Sad news from our Rugby Branch. Words by Martin Wibberley.
I am sad to say that early this week I received the news that Bruce Roberts had passed away. Bruce had been a beekeeper for about forty years and always been a member of the Rugby Branch. Over the years he had been both chairman of the branch and secretary for a number of years. He was also a beekeeper who encouraged new members and organized several beginners courses held at Grandborough village hall.
Other strings to his bow were the ability to win several prizes at the Rugby honey show, Warwickshire honey show and even the Royal Show, (alas a show which is no longer going). On the showing side he had been a representative for Warwickshire for the National honey show and had also been Chairman of the Warwickshire Beekeepers’ association. Away from Warwickshire he was on the Royal Show committee which organized beekeeping demonstrations at the agricultural shows. In fact it was at a Royal Show twenty or more years ago that my interest in bees started after watching Bruce open up a hive during a demonstration event. I recall a group of us standing around the open hive, with no protective clothing, bees flying everywhere and Bruce telling us to ‘just make sure your collars are buttoned up and you’ll be ok’.
Bruce Roberts 1941-2022.
If you want to receive details of Bruce’s funeral arrangements please message secretary.rugby@wbka.org.uk