Public invited to ‘bee’ part of Castlefinn Honey Show

CASTLEFINN is sure to be a-buzz later on this month as apiarists, both budding and experienced, gather to talk all things honey related at the Three Rivers Bee Keepers Association Annual Honey Show and Conference.

Not an activity you would immediately associate with the rugged wilds of East Donegal and West Tyrone, the Donnyloop-based association has been a veritable hive of activity for bee-lovers across the local area, holding their fifth annual honey show on January 28.

Association secretary Wendy Johnston says that the show is sure to be ‘sweet’. She commented, “Our honey show has been immensely popular ever since it began. It only came back last year after a hiatus during Covid and last year’s show attracted over 200 entries for the show itself, and between two and three hundred members of the public was on attendance. We are hoping for the same turn out this year.

“The day is split into two sections; firstly there will be the show itself. Split onto eight categories compromising 38 classes in total, exhibitors will be invited to display their wares in a variety of ways for the judges to consider. These different classes include jars, cut comb products, products made of beeswax such as candles and soap, creative displays, sweet treats such as cakes, confectionary, preserves and biscuits , mead and miscellaneous. Following the judging, members of the public can visit the show and try out the products on hand.

“The judges will then consider their verdicts as the second part of the day commences in the afternoon. Our chairman Alan Beattie will give a welcome address to members followed by talks held by Frank Chaney, our Club education officer on an introduction to beekeeping, for ‘new-bees’ if you will, and an ‘ask the experts’ panel.”

Wendy stresses that the show is not just for apiarists.

“Not at all. We currently have just over 100 members in the club and would encourage anyone interested in bee-keeping to come along and find out what’s what. It’s a huge market and more people are becoming environmentally aware of the benefits of bee-keeping, understanding the need for pollinators such as bees in our environment and are keen on going back to the land, to their roots.”

The Annual Honey Show will take place on Sunday January 28 at the CPI Centre in Castlefinn and admission is free.