Man has intervened in nature and his effect has been profound. Calstock Arts is proud to present two speakers looking at aspects of this – Michael Head and Dale Wood
Vet, Michael (Spike) Head will look at:
‘The Challenges and Solutions of Dairying in the ‘New World’
Michael will cover the changes in the dairy industry, both local and global, that have occurred through his career. With the environment and sustainability in mind references will be made to cow health, medicine use and the management of the environment. The talk is sure to generate discussion.
Apiarist, Dale Wood will speak on:
‘Honey Bees…and Almost Everything Else’
Honey bees are amazing creatures. Their life cycle from egg to adult is a biological wonder. The evolution started when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. They came through several mass extinctions and they survive still despite the damage done to their habitat. This touches on many aspects of honeybee life, and the struggles imposed on them, often by us.
Michael Head (aka Spike) qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1994. He has a Certificate in Cattle Health and Production and a Diploma in Bovine Reproduction. Michael’s first job was in St Columb Major from where he moved to Somerset stayed until his return three years ago to support farmers both sides of the Tamar. He now works locally and nationally as a veterinary trainer. Michael has travelled extensively, with a couple of short trips to Mozambique and Uganda training farmers and advisors in animal health and a project in Trinidad and Tobago where he investigated a tropical disease in humans and was a ‘doctor’. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and is a keen birdwatcher.
Dale Wood is a retired teacher who started beekeeping on a whim just a few years before retirement. Once free from the shackles of a daytime job, colony numbers grew rapidly and after 12 years of beekeeping, numbers now are around the 25 to 30 mark. His eight apiaries are sited in the Upton Cross area of SE Cornwall. Dale is a trustee and council member of Cornwall Beekeeping Association, he is the apiary manager for Kit Hill beekeeping group and he runs weekly apiary sessions and a ‘”Beekeeping for Beginners” course.
*Both speakers have most kindly agreed that all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to funding the purchase of a new projector for the main hall at Calstock Arts.