After Esther has a quick look into the hives, the girls are joined by tree surgeon Rick Meldon who talks about the importance of eco piles for insects and also his experiences encountering bees in his line of work.

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

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For more info on Rick, visit Rick Meldon Treelife

https://r-meldon-tree-life.business.site/

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Jane and Esther have been let out!

Esther readies her teaspoon and Jane her dessert spoon to taste dark, complex, real honey with honey sommelier Sarah Wyndham Lewis at Bermondsey Street Bees.

What makes it 'real' honey? Listen and find out!

Sarah Wyndham Lewis appears courtesy of Bermondsey Street Bees in London

Visit their website here for more information about beekpeeing, planting for pollinators, and to shop honey and more besides:

https://www.bermondseystreetbees.co.uk/

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As it's still a bit cold to disturb the bees, Esther's sent a selection of beeswax beauty products to Jane so they can try them out and see what they think. But there's still time to talk plans for the season ahead.

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

Follow us on instagram @queebeespod

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It's a bumper episode to round out series 2. Not only are Jane and Esther tasting single flower honey, but they're also chatting to bee expert and honey sommelier Paula Carnell.

Luckily Esther's got her bonnet on - but has Jane turned on her heating yet?

Find out more about Paula at www.paulacarnell.com

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

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The brilliant Jools Holland - composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster - joins the pod today, armed with bee facts and ready for Esther's bee music quiz! 

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

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Jane invites pioneering sustainable fashion designers Vin and Omi onto the pod this week. Having designed key outfits for her character 'Bubble' In Absolutely Fabulous, the boys talk about their work to transform the fashion industry, re-purposing waste plastic, creating plant based materials and why Prince Charles invited them to Highgrove to collect nettles.

Find out more about them and their work at www.vinandomi.com and follow them on instagram @vinandomi

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Jane and Esther are delighted to welcome Alan Titchmarsh to the pod this week. Gardening tips, bee facts and even a Victoria Wood quote - if ever there was a show to bring a bit of joy to your life, this is it.

Sit back and enjoy!

For more information on the charity Alan talks about in this pod visit www.horticap.org

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The girls try their hand at making beeswax hand dipped candles, ably assisted by Esther's friend and fellow bee-keeper Lynn.

Mince pies and mulled wine may have been harmed in the making of this show...

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

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The brilliant Vic Reeves (aka Jim Moir) joins Esther and Jane down the line to talk all things bees, birds and why everyone should try a bit of cheese with their Christmas cake this year.

Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.