For the Holsworthy Branch of Devon Beekeepers Association, the end of the bee-keeping year is marked by their annual honey show. This year's show, held on Saturday, October 25, was again hosted by Mole Valley Farmers at their Holsworthy store.

Despite a very difficult year, even worse than 2007 for many beekeepers, a creditable number of entries were received, resulting in a fine display of honey in all its forms including run, set and comb. Wax candles and some complex items of wax craft, honey fudge and cakes, and excellent photography all added up to a very impressive show of the craft of beekeeping.

As a justified reward for the quality of his excellent entries across a number of classes, Andrew Sluggett, from Wragworthy, Bradworthy walked away with every major trophy.

Of particular note was the Stanley Rowland Cup awarded to the beekeeper with the most points from the honey classes. This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of its first appearance at the honey show. It was therefore very fitting that Stanley Rowland's son, James was on hand to present this and other trophies.

Andrew Sluggett's clean sweep of the show prizes was only challenged by another local beekeeper, Christopher Smith, from Chilsworthy whose own honey won its particular class and then went on to win 'best in show'. The show's novice cup was won by Elaine Smith in her very first year of entering.

A significant number of the entries were subject of some very favourable comments from the show judge, Steve Ide from Exmouth, who regularly judges at Devon County Show. He remarked that the standard of the actual products and their presentation was very high, and was keen to encourage more local beekeepers to participate in next May's County Show.