Saanich Fall Fair
Every year the Saanich Fall Fair happens over the Labour Day weekend on the Saanich Fairgrounds on Stelly’s Cross Road. And every year the club has a booth at the fair, with a demonstration hive generously donated by Don Lambert, and some presentation materials. People, especially the kids, get a thrill from watching the bees and finding the queen!
And – we need volunteers to staff our booth. I would encourage you to participate – it’s a lot of fun, and for doing so you get a free admission bracelet so you can look around after your 2-hour shift! If you’re interested, go to our website and click on the ‘Club’ menu button in the top banner and choose the Saanich Fair/Volunteer option to indicate which shift(s) you would be willing to do!
And continuing on the Fall Fair theme, this month’s main topic is on honey judging – what the judges look for in assessing different entries. The presenters are Larry Lindahl and Irene Tiampo – both previous judges and, in fact, they’ve trained many judges. Larry has written an excellent article on the history and the standards of perfection in the different categories (posted with his permission for your reference).
I hope to see you at this Thursday’s meeting. Over and above the topics of discussion, there’s always something that comes up as either an “ah-HA!” moment or an “oh-Oh!” moment to inform your own beekeeping, and it’s a chance to meet and yak with your fellow beekeepers!
Our August meeting – the second Thursday, August 14th – will be our annual Summer Social, held at the Beaver Lake picnic grounds. Cake and beverages will be served. It, too, is a lot of fun. But be warned – there will be NOBODY at the Brentwood Hall that evening (except maybe for a member or two who hasn’t read this newsletter…).
Happy beekeeping!
Our monthly meeting is this Thursday, July 10th 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Venue: Central Saanich Seniors Citizens Association, 1229 Clarke Rd., Brentwood Bay
- Agenda:
- 6:30-7:00 Beginner’s Corner
Winter is coming – Don L - 6:30-7:00 Intermediate’s Corner
Topic TBA – Bill F - 7:00-7:40 Main Meeting
Honey judging – What to look for – Larry L & Irene T - 7:40-7:55 What to do this Month – Larry L
- 7:55-8:05ish Club Business – Bill C
- 8:05-8:45 Social Time: Network with colleagues over coffee, tea – and cookies!!
- 6:30-7:00 Beginner’s Corner