At the Science Group meeting on Friday 17th April, members enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk entitled The City of Bees, given by Sandra Hart, a Nottinghamshire u3a member and experienced beekeeper.
Sandra invited us to see the beehive as a bustling city, where thousands of individual bees work together in a highly organised and efficient society. She explained the different roles within the hive, including the queen, workers and drones, and showed how each contributes to the survival and success of the colony.
The talk covered the lifecycle of honeybees, their remarkable methods of communication, and the complex cooperation that underpins hive life. Sandra also highlighted the crucial role bees play in pollination and the wider environment and touched on the challenges facing bee populations today.
Illustrated with objects and examples drawn from practical beekeeping experience, the presentation was both informative and accessible, prompting plenty of interest and questions from the group. It was an engaging and thought‑provoking talk that was much appreciated by members.
Following the break, the meeting continued with two of our regular ‘3-minute talks’ – Alan Newton with the Wind-Up Radio (together with some interesting facts about the inventor Trevor Bayliss) and Anne Murray who led us through the invention and development of the sewing machine. Anne is well known locally as a singer, and her apt final note was about the man who we most associate with sewing machines – Isaac Merritt Singer. This rounded off another enjoyable and varied Science Group session.
Next Month: 15th May is our visit to The Museum of Medical History in Leeds
Briefly: Meet at 8.45am for the coach departure of 9.00am from Ogle Street
Full details will be sent out nearer the time.
David Rose