THE Holsworthy Branch of the Devon Beekeepers Association recently hosted its fourth Spring Convention. This annual event, which is held in Chilsworthy Village Hall, was originally aimed at local beekeepers, but this year attracted a record

number of beekeepers from across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

At a time when honeybees and beekeeping are facing unparalleled challenges from successive wet summers and exotic pests and disease, there was an upbeat and enthusiastic exchange of information, ably supported by some of the best qualified speakers in their field of expertise.

A keen supporter of the event since its inception has been the National Bee Unit, part of DEFRA, and in

particular, Richard Ball, the National Bee Inspector. Richard was able to bring delegates fully up to date on progress towards the delivery of a Bee Health Strategy and the unit's work on guidance to improve bee

husbandry.

Also from the National Bee Unit, Adam Vevers, the South West's Regional Bee Inspector, described how the unit is preparing for the potential arrival in the UK of another exotic pest, the Small Hive Beetle. Part of that preparation was the recent contingency exercise which involved a virtual takeover of Exmouth!

With poor weather conditions so fresh in our minds, there was great interest in the presentation by Paul van der Linden who, besides being a beekeeper, works for the Met Office down in Exeter where he is a climate researcher at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research. He was part of the team which was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for its work on Climate Change along with Al Gore. Paul is currently Director of a European Climate Change research programme.

With no let up in the quality of presentations, delegates heard from Dr Harry Riches on medical aspects of beekeeping. Harry is a past president of the British Beekeeping Association and until retirement was Consultant Physician to Harefield and Mount Vernon Hospitals. His work on bee venom allergy has been internationally recognised.

The Spring Convention was an exciting start to the year for Holsworthy Beekeepers, who have recently learnt that they have won a grant from the Balsdon Trust to develop its teaching facilities at its Hollacombe teaching

apiary.

Further information on beekeeping in Holsworthy can be obtained from Branch Chairman, Chris­topher Smith on 01409 254457.