This meant they could help with Yellow Legged Hornet display, bee talk, sales and restocking as required. This shared the load of running the stand and created a relaxed and, hopefully an enjoyable day for all the members helping on the stand. We had a steady flow of people and the final sales figure was almost identical to last years.’
Honey Show
If there is a honey show there are entries from Shipston Beekeepers! The (honey) show felt bigger than Brailes with more categories….that meant more prizes for Shipston members!
All those 1st, 2nd and 3rds lead to
Special thanks to Mike Clark, Roger Cork, David and Margery Blower, Victoria Cox, Lucy Stephenson, Haifa Varu, Clare Dean, David Kelleher and Mick Moore. Julia Neal also dropped by and helped us set up some of the information.
Photo Credits: Gary Thomas, Haifa Varju, Victoria Cox