THE fifth apiary meeting of the summer for Okehampton Beekeepers was a visit to Wilf and Helen Hodges' apiary at South Zeal. The idyllic garden has around half a dozen British National Hives. With the foraging season nearing its end, the group took the opportunity to give topical advice on autumnal beekeeping activities. The group also inspected Wilf and Helen's hives. The first hive opened was a strong colony with a single super but containing an unmarked queen. She was eventually spotted and marked. The second was also strong and healthy, though the queen had already been marked. Inspection showed brood in all stages with a brood nest extending to five frames. The third hive was not so successful, with the colony not expanding beyond two frames. With inspections complete, the group enjoyed a bring and share tea in the beautiful surroundings of the foothills of Dartmoor. Okehampton Beekeepers exhibited bees, honey, beeswax products and cookery displayed in their own bee marquee at the Okehampton Show last Thursday.