Beekeeping at Shugborough
The original apiary was rather exposed on the side of a hill and was a memorial
to the late Chris Horton who was a member of the Association and well known
throughout the UK for his beekeeping. This apiary has now been abandoned.
In 1997 clearing the area behind the walled garden began. The area was very
overgrown with many rocks and much assorted rubbish all hidden under three feet
of undergrowth. This took many hours and a tractor to clear before the area
could even be seen.
On the 31st July 1997 some of the members and guests met at the new apiary which
was officially opened with a glass of wine and strawberries and cream.
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The new apiary was opened in 1997. It is located behind the walled garden
was expanded and stocked from1998 onwards. It is hoped that with less
disturbance honey can be extracted from this site to sell in the farm
shop. In April 1999 we had survived the winter with all hives intact and
hopefully these will now build up and become productive stocks. There
are National and Modified Commercial broods with national supers above.
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Meetings at the apiary are held every other week at 7.00p.m. on Mondays and 11am
on Saturdays throughout the active season and although these cater for both beginners
and experienced beekeepers the apiary is used as a teaching facility with the
varied programme aimed at the beginner with practical demonstrations and talks
from guest speakers. More people now seem to be leaving than entering this interesting
craft. Varroa seems to be the main reason although some of our more senior members
blame the passage of time. Guests and visitors are always very welcome. New for
1999 was a system whereby we give new members a hive with bees and a mentor for
their first year. If they wish to keep the hive it can be relocated at the end
of the season for the cost of replacement or can be left in situ and used the
following season for another new member or by the association for a possible crop.
The apiary is a sad site in winter. Wet soggy grass and no flyers. A few wasps
were about, they can obviously smell the sugar syrup in the hives.
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