The Buzz About Bees

We had a truly bee-rilliant afternoon recently at Manor Grange as residents welcomed local beekeeper Peter Shaw for a lively and fascinating talk all about the world of bees. This unique experience created a real buzz around the home, offering residents the chance to learn, reminisce, and even suit up in traditional beekeeping gear.
Peter’s visit wasn’t just informative — it was a full sensory experience. Residents had the chance to hear the distinctive hum of swarming bees, touch and smell real beeswax, explore a wooden honeycomb frame, and even try on a beekeeping hat. One of our residents, Midge, looked right at home wearing the veil, and it’s no wonder, she used to keep her own apiaries! This visit was a lovely way for her to reconnect with a part of her past, and she was beaming as she chatted to Peter about her hives and honey-making days.

The room was full of curiosity and smiles as residents watched Peter demonstrate the inner workings of an apiary and explain how a hive functions. With his calming nature and passion for his craft, Peter brought the subject to life in a way that really captured everyone’s attention. As he gently passed around items from his kit, residents asked thoughtful questions and shared their own stories — from tales of uncles and grandfathers who kept bees, to childhood memories of honey straight from the comb.
For many, it was their first real look into beekeeping, and it opened up a topic that’s not often discussed but clearly enjoyed. We were especially touched by how many residents said they found the session not only interesting but relaxing and uplifting. A few even said they’d like to have Peter back again to hear more of his ‘bee tales’ — and we’ll certainly do our best to make that happen.

These types of visits are part of what makes life at Manor Grange so special. We always aim to offer enriching experiences that spark conversation, bring back memories and introduce new interests. Judging by the laughter and lively discussions after Peter’s visit, this one really hit the sweet spot. At Manor Grange, we believe in offering more than just care, we create meaningful experiences that truly connect with our residents. If you’d like to learn more about life here, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Contact our team today to arrange a tour or find out more.