My aim is to constantly learn, from the bees, with other beekeepers and share this information with those that want to learn themselves.  In 2019 I passed the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Advanced Husbandry practical exam, so have a fair amount of knowledge and practical experience to pass on.  In 2022, with a few pauses for Covid-19, I became a BBKA Master Beekeeper, after nearly ten years of study, theory and practical assessments and examinations.

I have an observation hive and am happy to bring it into local schools and other organisations and talk about bees.  Very reasonable speakers fee.

I sell any surplus honey at the door, through Buntingford’s local high street butcher, Mark Doel and local craft fairs. I also make lip balms and bees wax candldes, as well as offering purified wax for those who want to make their own soaps, lip balms and polishes.

The blog will not only reflect working my bees during the bee-seasons but my Christian faith and also a light hearted dig on life. Why not follow and share with me…

Simon

A hobbyist beekeeper for more than 50 years, living in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, UK.  I am now a BBKA Master Beekeeper.

I started beekeeping in 1973 with my dad, at the age of 10.  Before you say it, lots of water has passed under the bridge in that time!  Pre-varroa it was very much hands-off beekeeping in those days.  How things have changed!

Running around twenty colonies including small starter colonies called nucs, I am developing locally adapted “Buntingford Mongrel” honey bees collected as swarms and am actively selecting them for their temperament and productivity.  At the end of 2016 all my colonies had their own home produced queens for the first time, which I am proud.

I’m now retired following my most recent job role as Head of Campus Health and Safety at the world famous Wellcome Genome Campus.

My web site is dedicated to my loving parents, Kathleen and Peter, long departed, who instilled strong values in their three children and my two recently departed sisters, Kathryn (marathon runner extraordinaire) and Alexandra, (writer and poet) who both fought their own brave battles to the end and who supported me, their little bruv.  May they rest in peace and rise in glory!

This is a contact page with some basic contact information and a contact form.