A BEE marquee at the Devon County Show was the topic of the final meeting of the Okehampton Beekeepers 2011 winter programme.

The meeting, which took place on March 8, was attended by Ruth Neal, the Devon Beekeepers' Devon County Show Committee chairperson, who spoke on stewarding and supporting the show, encouraging members to volunteer.

Ruth illustrated the task of stewarding with role playing activities involving members of the branch, who acted as visitors to the Devon Beekeepers marquee.

Maggie Gill played a young mum with her baby daughter, played by vice chair of Okehampton Beekeepers, Will Pyne. Alison Blair and Liz Ledsham played two ladies with an interest in bees, whilst John Morgan played that familiar character: the man who knows it all.

David Stevens played a very convincing grumpy man, who was eventually sent to the next door marquee to converse with the pigs.

Ruth encouraged members to participate in the show by entering, explaining that the cost of exhibiting is only £1 per exhibit, and with six exhibits entitling you to free show entry, this represents an excellent opportunity.

The Devon Beekeepers' Marquee is recognised as one of the star attractions and won an award last year. Support from the branches is essential in underpinning this continuing success.

At the meeting, it was also announced that an invitation had been received from Tavistock branch, inviting Okehampton members to their next meeting.

Many members took up the invitation, and attended the meeting on Friday March 11 to hear an illustrated talk by Peter Donovan, who for many years worked beekeeping with Brother Adam at Buckfast Abbey.

The next branch event will be the annual dinner on April 8, opening the summer season of meetings at members' apiaries.