THE March meeting was opened by chairman, Jonathan Collins, who reminded members that Mickleton Gardening Club Spring Show is taking place on April 11 at the King George’s Hall with exhibits being set up from 9am. The exhibits can be viewed from 11.15am. All are welcome to come and see this colourful show which includes arts and crafts by local school children.

The speaker for the March meeting was Peter Barclay, a member of Coventry and District Beekeepers Association. Peter’s talk, accompanied by a short video, was fascinating and gave an insight into the intriguing world of bees. We were amazed at the bees ability to communicate among themselves; how they do this is not yet fully understood. The saying ‘Busy Bees’ arises from the number of foraging trips undertaken by worker bees. The worker bees only live for four to six weeks in summer, literally working themselves to death!

Bees are vital to our food production as they pollinate many of the crops which form our staple diet. Unfortunately there are many threats to their wellbeing including a shortage of hedgerows and pollen rich plants, pesticides and diseases. Gardeners can help by growing bee-friendly plants and including a ‘bug hotel’ in their gardens.

The monthly competition winner was Susan Ward.