The Holsworthy Hon­ey Show, which took place on Saturday, October 24, was opened by the Portreeve, Russell Dymond, and, for the first time was held in Bodmin Street Methodist Church Hall.

Local beekeepers and all members of the Holsworthy Branch of Devon Beekeepers Association, put on a very impressive show of the craft of beekeeping, despite the highly publicised challenges that both bees and beekeepers are presently facing.

Members were also able to share a taste of honey with visitors who were surprised to find that such a varied range of honeys are produced in the Holsworthy area.

There were displays of honey in all its forms and honey cooking. Some very imaginative wax modelling, particularly by Anne Bentham of Putford, and a fine display of bees wax candles celebrated this particular aspect of beekeeping.

All this was complimented by an excellent range of bee related photographs. Of particular interest was the model bee measuring over three feet long.

This was shown for the first time at this year's Devon County Show and again attracted a significant amount of interest from the public.

Another first for the show this year were the art classes, open to local primary school children. Youngsters were invited to draw a picture of beekeeping interest.

Judging their work was local artist, Norma Brookhouse, who was impressed by the variety and standard of the entries.

The class for younger children was won by Ryan Seymour Smith from Holsworthy Primary School and for older children by Casey Richards from Bradworthy Primary School.

A number of the entries in the show classes were the subject of very favourable comments from the show judge, Steve Ide from Exmouth, who regularly judges at Devon County Show.

Mr Ide awarded local beekeeper, Christopher Smith from Chilsworthy, the accolade of 'Best in Show' for his light honey, which also won him the Stanley Rowland Cup.

Anne Bentham and Andrew Sluggett from Bradworthy, shared the Penfold Cup for their achievements in the craft and cookery classes.