2026 Cliffe Castle Bee Blog 14

Lee and checked the colony this morning (27 July). I’d hoped it would be

the last inspection for a few weeks, until we return them to our ABKA

Apiary site. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot the blue queen today.

As we found eggs on some frames and no signs that the bees were

trying to raise a replacement queen, the best bet is that her blue

identifying mark has worn off. We only use a water-based product to

mark her and with the number of bees in the colony and the attention

they give her whenever she stands still, it’s easy for the identifying spot

to fade over time. I marked this queen last year, so she hasn’t done

badly.

Steve and I will have to make a special effort to find, catch and re-mark

her next week. Now we are in the school holidays she will have even

more visitors than usual trying to spot her.

Every Tuesday afternoon, up to and including 25 August, we are

providing a Beekeeper by the Hive to answer any questions you may

have about the bees and explain what you can see on the frames. I did

the session last week and it was busy with lots of people wanting to

know more. The queen was very generous with her time and sat on one

of the outer frames for a good 15 minutes, whilst her female attendants

fed and groomed her. After a refreshing break, she resumed laying eggs

and this was all clear to see for visitors on the day.

I do hope that you will be able to find time to call in to the museum

during the holidays. On Tuesday 4 August, there is a free event called

“Busy Bees”, when some of us will be available in the Learning Room

doing activities (11am to 3pm) and we will have a Beekeeper by the Hive

(1.30pm to 3pm). Perhaps we’ll see you then?

Linda