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NewsA buzz in Bartholomew StreetNational Honey Week to be celebrated by Newbury Beekeepers and Natures Corner 9 February 2006 To celebrate one of nature’s purest and most delicious foods, Newbury beekeepers and Natures Corner, Newbury’s largest healthfood store, are joining forces to mark National Honey Week (13-19 February 2006). Throughout the week there will be special bee-related displays and tastings at the Bartholomew Street health store, and local beekeepers will be available on week-day lunch-times (detailed times below) to talk to customers about honey and beekeeping. For thousands of years honey was the only real sweetener known to mankind. Today its health-giving qualities are increasingly recognised, and its infinite variety of flavours is giving it a growing reputation as a gourmet food. Each year Britons consume 17,000 tonnes of honey, but less than 10% comes from this country. Although the Newbury beekeeping association is very strong, they can never produce enough to meet local demand. Liz Chandler, co-owner of Natures Corner, explained: “We get lots of demand for local honey, especially in the hay fever season. Many people believe that the pollen in local honey helps protect against hay fever caused by local air-borne pollens. Lots of our customers are aware of honey’s other health-giving properties. Some like it as a delicious sweetener which, weight-for-weight, has fewer calories than sugar. Some buy manuka honeys as wound dressings and as treatments for stomach ulcers. It’s one of nature’s great versatile natural products.” Michael White, Chairman of Newbury & District Beekeepers’ Association commented: “Honey is just one aspect of beekeeping. We have a thriving local organisation with members who are interested in the many different facets of beekeeping. Anyone interested in beekeeping should drop by Natures Corner to have a chat with our members who will be there at specific times during the week. We’ll be delighted to tell them about bees and honey and other bee products.” A Newbury beekeeper will be available in the store to talk to customers every lunchtime (12.30pm to 1.30pm) during the week (Monday 13 February to Friday 18 February) and mid morning and mid-afternoon on Saturday 19 February 2006. NOTES TO EDITORS About Natures Corner Natures Corner, located at 9 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, is the town’s only independent healthfood store. It sells organic foods, vitamin supplements and a range of remedies on the shelves, and offers a caring service with more than fourteen specialist advisers and therapists, plus a host of information to help people enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle. About Newbury and District Beekeepers Association Founded in 1951, Newbury and District Beekeepers Association is a registered charity that promotes beekeeping especially in the Newbury area. With a membership of over 100, the association runs monthly meetings on beekeeping and related topics, and offers help and information to new and experienced beekeepers. For more information see: http://www.newburyandwantagebeekeepers.btinternet.co.uk/ Honey statistics source: The Honey Association http://www.honeyassociation.com/trade.htm
Mike Oliver Serena Watts |
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