Get the sweet taste of beekeeping at the Show

The Devon Beekeepers’ Association will be enthusing visitors at the Devon County Show – May 15-17 at Westpoint, Exeter – about their double-whammy craft; bees enable agriculture to flourish and produce honey.

 

A full-size hive of bees safely contained in a glass case will show the bees at work and local beekeepers will be on hand to explain how they make honey and the part that they play in harvesting and processing it ready to eat.

 

“Beekeeping is a wonderfully rewarding and relaxing pastime. It needn't take up huge amounts of time or cost the earth, and you'll gain an insight into one of nature's most fascinating creatures, not to mention be rewarded with delicious honey,” said Stephen Ide, of the Devon Beekeepers’ Association.

 

As more people in both urban as well as rural areas become interested in greater self-sufficiency and growing-their-own, there’s lots of interest in beekeeping.

 

Stephen added: “Beekeeping is seen by many as a fascinating hobby, but it can cover so much more, leading to scientific research, carpentry, photography, self sufficiency, conservation and an increased awareness of nature, and the world we live in.”

 

At the Show members of Association will compete for honours with their bee productions, including a class for Honey Fudge.

900g granulated sugar

280ml milk

½ tsp salt

110g butter

110g honey

Soak the sugar in the milk for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Use an 8” x 5” saucepan to slightly melt the butter to grease the bottom of the pan. Add all the ingredients and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for five minutes during which time the mixture must reach 115 def C/240 deg F. Stir all the time. Take off the heat and allow to cool slightly then beat until creamy. Turn into a greased Swiss roll tin (11” x 7”). Mark when nearly set and cut into squares.

The Devon County Show is held on May 15, 16 and 17 and packs the 93 acre showground at Westpoint, near Exeter. Now in its 113^th year, it offers visitors a virtual ‘taste, try and buy’ experience around the countryside - past, present and future.

There is magnificent livestock, bountiful food and drink, a glorious flower and garden marquee and lots of family entertainment.

 

Ticket hot-line: 01392 353753 

 

Ends

 

For further information contact:

Ollie Allen, Show Secretary tel: 01392 353702

Anne Ashford, PR, tel: 01823 490965