While westerners prefer square wooden hives it seems that people in the developing nations are quite happy using drainpipes, straw baskets and other low-tech sustainable materials to house their bee populations. The BfD organisation's role is to help people in the developing world develop beekeeping as a sustainable resource and to help improve their standard of living through beekeeping. In the process of mooching round the main hall I bumped into these characters. Momentarily thinking that this was Sellafield, a prelude to a fencing match in boiler suits, or alternatively a Quatermass film, it was quickly realised that these folks were in the protective clothing that many beekeepers use. Supplied by a company called Sherriff, these protective suits were a reminder that bees can be nasty wee beasties when provoked.
Some beekeepers use no protective clothing at all.
What's more there is a growing presence and utilisation of new media to communicate. Of the people I spoke with, it never seemed too much trouble to explain something. There was an air of friendliness, and a measurable enthusiasm for the activity they were involved with. For anyone even thinking about being in London at the same time next year it is worth spending a few hours to take a walk round the Show. We'll keep you informed.