FOR anyone who has ever wanted to keep bees, 2011 is a great year to start.

Honeybees are having a hard time of it and there are almost no 'wild' honeybees left, the ones seen in gardens are most probably bees kept by beekeepers.

Tavistock has a well established enthusiastic bee club which is looking for new members.

The club has its own teaching apiary where new members can 'learn the ropes' with experienced members who are always ready to offer advice and a helping hand.

Also next January, apiary manager Mark Gibbons will be offering a course specifically designed for those who want to keep bees but need some solid advice on how to get started.

The course will be held at Tavistock College starting mid January and running each Monday from 7pm til 9pm for 10 weeks at a cost of £6 a week.

It will cover everything you need to know; the best kind of hive to get and where best to keep it, and all the interesting information about how the bees actually live and how to harvest your honey.

To learn more, contact Mark Gibbons on 01566 86350 in order to secure your place on the course.