Buzzing bees … Keilor bee-keeper Tom Afford is fascinated by the workings of bees. 59613
By Natalie Gallenti
This Keilor resident likes nothing better than being surrounded by the captivating critters.
Mr Afford is a committee member of the Diggers Rest Bee Club which is hosting its field day next month, with live bee demonstrations.
The avid bee-keeper said he has been interested in the insects since he was a teenager growing up on a farm, but it wasn’t until he joined the club 12 months ago that he could put his passion into practice.
“I bought a box of bees, but I had no idea what I was doing,” he recalled.
“But now I have thirteen hives and 80 kgs of honey.”
Mr Afford’s enthusiasm is contagious as he describes the life of bees. He is constantly fascinated by them.
“The colony of bees is a city in motion – it’s mind blowing how it all works.
“Every bee has a job, from the queen bee to the worker bees.”
So sophisticated are the hives Mr Afford says, that there are even bees that generate heat to keep the colony warm.
And while he is enthralled by the workings of bees, he is well aware of the of the dangers he faces each time he opens a hive.
Only a month ago he received more than 40 stings to his arms, but it didn’t bother him.
“My arms swelled up a bit, so I couldn’t do my cuffs up,” he laughed.
Mr Afford encouraged residents to visit the field day.
The day will involve all things bees, including live bee demonstrations, honey extraction demonstrations and tastings, and even a bee beard demonstration.
The day will be held on Sunday 6 March from 10am at 35 Duncans Lane, Diggers Rest.
