BEES and pollinators were centre stage at this years Royal Cheshire County Show, thanks to the efforts of the Cheshire Beekeepers' Association (CBA).

For the first time, the group’s honey show, education centre, and demonstrations were together under one roof, which members say did wonders for their profile at a time when nurturing bees is more important than ever.

CBA is made up of five different groups - Stockport, North and South Cheshire, Mid Cheshire and Wirral - though Mid Cheshire host at the Cheshire Show, which takes place on their 'patch'. 

Northwich Guardian: Nick Johnson (centre) was awarded Best in Show by David Curbishley (left) and honey judge, Terry Ashley (right)Nick Johnson (centre) was awarded Best in Show by David Curbishley (left) and honey judge, Terry Ashley (right) (Image: Mid Cheshire Beekeepers)

Members from all groups can enter the honey show competition, which has classes including jar honey, comb honey, wax products and mead, photography, and confectionary.

They also hold public Q&A sessions on beekeeping and conservation over the course of the two-event, and give demonstrations, including a live observation bee hive, and masterclasses with a traditional ‘skep-maker’.

Northwich Guardian: This year's Novice competition had joint winners: Cheryl Flatman (left) and Ken Houghton (right)This year's Novice competition had joint winners: Cheryl Flatman (left) and Ken Houghton (right) (Image: Mid Cheshire Beekeepers)

CBA honey show secretary, Sarah Johnson, said: “We were absolutely delighted this year because for the first time, we were able to have our beekeeping education tent and our honey show all under one roof.

“We also had a skep-maker – skeps are traditional wicker baskets for catching swarms - at the end of the tent. With everything together, it was a great way for us represent bees and beekeeping.  

“Our stand also won third prize in the trade stand competition, which we’re delighted about.

Northwich Guardian: Show vice-president, David Curbishley (left) with his 14-year-old grandson Liam Curbishley (right) who is beekeeping as part of his Duke of Edinburgh AwardShow vice-president, David Curbishley (left) with his 14-year-old grandson Liam Curbishley (right) who is beekeeping as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award (Image: Mid Cheshire Beekeepers)

"We love being with the bees and working with nature. We enjoy the plants they forage on, and we're involved in planting lots of trees, shrubs and flowers.

“We take a keen interest in other kinds of bees too, including bumble bees and solitary bees, that don’t actually make honey for people.

"We have a keen interest in all pollinators.”

The fall in bee and other pollinator numbers has been much reported, but Sarah says their fortunes in Cheshire may be starting to improve.

Northwich Guardian: Just some of the entries for this year's Royal Cheshire honey show Just some of the entries for this year's Royal Cheshire honey show (Image: Mid Cheshire Beekeepers)

This may be linked to the efforts of enthusiasts to engage the general public, who are increasingly planting their gardens and public open spaces with pollinator-friendly plants, and turning away from using toxic chemicals. 

Sarah added: “Honey bees are doing extremely well, but they’re managed.

“We think natural bees are on the up again too, because so many more people are interested in them, planting bee-friendly plants, and trying not to use pesticides and weedkillers. These are very damaging to the bee population.

“Hopefully the Show is an opportunity to help the public understand about caring for bees - both honey bees and naturals.

"We don’t just talk about honey bees at the Show."