OXFORDSHIRE HONEY SHOW

Oxfordshire Beekeepers' Association held its 2009 Honey Show on 15^th November in Cumnor Village Hall.  Ian James, OBKA Chairman, opened the Show by welcoming the audience and participants, and handed over to Mike Rose, Honey Show Secretary, who introduced the judge, Bernard Diaper, and the two stewards, Anne Allen and Deborah Harris.

As usual, judging was carried out publicly. Bernard gave an interesting commentary on the criteria he was using, was generous with praise where it was due and gave members some valuable tips on preparing exhibits for show. He emphasised how important it is to read the rules to ensure that exhibits comply with the expectations of the judge.

There was a total of 77 exhibits from 17 exhibitors, which was more than last year, and it was pleasing to see a good proportion of entries from members who have not exhibited before. A large number of people attended the Show including many new members and, at one point, there was standing room only until extra chairs were put out.

After the judging everyone adjourned for a very welcome tea of delicious sandwiches and cakes prepared by Pat Jessup and then reconvened for the presentation of awards. Ian James announced that three OBKA members had been successful during the year in the Basic Assessment in Beekeeping exam and Caroline Luqmani, Jonathan Sewell and Martin Law were presented with their certificates by the judge. The Show cups and trophies were then presented. Finally, the BBKA Certificate of Merit for the Best Exhibit in the Show was presented to Ian James for his exhibit of a matching pair of jars of creamed or seeded honey, which the judge described as outstanding and worthy of entry in the National Honey Show.

Cup winners are shown in the following table:

 Several photographs that were taken at the Show can be viewed on the Gallery page.

Mike Rose
OBKA Honey Show Secretary