DEAN FOREST Beekeepers Association made their debut appearance at the Monmouthshire Show last Thursday – and walked away with the Gold Cup for the Best Educational Stand in Show.

The Association took their new 'Flying Bees' tent, complete with 'live hives' to the Show and this, coupled to their fixed exhibition and another case of live bees for close scrutiny by visitors, proved to be an unqualified success. The live bees, who stayed obediently around their mesh enclosure, were provided by Gareth Baker of Wye Valley Apiaries in nearby Redbrook.

In their full 'bee-suits' the Association members showed how they inspected and worked with the bees and their hives. Meanwhile Gilly Wells used a smaller live display to show the inner workings of a bee colony, and how they identify and help the Queen Bee in her lifecycle.

For details of the Association, their timetable of training courses and future events, their website can be found at http://www.deanforestbeekeepers.co.uk">www.deanforestbeekeepers.co.uk.

•The Dean Forest Beekeeping Association will be celebrating their 40th anniversary of their founding next year, 2013, and are planning their celebrations now. They are keen to hear from all former members of the Association so that they can be included in the festivities. Any past members should contact them via Gilly Wells on 01452 830325.