IT HAS been a bad winter for bees, the Okehampton Branch of the Devon Beekeepers? Association heard at their recent annual dinner held at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum. The branch activities of the last year, during which membership increased, and causes for concern in the future were high among topics of conversation at the social gathering. The immediate and disturbing problem is the unusually high number of hives? losses experienced by beekeepers across the county when colonies failed to survive the winter. It is a situation that is a cause for concern for the DBKA, and across the area covered by the Okehampton branch quite severe losses that have the potential to affect pollination have been reported by beekeepers. Other problems were the increased amount of swarms in the early summer. These situations caused local councils to frequently call for help in the removal of some from public places. The spread of varroa mite, a parasite, and particularly a strain that is resistant to treatment has also caused concern among members. Beekeepers in the area will be sharing their experiences of combating the mite with other members during the year as they meet each month in South Zeal, often visiting each other?s apiaries, with a commitment to safeguarding the bees that provide a silent service to society. Information about the Okehampton branch and its summer plans can be obtained by calling the branch chairman, Bob Hurdle, on 01647 231511.