Big buzz ahead of Castlefin honey show

Castlefin is the place to ‘bee’ this Sunday as beekeepers, honey enthusiasts and lovers of all things natural converge on the CPI Centre for what is sure to be a day with a difference.

The annual Three Rivers Beekeepers Association (TRBKA) honey show brings together all the different aspects of the beekeeping craft and highlights the importance of beekeeping. It promises to be a day filled with excitement and fun suitable for both young and old and will feature competitions, exhibits and demonstrations. It is also an opportunity to meet with beekeepers and learn about bees and how they enrich your local environment.

This event, which was due to be held last October but postponed due to the sad events in Creeslough, is organised by TRBKA, a friendly group of beekeepers based around the North West of Ireland. Club membership typically starts in January, but you can join at any time throughout the year. The association is affiliated with the Ulster Beekeepers Association (UBKA) and the annual membership fee is €40, which includes the UBKA affiliation fee.

“We have approximately 100 members from across Donegal, Derry-Londonderry and Tyrone. Member benefits include: regular monthly meet-ups; mentoring advice and support; access to a library of beekeeping resources; shared purchasing for items such as jars, and frames; access to educational courses, and much more,” said a spokesman for the organisers.

Honey Show
Honey shows are a great way to meet beekeepers and learn more about bees and beekeeping. Beekeepers and other entrants make their submissions to the Honey Show competitions on the morning of the event. There are different types and classes of honey, honey cakes, mead, artwork and much more. Once all the submissions are in, judging commences. TRBKA welcomes everyone - beekeeper or not - to the competitions.

“While the judging is happening we will host beekeeping talks and demonstrations in the main hall. For novices and those getting into beekeeping, there are experienced beekeepers on hand to quiz. And if you are already a beekeeper, there are talks on more advanced subjects to increase your beekeeping knowledge.

“This is a great opportunity to meet up with fellow beekeepers in the North-West. And for non-beekeepers, come along to find out more about these fascinating insects. Joining our association is a great way to get the support you will need to keep happy and healthy bees.

“We can offer access to more experienced members, many of whom will be happy to act as mentors. Club nights often involve talks from club beekeepers or external experts.

“We share beekeeping resources such as books and magazines. At TRBKA we also offer a beginner WhatsApp group where you can post your queries and learn from others.”

He added the club also runs an annual Introduction to Beekeeping course.

“The ends at the perfect time for you to get your first hive. The club will offer advice and support to you on equipment, apiary set up and where to buy your first hive of bees. This will start at the end of February

“For experienced beekeepers, Three Rivers Beekeepers offers the opportunity to meet up with fellow beekeepers and share the highs and lows of this wonderful hobby. Our monthly talks are designed to expand your knowledge and keep you up-to-date with beekeeping practice,” he added.

Competition entries for this Sunday’s show are accepted between 9am and 12.30pm. The doors are open to the public between 2pm and 6pm.

Full details of all the competitions on the Three Rivers Beekeepers Association website, including details on how to enter: www.threerivers beekeepers.ie