Here is a photo of the “Bee Boys” as Hilary C. described the motley crew who visited the hive today. Right to left: John, Master of the Beekeeping Universe. Bert, who designed and built the hive, and Mikey (in tweed) who turns up every now and again and pretends to be involved. I’m sure you’ll agree, the selection of fine headgear is notable.
Whilst waiting in reception to go up to the roof Eddy S, Southbank Centre Technical Director, passed by. When he found out what we were doing, he told us his grandfather was the gamekeeper/manager of a large country estate and used to keep bees. Eddie once saw a hive swarm up his grandfather’s trouser leg. His grandfather tied the trousers with string and then smoked the bees out later. What a guy.
Apparently John was on TV this week in a National Geographic documentary about (whisper it) colony collapse disorder. We’ll try and find a clip to upload.
John complains that i only seem to choose wet or cold days to visit the hive, and today was no exception. It was blowing an icy wind up on the parapets.
Once through the traditional rigmarole of security clearances we made our way out onto the skyline. After some nimble work with the microscope last week John had diagnosed nosema. Here is what wikipedia has to say on the subject:
Nosema apis is a spore-forming parasite that invades the intestinal tracts of adult bees and causes nosema disease. Nosema is normally only a problem when the bees can not leave the hive to eliminate waste (for example, during an extended cold spell in winter or when the hives are enclosed in a wintering barn). When the bees are unable to void (cleansing flights), they can develop dysentery.
When John lifted the lid we were mighty relieved to find the bees not only still here, but looking busy. John treated the hive while we snapped pictures like the beekeeping tourists that we are. Mikey took the opportunity to adopt a downhill skiing position in front of the hive:
Both he and John seemed generally happy with the number of bees, and their relative liveliness, after the scare of last time. Lets hope the weather stabilizes and starts to warm up.
We learn something new on each visit. Today John told us that he made more money last year selling drones to an upmarket Oriental restaurant in London (who apparently have invited him to eat but not for free) than he did from selling honey. Apparently they give him 10p per bee. They’re either fried in a light batter and served as a starter or used to decorate the top of creme caramel. The men get all the tough breaks in the bee world. Rest assured, our drones aint for eatin’. (AH)
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