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

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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 Wakefield

Produced by Claire Broughton

Queen Bees is a Hat Trick podcast.

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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 Podcast

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for pictures from the hive and the allotment.

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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 Production

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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 Production

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**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 Production

Follow us on instagram for pictures from the hive and the allotment - @queenbeespod

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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 Production

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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 Podcast

Produced by Claire Broughton

Recorded and Edited by John Wakefield

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for pictures from the allotment and the hive.

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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 Podcast

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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 Podcast

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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 Podcast

Produced by Claire Broughton

Recorded and edited by John Wakefield

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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 Coles

Recorded and Edited by John Wakefield

Exec Producer Claire Broughton

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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.

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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 Podcast

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Queen Bees is produced by Claire Broughton and John Wakefield.

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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 Podcast

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod

Recorded and edited by John Wakefield

Produced by Claire Broughton

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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 Podcast

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*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 show

Queen Bees is created by Esther Coles and Jane Horrocks

Produced by Claire Broughton

Recorded and edited by Andy Goddard

Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Production

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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.

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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 Podcast

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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

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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.org

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

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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

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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 Podcast

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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

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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 visit

https://www.honeyshow.co.uk/

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the show

Queen Bees is a Hat Trick Podcast

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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.

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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.org

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures from the pod and the allotment.

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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 @queenbeespod

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

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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 @unbeelievablehealth

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

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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 Podcast

Follow us on instagram @queenbeespod for more pictures and videos from the hives.

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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.com

Queen 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.

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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 Podcast

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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 show

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

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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 Broughton

See pictures from the records @queenbeespod on instagram

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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.

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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 @queenbeespod

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

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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.

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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.

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

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Join the girls for a late night record this week as they sup a cocktail and catch up on the latest drama from the hives.

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

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Streaker bees, why you should keep a diary for posterity and how the bees can predict the weather in this ep as Stephen Fleming, co-editor of Beecraft magazine joins the girls down the line. A brilliant expert and a fab guest.

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

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Esther and Jane are joined this week by Brian McCallum from Urban Bees - Esther's beekeeping mentor and former bee inspector. He's come to the hives to see what's up with the Italians and if the Buckfasts are managing to keep the varroa at bay.

For more on Urban Bees visit www.urbanbees.co.uk

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

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Esther gives positive updates to Jane about the Buckfasts, while the prognosis is still looking a bit shaky for the Italians. There's also a lot of plant chat this week, Race you to the garden centre?

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

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Jane's been spring cleaning her windows and Esther's made a quick trip to see what's what at the hive.

There's mixed news, but as ever, there's a positive plan to get on with things and a bit of laughter therapy to end the show.

For more information on the Brighton Festival mentioned in this week's show please visit https://brightonfestival.org/

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Hurrah - Jane and Esther are together again at the plot! While Esther wants to move the Buckfast swarm of last year from their small premises to a bigger hive, Jane's marvelling at just how much honey they've already made. Lots of buzzing in this episode as clearly all the bees wanted to feature... 

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

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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.uk

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

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Edited this week by Diggory Waite

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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

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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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