Invitation.
I’m invited by Megan Denver to come over to the USA to speak to The Catskill Mountain Beekeepers Club (http://www.catskillbees.org/) about beekeeping in Scotland. I present to an audience of over 100 on 22nd October in Catskill town. The following evening, I attend a big fundraiser for Bees for Development (BfD) in the nearby town of Rhinebeck.
Skep Donation To Bees for Development.
http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/
Founder Of Bees for Development USA Team.
Megan Denver, co-owner of Hudson Valley Bee Supply, and team arranged this highly successful fundraising evening this week at The Beekman Arms Inn in the Hudson Valley town of Rhinebeck. Professor Thomas Seeley drew a large audience for readings from his latest book, “The Lives of Bees”, and the evening was a rip roaring success with over $12K raised for BfD.
Skep.
The skep is made of straw and skillfully hand crafted by Sandy Davidson of Nairn & District Beekeepers Association. Sandy generously donated the skep and I closely follow the bidding to the final winner, Colin Coan. I’d taken the skep to my presentation, explaining how we catch bees in skeps back in Scotland. Great interest is generated and several people tell me later that they want to come over to Scotland to learn the craft.
We’re proud of you. and maybe you’ve started a new fashion with the skep handbag. Definitely more practical than a punk kettle.
Thanks, Avery. I think that I might have started something for collecting swarms in. Not so practical as carry on luggage. It didn’t fit into the locker above my seat on the plane to Amsterdam, or fit under the seat in front so it had to sit on the floor in front hidden by my jacket.
Well done Ann! You are a great ambassador for the bees and Scottish made skeps and well done Sandy for making them. May be a line in exporting them?
It sounds like your trip is proving a great success. Hope you have a good flight home.
Thank you, Susan. I think that there may be an interest in learning the skep-making craft, so perhaps some courses in Scotland for overseas enthusiasts would be the way to go.Sadly, cheap skeps can be easily obtained from the Far East!!
That’s great Ann and well done to everyone for the good work.
Hi,
I just came late to this article but I’ve been interested in skep making. Do you have any workshop planned. I live in Canada but I can travel? Teachers are so rare!
Cheers
Alessandra
Hello Alessandra. Thank you for your message and interest in skep making. I know of several skep makers in Scotland and courses are usually run at least once a year by The Scottish Beekeeper’s association (https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/) Bees for Development in Wales also run such courses. If you send me a private email I can link you up with a skep maker. Best wishes, Ann.