Pete's Bees

When out camping in Chinley how could Jan and Don resist an invitation from Pete and Lorraine Stellings for a hearty lunch, and a visit to inspect Pete's beehives over in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Having partaken in home-made soup, rolls, scones, lots of tea and plenty of conversation about great local Peak District walks, they set off towards the hives.

Equipped in all of the gear, and navigating various chickens, the first hives are opened, and Pete imparts his fantastic knowledge of bees and honey making.

The lads are fascinated to find out how many bees occupy the hives, an ancient fact about honey, the factor behind wasp/bee rivalry, and wait for it… Pete's fact of the day.

Jan helps Pete move part of a shed to help feed the chickens, and then it is off to the next hive in the community garden.

The lads are able to see how much the whole garden has developed in the 6 months since Martin Zero filmed his visit (link below), including the installation of the pond by the hive.

Whilst removing the hive outer lid Pete accidentally puts his thumb on top of a bee and is stung. We get to see in great detail how this works to the detriment of the honeybee.

After the incident Lorraine guides the lads over the allotment section to show some prize runner beans that look big enough to feed a giant.

Next up, a visit to the manuka bush grown from seeds originating from New Zealand and a chat about the differences between honeybees and other species and what kind of flowers bees prefer.

Finally, a walk further down the garden reveals some autumn raspberries which taste beautiful, and are Jan’s favourite fruit - a perfect end to a fantastic day.

Thank you Pete and Lorraine, we will be back for future visits.

Jan struggles to get out of his suit and Don tramples on things.

Martin Zero’s video – The Old Mills and the Bees - filmed April 2022:
   • The old mills and the Bees