80 YEARS OF BEEKEEPING

by | Apr 3, 2016 | Dartford News, Uncategorized

It is true to say that William Mundy at 95 years of age continues to be an inspiration within the beekeeping world. He first became involved with honeybees when he joined his local Dartford branch in 1936 and has been a solid member ever since. He was born in Dartford and grew up there, eventually marrying and settling down with two children.

His role in the RAF during World War Two was unfortunately cut short by his capture by the Japanese Imperial Army in Java, he was then transferred to Ambon to work on constructing an airstrip on a coral surface and finally being taken, because of severe deprivation, to the Changi Po Camp. During his time
here as a prisoner of war, he kept his faith in the healing and nutritious properties of honey. William nurtured and housed local honeybees for nine months whilst there under severe conditions and he even managed to give lectures to fellow inmates about bees and beekeeping.

Bee Keeping CakeWilliam continues to educate new cohorts of potential beekeepers through his annual Instruction Class for Beginners at the Dartford Branch. It is this extraordinary service to education and his accomplished method of reaching out to a wide range of people that has endeared him to so many people within his local community and to the wider beekeeping world.

William has also served on the Kent Bee Keepers Association for over sixty five years, he held the office of President to the KBKA on two occasions and worked tirelessly to promote the highest standards in beekeeping as its Chairman for fourteen years. During this time he also served for a term on the
British Bee Keeping Association Council.

His dedication to bee keeping and the natural world was never better expressed than when William’s other posts as a member of the National Honey Show, later President, Vice Chairman and Chairman for sixteen years brought him close to the public. He re-introduced the Blue Ribbon Award, which he continues to hand make himself.

William’s eighty year span of steadfast loyalty to bee keeping and his ability to reassure beginners, give advice to improvers and offer wisdom to those who seem to know it all, as well as making the best mead imaginable, should be celebrated now as a truly extraordinary life long friend to bees and beekeepers alike.

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...