I give courses in skepmaking and talks for beekeeping groups, but also for other clubs with more general interests, such as W.I. and U3A.      
I also set up my stall to demonstrate skep making and to sell produce at fetes and shows .    And I judge honey shows.

Talks, Demonstrations, Classes and Judging

I give talks to clubs and societies on the following topics:

for non-beekeepers,

  • Beekeeping
  • Beeswax candle making
  • The History of Beekeeping
  • Insects in the Garden

and for beekeeper audiences:

  • Skep making (and basketmaking)
  • The history of beekeeping.
  • I teach skepmaking to one- and two-day classes
  • Preparation of exhibits for honey shows

Please note that I have now done the beeswax talks so often that I feel I should move on.
I will not be talking about beeswax and model making in 2011

To contact me by email, CLICK HERE 

ENGAGEMENTS  IN 2010

August 29th, Judge Harrow BKA Show
September 4th, Judge at Dorchester Agricultural Show
September 10th, Judge Essex County H.S.
September 18th, Judge Somerton H.S.
September 19th, Demo of skepmaking at Hinchingbrook, Huntingdon BKA
September 20th, Judge Coventry H.S. (Note change of date)
September 26th, Judge North Bucks H.S.
October 3rd, skepmaking class, Croydon.
October 9th, Judge the Pinner and Ruislip Honey Show
October 16th, Talk on beeswax and wax models at Maldon, Essex.
October 28th, a.m. Judging at The National Honey Show in Weybridge.
    same day,  p.m. Wax models workshop at the NHS.
October 30th, Saturday,  all day skep making at the NHS
November 20th, Judge Wantage Honey Show.     

AND IN 2011    

January 23rd, all day skepmaking class, Adelstrop
April 28th, Talk, Bedfordshire BKA, "Preparation for Honey Shows"

In my talks it's my policy NOT to use slides and projected pictures but to try for active participation by the audience, with plenty of relevant items to look at and handle, and where possible, things to make and do.
The wax talks involve hot wax and use of electricity. The audience do not get to handle these.
For skepmaking classes I supply all the materials and lend the tools, with started skeps to ease the process at the beginning. A whole day, preferably two, is needed for completion but materials can be taken home to finish an item.

If you have a particular interest in a related unlisted topic, just ask.

JUDGING

When judging Honey shows I like to leave a thick trail of little notes and comments aimed at helping people to overcome problems and improve the presentation of their honey, wax, craft and other entries.  Have a look at my notes for guidance of exhibitors, on my HONEY SHOWS pages.