Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles

Chris Park - Druid, traditional beekeeper, storyteller, brewer and all round Iron-age man, joins the Queens around Esther's dinner table. It's a session of mead drinking, ritual celebrations for the end of summer, plenty of historical bee and language facts and just a little bit of singing.Follow @queenbeespod on instagram for pictures from the record.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast.Produced by Claire Broughton and John Wakefield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane and Esther meet the founders of new honey company Australian Rare, Natalie Bussau and Rick Bains, to talk about their very special honey from Western Australia. Rigorously tested, their honey comes from an area of the world that prides itself on the biodiversity of its surroundings as well as being completely pest free. All this comes at a high cost however that is outside the reach of most people's budgets. But if the wine industry can offer wines at different prices dependent on grape variety and scarcity, some costing thousands of pounds as they reflect their natural surroundings, surely some types of honey can command as high a price? We'd love to hear your thoughts on our socials, get in touch. Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles are The Queen Bees.Edited by John WakefieldProduced by Claire BroughtonQueen Bees is a Hat Trick podcast.Find us on instagram and tiktok @queenbeespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A homemade lunch for Jane from Esther and a catch up with the bees in Esther's garden hives. Esther also shares a cache of old letters she's found in her shed. Keep up with the Queens on instagram @queenbeespod and also - if you can believe it - on Tiktok at the same handle.Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast featuring Jane Horrocks, Esther Coles and quite a lot of bees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Bee-lovers! Here's a mini episode to celebrate Bees For Development recorded at their annual garden party. For more about Bees for Development listen to our episode with Nicola Bradbear (Season 5 Episode 1)Do visit their website or find them on instagram to find out more about the work they do around the world.To see more pictures from our podcast visit @queenbeespod on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Esther for a christmassy last episode of the series as she welcomes friend Paul Tonkinson - writer, comedian and host of podcast 'Running Commentary' to make candles, gingerbread and have a good old gossip. Perfect for listening to while wrapping your presents! Merry Christmas to all our listeners.Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast. This week's episode edited by Diggory Waite, Produced by Claire BroughtonSee pictures from the records @queenbeespod on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther's delighted to have a chat this week with Anabel Kindersley co-owner of natural and organic health and beauty brand Neal's Yard Remedies, talking about sustainable business, her love of natural remedies and how one in three mouthful's of food we eat is thanks to pollinators including bees which is why their survival is so important.To find out more about Neal's Yard Remedies visit www.nealsyardremedies.com and for further information on Stand By Bees and to sign the petition visit www.standbybees.co.ukQueen Bees with Esther Coles and Jane Horrocks is a Hat Trick Podcast.Follow us @queenbeespod for picturesEdited this week by Diggory Waite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna Carrucan, botanist, second generation bee-keeper and owner of the BUUKAAR WAARUUNG Boutique Apiary and Artisan Honey company in Australia joins Esther down the line - time zones aligned! - to talk about the onset of spring in Australia, what trials the bees in her part of the world face, but also the breadth of different forage that produces such tasty and medicinally important honey.Follow @queenbeespod on instagram for pictures from the record.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Esther and friend of the pod Paula Carnell, Head Beekeeper at The Newt in Somerset, Global bee consultant and honey sommelier as they talk about what the unseasonal weather is doing to their bee colonies and how the native Black Bee is making a comeback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther's lovely pal actress Rochenda Sandall comes over for a great chat about all things herbal, both for cookery and medicinal purposes. There may even be herby biscuit up for grabs...Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow @queenbeespod on instagram for pictures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther and Tom are pickling home grown chillis this week. Tom's done his research on chilli facts and has also prepared a 'special' cocktail for Esther to celebrate the event. Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane and Esther are joined by the founder of LUSH Mark Constantine and his son Simon Constantine, one time subject of his dad's cosmetic testing and now running the fabulous Carey's Secret Garden as well as special projects for LUSH. There's talk inevitably of the joy of bath bombs, and how they were developed for a serious reason, as well as all the work LUSH does in terms of supporting action for change (for the better) and spearheading fantastic conservation projects. All with a liberal sprinkling of fun anecdotes along the way.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for pictures from the hive and the allotment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for a good old catch up this week. Esther's been making kombucha with her own scoby starter, and talk turns to fungi and ferments.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick ProductionFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin Maynard started his career researching the effects of the Chernobyl disaster on the UK for Friends of the Earth and is renowned as an activist and campaigner - always for more sustainable practices to look after the planet. In this episode the girls chat about fast consumerism, the healing power of a walk in the forest, and why there should be a sustainability bulletin on the news after the sports and business sections, every day of the week.Listen and be inspired!Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick ProductionFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**NEW SEASON** Esther and Jane are back! Joined this week by expert flower arranger and chicken saviour Arthur Parkinson. After chat and lunch at Esther's, the gang take a stroll to the allotments to meet one of Esther's allotment friends who is indebted to Arthur for advice on how to grow the best dahlias. There's discussion about how imperfect gardens should be cherished, how Kate Moss gives the best gifts, and the girls are delighted to find out Arthur may be up for adoption...!There's cake, disco balls in sheds and a fair few giggles, so settle in with a hot cup of something.Queen Bees with Esther Coles and Jane Horrocks is a Hat Trick ProductionFollow us on instagram for pictures from the hive and the allotment - @queenbeespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther's longtime friend actress Indra Ove joins the show this week while Jane's off on an acting job. The girls are on a mission to collect some honey from the hives to take to Indra's cast mates in her latest show Jerusalem but along the way Esther quizzes her on her past acting jobs and how her family were recently honoured at the Palace.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick ProductionFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Where to stick your icepacks to keep cool in the heat... how everything's crisping up at the allotment... what is constellation therapy... and a chat about why our wild fenland is so important. Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastProduced by Claire Broughton Recorded and Edited by John WakefieldFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for pictures from the allotment and the hive. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back to the allotment this week as Esther's had a swarm to contend with - but there's northern vowel chat and silliness as usual, get stuck in!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us @queenbeespod for pictures from the hive See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther's off to visit Jane in Brighton where she gets a tour round her bee-friendly communal gardens, Jane cooks her delicious lunch and then they're off to the beach!Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on @queenbeespod for pictures from the grand day out! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther's back at Arabella Weir's to see how her veg are doing, but will cost per potato be worth it in the end?Hear about Esther's not-to-be-replicated childhood bad habits and Arabella brings back one of her Fast Show characters - no offence!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastProduced by Claire BroughtonRecorded and edited by John WakefieldFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther's been stuck at home this week so Jane gives her a call to cheer her up. Along the way there's a catch up from Chelsea, scattering ashes, what the bees have been up to and of course, why you should always have a spare lawnmower.Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast created and presented by Jane Horrocks and Esther ColesRecorded and Edited by John WakefieldExec Producer Claire BroughtonFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for pictures See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane's round Esther's to check out her vertical planting solutions and her new garden bees, but first of all (and most importantly) lunch!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us @queenbeespod for pictures from the showQueen Bees is produced by Claire Broughton and John Wakefield. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane's having a clear out so has brought Esther some pre-loved housewares, which leads to a discussion on why we're all hoarders at heart. Meanwhile Len, Esther's new dog has decided he wants to feature...There's seedlings to prick out though and homemade soup to eat too. Lastly, news about Olive, the colony of bees from Esther's garden - brace yourselves...Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespodRecorded and edited by John WakefieldProduced by Claire Broughton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane's off filming so friend of the show Arabella Weir asks Esther over to help her plant her veggies for the season. Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us @queenbeespod on instagram for pictures from the show See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

*NEW SEASON* We're kicking off the new season talking about growing your own whether you have an allotment, a window box or a window sill. There'll be planting, emotional chats, impressions of landladies and of course, cake. Come and join the girls for some lunch and chat down on the allotment.(ps. mini bee update coming soon!)Follow us @queenbeespod on instagram for pictures from the showQueen Bees is created by Esther Coles and Jane HorrocksProduced by Claire BroughtonRecorded and edited by Andy GoddardQueen Bees is a Hat Trick Production See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther and Tom get to make their candles after all, with varying success, with Tom treating us to a musical number to celebrate the season. Happy Christmas listeners!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther thinks she's making candles with Tom tonight until she gets a surprise call - could we have a reunion on our hands?Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us @queenbeespod for updates from the show on instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther has a fascinating chat this week with Katharine O'Brien, founder of Bee Potion who are an ethical, all-natural skincare and wellbeing company that has sustainability, education and ecology at the heart of the business. She talks about becoming a bee-keeper, the social enterprise nature of her business, and we also meet Honey, her aptly named rescue dog!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther's asked Tom if she can practice her quizmaster skills on him, and as a bribe, she's brought some more mead for him!Test your bee knowledge on these questions and maybe learn a few things in the process.Thanks to Bees for Development for letting us use their questions.If you'd like to donate to Bees for Development and find out about their work, please visit www.beesfordevelopment.orgQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane's still off filming in her ambulance so Esther's putting her time to good use by welcoming the lovely Paula Carnell back to show her how to make traditional woven skep!If you're interested in learning how to make a skep follow Paula on instagram @paula.carnell or visit her website www.paulacarnell.com for details of her courses and skep making supplies.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tom finally makes it centre stage this week as he and Esther talk all things mead - a fermented honey drink dating back centuries. Tom and Esther's efforts may not be supremely drinkable but as ever they make the best of it and there's a whole host of interesting facts along the way - as well the story of how these two have stuck together for 25 years - they must be doing something right!Queen Bees is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for updates from the hive See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's something for everyone this week as Esther sets out to the National Honey Show.Honey producers and bee keepers alike flock to this show to show off their produce as well as catch up on all the latest honey, bee and pollinator news.Esther went on a fact finding mission meeting old friends and new and finding out all about all manner of bee related topics - stick on a brew and get your ears round this bumper episode!Unfortunately Jane's still off filming Bloods, but was very jealous of Esther being around all that honey...With thanks to the National Honey Show and all the contributors who took part in this week's show.For more information on the show visithttps://www.honeyshow.co.uk/Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the showQueen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther's flying solo this week while Jane's away to interview the fabulous Rachel de Thample - who is in charge of fermentation and bees at River Cottage.Hear all about how to make your own sauerkraut, the Bees at River Cottage and how Esther rates husband Tom's mead!For more on Rachel follow her at @dethample and River Cottage @rivercottagehq to find out more about her fermentation courses.Queen Bees is a Hat Trick podcast - follow us @queenbeespod on instagram for more pictures from the show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hurray for Series 5! This week the girls are joined by Nicola Bradbear from Bees for Development - helping train up future beekeepers in developing countries to start their own sustainable honey production. It's a fascinating ep and Nicola is such a brilliant, inspiring guest - Jane and Esther loved it.For more about Bees for Development and how you can support and find out more, go to https://www.beesfordevelopment.orgFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the pod and the allotment. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On the allotment, in their very own version of Breaking Bad, Jane and Esther attempt to become propolis tincture manufacturers on a grand scale. Their maths may not be up to the task, but Esther's homemade burritos and apple cake will lessen the pain of disappointment. Finally the girls end the season, to Jane's joy, sampling Esther's summer honey. Delicious. Follow us for updates on the hive and the girls @queenbeespodQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In need of a boost after their battles with Covid, the girls invite founder of Unbeelievable Health, Sarah Orecchia to the show this week, who talks to the girls about the health benefits of propolis, royal jelly and pollen and how she too has become a honey addict.Find out more about Unbeelievable Health on instagram @unbeelievablehealthQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther updates Jane on everything that's been going on both at the hive in her garden and on the allotment - with some unexpectedly good news! And the title of this episode? You'll have to listen to find out! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Poor Esther's isolating and while she provides an update on the bees in her garden, the girls also reminisce about far flung trips. If you like a gossip and a giggle this is definitely the episode for you!Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures and videos from the hives. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esther tells Jane all about her big field trip to Basingstoke to find a drone congregation area (DCA). Her guide for the day was Stephen Fleming (Co-editor of BeeCraft Magazine) and along the way Esther also found out some fascinating facts about bee keeping history but also visited some wonderful fields of lavender - a dream day out indeed. Packed full of facts and fun, and also a cheeky trip to the pub!Thanks to Stephen Fleming and www.bee-craft.comQueen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles.Follow us on Instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the day out as described in the pod. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Need a giggle? In this episode, as Jane forgets her headphones, the girls are on zoom and have devised a foolproof system to show who's talking when - what could go wrong! Bee stories aplenty and news from both the hives on the allotment and the suprisingly active elderly bees in Esther's back garden.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick PodcastFollow us on instagram @queenbeespod for images and videos from the hive and the records See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode after an audio disaster, we salvaged a brilliant interview with fabulous Liz Knight - Queen of Forage - and all round fantastic person. Esther gamely stepped in to re-record questions to guide us through the interview, as Jane has been under the weather this week with the dreaded lurgy. Jane and Esther will be back together next week.You can find more about Liz at www.foragefinefoods.com and do seek out her brilliant book FORAGE with illustrations by Rachel Pedder-Smith.Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more images from the hive and updates on the showQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alison Benjamin from Urban Bees takes the girls on a bee safari around Esther's allotment in this episode. Amongst the beautiful flowers, the girls spot Bumbles, Carder Bees and the teeny Scissor Bees. Head to our instagram @queenbeespod to see Alison's bee spotters guide and pictures from the record and tag us with your bee pictures from your plot!Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jane's wish has come true - the honey's in! Join Jane and Esther for an afternoon spinning the frames, with some helpers, to collect the spring harvest. Do be warned, you'll feel sticky even listening to this episode...More pictures of the fun on instagram @queenbeespodQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ladies are back! Kicking off with a chat about the hordes of bumble bees in Jane's garden, Esther has also got news on incoming honey and an update on the hives.Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Production.Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last episode of the current series as the girls catch up about the latest goings on at the hives with Esther's defensive colony The Mancs off on a jolly holiday. As ever, honest stories about the highs and lows of beekeeping and plenty of giggles along the way. Follow us on instagram @queenbeespodQueen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles is a Hat Trick Podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.