Message to the Moray Beekeepers from the monks of Pluscarden Abbey

On Saturday 10 September 2005 some 16 members of the Moray Beekeepers Association transformed the apiary site at Pluscarden Abbey. With the bees away at the heather, new and beautifully laid stances for 26 hives were set up, with stands specially designed to accommodate open mesh anti-Varroa floors. The initiative and the practical management of this whole operation came, not from the Pluscarden monks, but from members of the MBA, foremost among whom were Rob McKenzie, John Salt and Andrew Tassell. To fortify the workers in this project, a barbecue lunch was provided, with Kevin West to the fore in its management. The work was successfully completed according to plan, with much satisfaction given to the Abbey. To every appearance, a good time was had by all involved!

To all you Moray Beekeepers who came to help, then, a big "thank you" from me, Fr. Benedict, the Abbey apiarist, and all the monks at Pluscarden. What can I say? It was an amazing response, and an amazing sight to see: all those folk cheerfully and willingly working away with tractor, wheel barrow, shovel, spade, pick, trowel and rake on our behalf. A beekeepers' meeting, but not a bee in sight! The occasion should go down in the annals of the Association as being much to the credit of all involved, and to any interested enquirer it could be held up as an advertisement for the good and sociable spirit currently reigning among members. The result is now a model apiary site, easy to access, work and maintain. We are truly grateful. God bless all of you, and may all your bees flourish!

Fr. Benedict Hardy OSB