A SCHOOL beekeeping team is hoping to raise vital funds with their very own calendar, to ensure the survival of their hives.
Covid-19 has had a huge financial toll on Heron Hill Primary School’s Bee Team in Kendal, with usual fundraising schemes such as 'bees & teas', where community groups are taught by the children about bees and beekeeping before enjoying some tea and cake, having to be postponed.
The youngsters were not to be defeated however and soon thought of another income stream, a calendar shot by the team’s eleven-year-old photographer Lily, who was one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Young Photographer of the Year Award 2020 winners.
Teachers Karen Harper and Jacqui Cottam said: “We are a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, based in the grounds of Heron Hill Primary School in Kendal and we bring children and honeybees together.
“Our aim is to encourage, enthuse and educate children, young people and the wider community in the world of beekeeping.
“We provide an inclusive and accessible club where participants can grow in confidence, develop new skills, meet new people and learn about bees regardless of age, ability, disability or disadvantage.
“The Bee Team calendar marks the months of 2021 with twelve beautiful photographs taken in and around our apiary and grounds in Kendal, Cumbria.
“These special images were captured by our Bee Team photographer Lily - winner of her age category in The Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Young Photographer of the Year Award, 2020.
“All money raised will go towards the care of our honeybees and the continued education and learning of our children and young people at The Bee Team.
“One of the biggest beekeeping suppliers in the country is going to market and sell them for us, as well as selling locally and through our successful Twitter page @beekeepingkids.”
The club currently cares for nine colonies of honeybees at its purpose-built apiary and has a bee shed with teaching facilities and an accessible bee hide to ensure everyone can participate.
Team members partake in three sessions a week all year round, even through the summer months, and are involved in teaching others about beekeeping, as well as receiving visits from more experienced beekeepers.
If you would like to purchase the calendar visit www.bjsherriff.co.uk/product/honey-bee-calendar-by-the-bee-team-school-charity/
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