The story of Colmworth Honey Bees is one of passion, dedication, and a love for nature, all inspired by Anne, Tilly’s mother-in-law. Anne was passionate about good quality home cooked food and organic gardening. Her allotment was a testament to her commitment to growing organic vegetables, and bees were the natural next step in her journey. Not only did they enhance pollination, but they also produced delicious, golden honey which was then used daily to help with hay fever or illnesses with the grandchildren.
Anne initially kept her honey bees in Eversholt, but her desire to expand led her to bring some of her hives to Colmworth. The bees thrived in their new environment, prompting Anne to move all her colonies to Colmworth and continue growing them. Dan, Tilly’s husband, joined Anne in her beekeeping endeavors, learning the intricacies of what bees need to flourish. Sadly, Anne passed away in 2023, but Dan has carried forward her legacy with unwavering dedication.
Our bees at Colmworth Golf Club are flourishing, likely due to our organic approach to maintaining the golf course. They benefit from the abundance of fruit trees, hedgerows, and wild areas that provide a rich and diverse habitat. Beekeeping is a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring meticulous care to ensure the bees remain healthy and free from diseases, such as varroa, which can devastate local bee populations. Additionally, maintaining high honey production necessitates vigilant monitoring of the hives to prevent swarming.
The process of harvesting honey is equally demanding. When the frames are full and capped, they are carefully removed from the hive and spun to extract the honey. The honey is then filtered and jarred, ready for consumption.
Anne’s legacy lives on through Colmworth Honey Bees, and we are proud to offer honey that embodies her passion for nature and healthy living. Each jar of honey is a tribute to her dedication and a testament to the thriving bee colonies she nurtured.