As winter steadily approaches and our bees prepare for the seasonal closure, I received an email inviting me to visit a customer situated near Reading. This visit was prompted by the customer's need for our expertise in assessing and inspecting their bee colonies, as well as gaining insights into the proper methods for winter management.

Accompanying me on this excursion was an apprentice, and what better opportunity than to provide her with a hands-on experience and a firsthand understanding of working with bees.

Over the course of four hours, we conducted thorough inspections on a total of 20 colonies, and I must say they were in exceptional condition. We engaged in a bit of frame manipulation, removed some unnecessary boxes, and ensured the apiary was well-prepared with a nourishing feed of sugar syrup. The day commenced at a chilly 9 degrees, but as it progressed, you could witness a remarkable increase in bee activity, even though the temperature only peaked at around 14 degrees.

Our commitment to effective customer communication and ensuring their satisfaction is a fundamental aspect of our work. It's always a pleasure when such efforts result in positive feedback:

"Hi Dan,

I truly appreciate your assistance today. I learned a great deal, and I find that I can truly grasp the intricacies of beekeeping when I'm actively involved."