£1MMillion winners Jeff and Davinia are buzzing about bees

The couple are passionate beekeepers and the hives on their property in Carmarthenshire produce more than 360 kilograms of honey a year.

Jeff and Davinia's bee adventure began before their amazing National Lottery win. When Jeff decided to build an ornamental beehive for the garden he decided he should get some bees to live in it. Within eight months he had become chairman of the West Glamorgan Beekeepers Association and a committed beekeeper.

Jeff said, “When we won, we were already living in our dream home with some land for the bees. Then, thanks to that dose of National Lottery luck, we were able to clear the mortgage and complete the extension as well as the renovation work we had started on the old farm.

“The works we were able to complete gave us more space for the family and we can now make the most of the garden, and views across the paddock to the beehives. It really is our own slice of heaven.”

As well as the bees, the couple have chickens and a small flock of Jacob sheep. They enjoy basic shepherding, but after an entertaining attempt at shearing the animals they leave that job to the professionals.

Wales is the perfect spot for these lovers of the great outdoors. Jeff is a keen walker who has climbed most of Wales’ mountains and Davinia is looking forward to joining him. She said, “Since my retirement from the Welsh Ambulance service, I now have my eye firmly on the highest peak in South Wales, Pen Y Fan.”

World Bee Day is celebrated on 20th May every year. On this day in 1734, Anton Janša – a pioneer of modern beekeeping – was born. The purpose of World Bee Day is to acknowledge the vital role bees and other pollinators play in the ecosystem.

17th May 2024