Beekeepers

The Furness Beekeepers have received a £4,200 Millennium Fund Awards For All grant, which they are using to buy equipment and to set up a new apiary in the grounds of the Gleaston Water Mill.

It is hoped that the centre, which will be for the use of all members, will also attract new recruits, particularly people who are interested in beekeeping but cannot keep bees at home.

The Furness Beekeepers, is one of the most active branches of the Cumbrian Beekeepers Association, which is this year celebrating its 100th birthday.

David Walmsley, chairman of the Furness branch, which has around 60 members, said everyone is excited at the prospect of having a communal apiary for the first time in the group's history.

He is also keen to increase interest in the hobby and to entice younger members to the group, both of which should be helped by being on site at the Water Mill.

"I am approaching 60, and I'm one of the younger members," said Mr Walmsley.

"We have one man who's 90 and still keeps bees, and the average age is probably about 70.

"Bee-keeping is a dying craft, but yet it's very important environmentally."

Mr Walmsley, who has been beekeeping for 25 years, explains that the craft can be followed either as a rewarding hobby, or studied scientifically to a PhD level.

The new centre will house two new microscopes to help the beekeepers monitor and treat bee diseases, and also queen rearing equipment to help breed a more docile strain of bees.

It is hoped that the association will have three hives on site, and that there will be space for up to 12 private hives owned by members.

Mr Walmsley said he anticipated that the apiary will be up and running at Gleaston by the end of March, in time for the late spring and summer season.

Interest has already been expressed by a local school in using the apiary for educational projects, and it will also be open to the public by appointment.

For more information about the Furness Beekeepers contact Mr Walmsley on 015394-41534.