Saturday November 12th 2011 saw another successful Honey Show and Convention at the charming St. John’s Methodist Hall.
In addition to the 143 entries, there were many exhibits of childrens artwork produced by students at the Bunschoill Ghaelgagh, and in combination these presented a cheerful sight staged around the hall.
Our guest and opener this year was His Honour Deemster Doyle the island’s most senior judge who performed his duties with calm expertise and entertained the gathering with a most enlightening speech. He particularly seemed to relish noting that the theft of Bees once carried the death penalty in Manx Law!
For the Honey Judge this year we were fortunate in being able to enlist the help of Stephen Guest
from Cheshire. In a break from the norm, Stephen was happy to perform “open” judging which went down very well with the small crowd of members who attended the judging.Though not great in numbers, those attending were very attentive, enquiring, and appreciative.
The confectionery classes were again judged by local chef George Taylor who rated the overall standard as very high. The children’s artwork competition was judged by prominent local artist and Arts Council representative Krista Magee, who felt that all the works were prize worthy but did manage to select some winners when pushed.
The BBKA Blue Riband for best exhibit in show went to Keaerron Shimmin with his splendid 12 jars class exhibit, and the Herbie Quirk Prize for contribution to beekeeping went to the inestimable Harry Owens.
Following the Prize giving, graciously performed by Mrs Barbara Doyle, and the Tea Interval, Stephen Guest proceeded to enlighten us further with practical demonstrations of both mead and polish making with the assembled masses aided in this by having the action relayed to a large video screen.
Isle of Man Newspapers published a piece about the show, as did our local blogger Tanya.
