THE Okehampton Beekeepers held their first winter meeting of 2011 at their new venue of Whiddon Down Village Hall on October 13.

Around 40 members of the group enjoyed a talk from guest speaker Leila Goss, entitled 'Bee-friendly Plants'.

Leila discussed how the design of plant reproductive systems influences how bees and other pollinating insects interact with them, and how plant colouring and aroma plays a part in attracting bees.

The talk also touched on the seasons, identifying different seasonal pollen and nectar sources.

The discussion concluded with examples of plants being distributed around those in attendance for examination and identification of their flowering part.

The next meeting of the group will be the annual meeting on Thursday November 17. This will be followed by the traditional pre-Christmas bring and share supper.