** PROBUS MEETING ON TUESDAY,  October 13th AT ASHBOURNE GOLF CLUB **

The talk this month was given by Assistant Professor Rob Atterbury on “Honey Bees”.

Robert gave a fascinating and highly informative talk on honey bees and beekeeping. He began by explaining the biology and behaviour of a honey bee colony, describing the roles of the queen, drones and workers, and how a colony functions as a highly organised society. He explained how bees find sources of nectar and communicate that to the rest of the colony using the “waggle dance”. 

The talk went on to explore the vital role that honey bees and other pollinating insects play in agriculture and the wider environment. Through a series of striking photographs and examples, Robert demonstrated the importance of pollination for many of the foods we take for granted. He also explained how honey is produced, and some of the unique properties that have made honey valued throughout human history as a source of food, pharmaceuticals and its cultural role in tribal communities.

Drawing on his own experience as a beekeeper in Nottingham, Robert described the history of beekeeping, from traditional straw skeps to the modern hives developed by Rev. Lorenzo Langstroth. He outlined the scale of beekeeping in the UK and discussed some of the major challenges facing honey bees today, including foulbrood diseases, the destructive Varroa mite and the spread of the Asian hornet, a significant predator of honey bees. The talk concluded with an overview of efforts by the UK’s National Bee Unit and beekeepers to protect and maintain healthy bee populations.

Rob then took questions from the members.

Roger Slater gave Rob a vote of thanks, with members applauding in the usual way.