THE village of Perranwell was a hive of activity recently as people of all ages joined in the day-long celebration of our precious pollinators.

There were talks given by Sarah Newton MP on the National Pollinator Strategy, Becky Hughes of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and National Farmers Union, Jackie Davies of Pollen8 Cornwall, Professor Richard Ffrench-Constant of Exeter University, Dr Andrew Omerod, a Crop and fruit specialist, Colin Rees, Chairman of the Cornwall Beekeepers Association, Niki Clear of the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and IOS and Kevin Hewitt of the Playing Place Allotment Society.

These were followed by an orchard and garden walk, lots of bee themed fun activities for children, and a cake competition judged by the WI.

Lizzie and the team at the Royal Oak produced a fantastic honeyed lunch, accompanied by mead tasting provided by Nine Maiden Mead and a B-BEE-Q !

Commenting on the day, Sarah Newton MP said: “Jacqui Davies and Lizzie Archer did a splendid job organising such an interesting, fun and worthwhile day raising awareness of the importance of us all doing our bit to support pollinators. Jacqui and Lizzie were supported by many volunteers and organisations who all played an important part in making the day so successful. Before I was elected, I was learning to keep bees and I am delighted that the proceeds of the day went to benefit the Cornish Beekeepers Association. They play such an important role in education and supporting bee keepers and the community at large and I found the support of their members invaluable."