The Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham Beekeepers Association Branch 87th Honey Show took place at Middleton Hall on Saturday September 20th and was subsequently open to the public on Sunday September 21st. The cannon explosions took a bit of getting used to as there were several civil war re-enactments happening at the same time to celebrate Heritage Week.
There were 224 exhibits staged from 36 entrants plus 6 junior entries. This is a lovely increase from 25 entrants last year and was a record number in recent records. We were especially encouraged by 13 entrants in the Novice Honey class and 10 entrants in the Sutton Park Class which is open to people who have kept bees for 3 years or less.
The Judges were Joyce Nisbet and Ivor Flatman who were warmly welcomed and did a wonderful job. They were ably assisted by our stewards; Julia Wigfield, Simon Gniadkowski, Lisa Daymond-King and Lee Greatorex.
Keeping track of the places were Honey Show secretary Fiona Mundye assisted by Leonie Williams. Additional (and invaluable!) helpers at both the show and when open to the public included James Mundye, Todd Wilkins, Phil Rogers, Izzy Mundye and Becca Mundye and others. It was great to have so much help and support from all.
Christine Clifton was the big trophy winner collecting the Progress Trophy, James Rose Bowl, Oakhurst Trophy and Cowles Cup.
Other winners were Alan Nicholls for the Larard Trophy, Phil Rogers for the Walter Diaper Cup and Izzy Mundye for the Organ Plate.
Our beginners and newer trophies were won by Phil & Maria Barnard (Sutton Park Trophy), Will Van Der Merwe (Routh Challenge) and the Bernard Diaper Shield will be shared between Michelle Smith and Alison Vaux.
Best in Show went to Lee Greatorex for his exceptional photograph – many congratulations!
A donation of £120 will be made to St Giles Hospice from the sale of entries from the Gift Class and other kindly donated honey.
Thank you to all who participated and gave up their time to make this a really enjoyable weekend both educating and spreading beekeeping information to willing ears. The judge’s comment of ‘very good standard for novice honey class’ has bought a lot of pride to our association.
