Beginners to get the beekeeping buzz at Caddonfoot

The broadcaster is not the only celebrity to have “come out” as an avid beekeeper, with actress Scarlett Johansson, former politician Vince Cable and Madness frontman Suggs, to name but a few, all revealing their passion for the activity.

Now, a long-established local beekeeping association is seeking to entice Borderers to get involved by putting on a special one-day beginners course for budding apiarists.

It will take place in Caddonfoot Village Hall on Sunday, May 21 from 9.30am till 4.30pm.

“No hobby is more fascinating or rewarding and nothing gives greater pleasure than eating your own honey,” said Brenda Lambert, secretary of the Caddonfoot Beekeepers Association (CBKA) which is organising the event..

“More and more people are also aware of the vital function in the food chain played by bees in pollinating fruit and seed crops.

“The course is a follow up to two very successful half-day sessions we held in Melrose last year and will cover a range of topics, from essential equipment, how and where to site your apiary and bee health and welfare.

“The morning will consist of talks from experienced beekeepers and, weather permitting, we will visit a nearby apiary to get some hands-on experience in the afternoon.”

The Borders has a proud tradition of beekeeping and honey production, thanks in no small part to the late Willie Smith from Innerleithen, who is acknowledged as being Scotland’s first commercial beekeeper.

A photographic display of his methods – he invented and patented the “Smith Hive” which is still in use across the world today – is featured in the St Ronan’s Wells museum in his home town.

And it was Willie Smith’s support and encouragement which led, in the 1920s, to the formation of the CBKA which now has a thriving membership.

The cost of the one-day course is £25 and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. For details contact cath.livingston@betinternet.com