Harrow Bee Keepers Association celebrated their centenary yesterday, March 10, by unveiling a plaque at their apiary in Pinner.
Councillors Jean Lammiman and John Hinkley were invited to unveil a specially designed plaque created by Bruce Telfer.
There was also a talk given by beekeeper Brian Desborough about the threat of invasive Asian Hornets to native bees and how to make an Asian Hornet trap.
One hundred years earlier on March 8, 1919, a meeting was held at the Gayton Rooms in Harrow to set up the Harrow Beekeeping Association, with Mr R.A. Smith in the chair.
The association was founded during the inter-war period when many associations were formed by beekeepers in the expanding suburbs.
The association is now nearing 130 members and reflects a wide range of ages and the ethnic diversity of Harrow itself with beekeepers hailing from many different countries.
The Association relocated to Hatch End and now runs annual beginner courses to share their knowledge of the craft and members regularly give talks to the public about bees and their importance to both the ecological balance of the world and also to our wellbeing.
There are further events scheduled throughout the year to continue the celebrations, including a drawing competition for local schools encouraging children to represent the importance of bees to pollination and our supply of food.
The top entries will be displayed at Harrow Art Centre between July 8 and 19. Winners will be rewarded with a visit to the apiary to learn about bees, participate in demonstrations and learn about wax and how to make candles.
Later in September, there is an open day at the apiary in Hatch End to welcome the general public and demonstrate the art of keeping bees.
For more information visit harrowbeekeepers.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Russell Bruce-Youles
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