Taunton Beekeepers’ new centre of excellence at Bradford-on-Tone was officially opened by Taunton MP Jeremy Browne on Saturday July 19.

Mr Browne, who champions the work of Taunton beekeepers, joined the President of the British Beekeepers’ Association, Dr David Aston, Somerset Beekeepers’ Chairman Jonathan Friend and local members at the new £83,000 building.

Other VIPs included Councillor Marcia Hill, Deputy Mayor Taunton Deane, and Councillor Dave Mitton, Mayor Wellington Town Council.

Mary Adams, Chairman of Taunton Beekeepers, said the new eco building provided a fit-for-purpose teaching environment with a lecture room, workshop, honey extraction facilities and a kitchen.

She added: “The new building marks a major milestone for Taunton Beekeepers. We now have a facility which we can use to provide a year-round education programme and lectures.

“It is fast becoming a centre of excellence for beekeeping in the Westcountry and we have already attracted external groups because of the quality of the facilities and our location so close to the M5.

The cedar-clad, single-storey building replaces a small and dilapidated clubhouse which was built more than 50 years ago.

Volunteers demolished the old building and did much of the fitting-out. The club covered the costs by running beekeeping courses, holding an annual Waggle Dance and by selling the club’s honey at Taunton Flower Show.

Jeremy Browne said: “I enjoy hearing about beekeeping at so many different levels. It is obviously important for the ecology and conservation of the area; bees are vital for pollinating flowers and many food crops. But also, beekeeping is a magnificent social activity and beekeepers from all over the area will come together in this new building to discuss the intricacies of the craft.”

Outside in the apiary there are 15 hives which are used as teaching aids for beginners and more experienced beekeepers alike. Jenny Gammon, President of Taunton Beekeepers, added: “We have been planning and fundraising for many years to build a fit-for-purpose structure to help educate beekeepers during these difficult times for honeybees and other pollinators.

“The new building provides excellent teaching facilities and is a tribute to the dedication and determination of the volunteer members who give so freely of their time to advance apiculture in Somerset.”