15th February 2015. Arson attack at our allotment apiary. Nothing could be done to save the hive. If you would like to make a donation to help replace John's hives then please visit: http://www.gofundme.com/nf4nb4 Sunday 15th February 2015, just gone half ten at night I went to shut the curtains upstairs. I could see a fire and for a moment thought it was the neighbour having a late bonfire. When I looked closely I realised it was hives on fire in the apiary in the allotment behind our houses. I shouted my husband to ring the fire brigade whilst I ran to put my shoes and coat on. There was nothing I could do but watch the flames burn the hive. It was well alight. I rang John and told him his hive was on fire. It was a horrific call to have to make. John was unable to come down and see for himself as he had a bad knee. The fire brigade arrived and put out the fire. The fire man smelt the adjacent hive and said it smelt like thinners. All of my hives there had also been doused in thinners - they smelt quite strongly. One of John's hives had been completely lost. Another is damaged and needs replacing. My four hives are intact but until the weather is warmer I will now know if I have a healthy queen laying still. A few days later John was able to come down and survey the damage. All there is a burnt patch of ground and a burnt hive stand. We are all devastated by the loss of the hive and potential loss of other hives. I would like to help John buy new hives to replace these hives - he has completely lost one and another id damaged and needs to be replaced. http://www.gofundme.com/nf4nb4

• published: 28 Feb 2015
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