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Our first Bee Hotel has arrived

Once again, our AGM had to be held virtually, as we were unable to be in the House as planned With the Immediate Past Dean and Vice Dean we were in separate rooms with the Merchants House virtual background on our screens, and the Immediate Past Dean’s lady acting as our assistant with the transfer of the chains from one room to the other.

We have many exciting events planned over the next two years, COVID restrictions permitting, and you can find continuing updates on our website www.merchantshouse.org.uk

I referred in my AGM acceptance speech, to the House’s awareness of the part we will play with climate change and reducing our carbon footprint. As the refurbishment of our historic listed building continues, we have made every effort to make changes, where possible, in line with the green agenda being pursued by the Government. Having bicycle accommodation with showers, in the basement, to provide a service for individuals travelling to the centre of Glasgow, and, learning from our experiences in lockdown, continuing with hybrid meetings, are just two of the measures we will take.

We have also installed our first Bee Hotel on the roof of the Merchants House. Bee hotels are used as breeding places by cavity-nesting solitary bees like Mason bees, Leafcutter bees and Yellow-faced bees which naturally nest in hollow stems, earth banks or old beetle holes in dead wood. From spring through summer, different species of bee will hopefully build cells inside the canes and lay eggs.

So, why a Bee Hotel on the roof of the House?, as one contribution to the climate change agenda, we know that bees are vital for life on earth as we know it, without them, we wouldn’t have potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate and seeds and we must do everything we can to preserve them. As pollinators’ bees drink the sweet nectar of flowers, moving between plants and transferring pollen, which fertilises different species, enabling them to produce fruit and seeds.

Today, honey may offer fresh hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance. It contains natural antibiotics to help the body battle infection. Scientists are working on ways to make the sticky substance easier to apply on wounds, and it could be used in surgery, war zones and our own homes.

Until my next blog, stay safe and well until we are able to meet once again in person.

May Storrie CBE
Lord Dean of Guild