Annual Honey Show
Our Annual Honey Show is gaining momentum as the place to be on a dark evening in October with opportunities for every member to showcase their hive products – whether it’s runny honey, wax candles or something else!
Something for everyone
There’s a class for new Beekeepers, for those who have been beekeeping for 3 years or less, as well as the more experienced beekeepers who are nevertheless novices to showing honey.
Last year we had some keen competition amongst the more experienced show comers too and it is gaining a reputation for being a good show with plenty of exhibits and a welcoming atmosphere. We should all be very proud of that and we hope to continue to grow it for the enjoyment of all.
Whether you are artistic, have great culinary skills, make use of the produce of your hives in some ways other than honey, we hope there is something to ignite everybody’s interest.
Our Honey Shows’ success and enjoyment comes from the ‘more the merrier’ approach. So, if you’ve never entered before or not for a long time, do come along and join in. You may well find you enjoy this other aspect of beekeeping. It’s all about presenting the produce of our wonderful bees in the very best light. There is no charge for entries so you’ve nothing to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can’t make the date of the show, can I still enter?
Yes – we would love to see you at the show but understand that this isn’t always possible. If you can’t make the date and have entries you’d like to make, please complete and submit
the online entry form and we can arrange a suitable time to drop off your entries at my home in Luddington the week prior to the show. I will put them on the show bench on your behalf then bring your entries back after the show, along with any prizes, for collection.
I don’t have any 1lb honey jars, can I still enter?
Yes – honey entered into Class 10 can be in any size jar. This honey is judged on taste, aroma and
viscosity only.
What is the charge for entry?
Entering your honey is free, entrance to the show is free – even the refreshments are free!
Is there a limit to the number of classes I can enter?
No – as long as you comply with the rules, you can enter as many classes as you choose. Points
gained for placings go towards a total score at the end of the evening and the Denis Keyte Trophy is awarded to the exhibitor who has gained the most points overall.
I’ve never entered a honey show before – where do I start?
Take a look at our Tips for Showing Honey guide which we’ve put together to help you get started.
There’s also lots of information online.
Does my honey have to be labelled?
No – please don’t put any identifying marks on the jars. You will be given stickers with numbers on before you put your honey on a bench. It’s all about anonymity.
I’m a beginner – what is the best class to enter?
Classes 8a and 8b are specifically for anyone who is a novice at showing honey. You are welcome to have a go at any of the open classes too, but you are classed as a Novice until you win a first prize at a Honey Show.
Should I decorate my cake?
No – Please make the cake according to the recipe and only add decoration to a ‘decorated cake’ class.
Is there parking close to the Village Hall?
Yes – Wootton Wawen Village Hall is blessed with plenty of parking space.
Will I get my exhibits back?
Yes – with the exception of the gift class (9) you can take your exhibits home. The Gift class, however, is a valuable resource to your association to use as ‘thank you’s’ for kindnesses offered to us over the year by various non-beekeepers, so we do urge you to make an entry in this class if you are able.
Do I have to stay for the open judging?
No – you are welcome to drop off your exhibits and return at 9.45 for the prize giving or tell me
you aren’t returning and I will take your exhibits and prizes back with me for collection at your
convenience.
I don’t have any honey this year – can I still come to the show?
Yes – We would love to see you there and you will learn a lot about presenting honey to show it off to its best. There are some classes you might like to enter in the Crafts Section but you don’t need to enter anything. And there’s cake……