We wish to express our deepest sorrow at the passing of fellow beekeeper Alan Kime. Alan was a well known and respected figure within the beekeeping community. He was one of the senior members of Ealing and District Beekeepers Association and excelled in microscopy, teaching this to Ealing members and others for many years. We will miss his knowledge of the craft and his wisdom of the bees.
In a long-held tradition when a beekeeper dies, a black ribbon has been tied to one of Alan’s hives by John Chapple at Ealing apiary.
Dad was extremely proud to be a beekeeper associated with the Ealing Beekeepers, he will be pleased that John Chapple told the bees and tied the black ribbon around one of his hives. I am sure you all have fond memories of him, it would be good for you to share them on here as my mum will take comfort from your memories. Thanks, Fiona.
Hi Fiona, I’m pleased to share memories of Alan here and hope there will be more to come. His hives are doing well at the apiary. All the best to you and your family from Ealing Bees.
Hello Ealing – this is Vanessa Tyler here, Alan Kime’s eldest daughter.
I have taken up the gauntlet (literally) from Daddy and now have his hives and equipment with me down here in Cornwall. My husband Allan and I have just joined the BBKA and Cornwall BKA and been to our first microscopy talk with the Launceston group – LOL. We are just making up frames to put into the boxes and anticipate starting with a local swarm via our mentors soon. Would be great to hear how “Daddy’s bees” are getting along at the Ealing Apiary and will visit if we get the chance when we are up!
We have started a “blog” called Blue House Bees on Facebook if anyone would like to follow our adventures in beeland!
Kind regards to everyone
Vanessa
Thank you for the update. We will let members know
[…] kindly caretaking some new arrivals at the apiary. These beautiful emerald hives used to belong to Alan Kime who sadly passed away, but thanks to the hard work of John and Alan his bee legacy has continued. I […]
This is Vanessa Tyler – Alan’s eldest daughter. I am pleased to report that after moving to Cornwall in late 2016 I have now taken on beekeeping using Daddy’s equipment. We got two colonies of Cornish speaking bees a few weeks back and so far they are coming on really well. we have lots of fields around us with gorse, wild flowers and blackberries and the ladies are busy bringing in lots of pollen.
We are exhibiting some of Dad’s photos posthumously this week at the Royal Cornwall Show and also his “bee hoover”. He should have patented it when he first made it!!
Please send our regards to all the Ealing & District Beekeepers and rest assured that the apiary tradition is being kept in the family!
If you wish to follow our progress we have a facebook page “Blue House Bees”