Alastair first recalls an interest in bees when, as a small boy, he came across a swarm of bees hanging in a fruit tree; it was something quite fascinating. This fascination continued but it was many years later, after retiring early from the joinery and shop-fitting industry, that he decided to pursue his interest further by actually taking up bee keeping. He started at Blackhorse, completing all John’s curriculum and, wishing to learn more, he took the British Beekeepers Association basic exam. He has now completed their theory and practical examinations and has qualified as a Master Beekeeper. Talking with John, Alastair suggested that he should teach an advanced course to follow on from the Further Practical one, to which John retorted “Well that’s when you come over and help teach at Blackhorse!” Alastair has seventeen colonies in his home apiary but has recently gone into partnership with Ian Davison, another Blackhorse lecturer, and together they manage about 150 colonies of bees in various out-apiaries. He is an active member of the Farnham Beekeeping Association, as well as a member of Bee Farmers.