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EXPERIENCE DAYS  Make time for yourself 

Oakdale Bees run two types of fun and factual experience days where you can learn new skills and greater insights into the bee, bug and butterfly environment around us. Great gifts or just treat yourself. Introduction to bee keeping also a lotion, balm and candle making day, are currently offered. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So many of us find ourselves tethered to mobile technology and air-conditioned boxes and cars and the concept of free time has become nebulous. Hobbies, relaxing, mindfulness and just taking time out have never been more important. Hobbies are often what many people would really like to do if the real world hadn’t intervened.  
 
Keeping bees has taught people patience. In today’s connected world, people don’t really have any patience. It is learning that there is a season for everything and a time for everything and trust us the Bees are truly sophisticated at this. You get honey when it is ready and not beforehand. 
A veteran released from military service in 2014 wrote: 
 
“I can’t put my finger on it, but no matter how bad I’m feeling or how frustrated life can be, sitting down and simply watching the girls come and go gives me peace.”  
 
Beekeeping also resulted in a greater penchant for patience in general, concluding, “Two years into my journey, I’m in the best place in my life. Apiculture renewed the confidence I had lost in myself. They (the bees) might have saved my life." 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BACK TO NATURE & NURTURE 

Based in Windsor each event is hosted in the ‘bee barn’ with parties no greater than 8 people at a time so you can get hands on experience. 

LOTIONS, BALMS & CANDLE MAKING   4 hours 

Join a small group (no larger than 8) and learn how to make your own blend of body cream, hand cream, lip balm and even soap. Making two types of natural beeswax candles you will learn how to make these products and leave with samples of everything created. Super smooth creams which you can tailor with natural oils and essences creating your own unique scent. 
 
Located in a natural meadow alongside the bee hives you will gain a greater insight into these fascinating creatures and get tips on how to use honey to replace refined sugars and wax cloths instead of cling film. 

INTRODUCTION TO BEE KEEPING  4 hours 

Join a small group (no larger than 8) to learn more about bees, their lifespan, how the hives work, the role of the queen bee and how you individually can do your bit to help their (and our) survival. You don’t have to be thinking of taking up bee keeping as a hobby to appreciate the complexities of these amazing creatures, their hierarchy, parallel’s with today’s organisations chain of command, how each of us can improve our environment to encourage greater welfare, what to plant, do you know the difference between a wasp and a bee?  
 
Creative ways to use honey as an alternative to refined sugars and how we can banish cling film from our kitchen by making your own bees wax food storage wrap cloths. Those that wish to can don a bee suit and help with the inspections will be invited to do so (this last bit can be weather dependant). 

THE PACKAGE 

Each session includes a sharing platter of charcuterie and gooey cheeses, artisan breads, Honey (of course) and soft drinks or a glass of wine. Tea and coffee available throughout along with water infused with grapefruit and thyme. This voucher entitles you to take all the products you make home with you. 

LOCATION 

The Bee Barn, Tarbay Centre, Oakley Green, Windsor, SL44QG 
 
Please note if you live a little further afield the trains operate regularly from Waterloo and Paddington via Slough (40 mins).  
 
Why not make a weekend of it and stay in Royal Windsor for a mini break. We can recommend many hotels and fine restaurants including the Green Oak and Bee Hive which feature our honey. 
 
Evening and weekend sessions available – call on 07770915521 

INFORMATION 

Courses run from May until October (we can take private parties throughout the year) Evenings start at 18.00 until 22.00 and afternoons between 12.00 and 14.00. Please note there is limited parking onsite and we encourage car sharing where possible. On booking please advise the team of any dietary or access requirements. A rather rustic compost pee pod toilet is on site and we insist on flat shoes and warm clothing. Please note access to the site is uneven and not suitable for wheelchair users. Bee stings can cause an allergic reaction which you must advise on booking of any known allergies. You will be asked to sign the health and safety checklist prior to entering the site (once we have run through and you are happy) however these experience days are entirely at your own risk. 

2019 EVENT DAYS 

May - Friday afternoon & Saturday morning 
 
June - Thursday evening & Saturday afternoon 
 
July - Friday afternoon & Thursday evening 
 
August - Saturday morning 
 
September - Friday afternoon & Saturday afternoon 
 
October - Friday afternoon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Look out for our pop-up dates for the honey harvesting sessions. 
 
Vouchers for these Oakdale Bees Event Days make perfect gifts, treats or just for yourself to learn new crafts and experiences in a fun environment.  
 
£65.00 per voucher.  
 
Includes all products, equipment, food and glass of wine. 
Private party bookings are also taken which are perfect for hen or stag parties, Birthday, team building, social or just no particular reason get togethers. We can tailor the day or evening to your specific parties needs. 

REQUEST A BOOKING 

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