Dr Fred Ayres, Chairman, Lancaster Beekeepers

Vincent and I first worked together when I asked him to build me a Warré hive modified to include a sump and greater insulation. This proved to be such a success I ordered a second.

My next request was for him to build me a Zamok hive from a Russian plan. The end product, which looks more like a very expensive Wendy House than a bee hive, has proved to be highly successful. The quality of Vincent’s workmanship is exceptional and his ability to innovate enabled us to resolve a range of minor issues when we could neither understand the plans nor the Russian instructions! This project taught us a lot about constructing well insulated hives.

Our next project was to build the first DZ Hive, essentially a Zamok largely built out of hi-tec insulated blocks. The roof presented some challenges but Vincent’s innovative thinking and excellent woodworking skills quickly produce effective answers.

Our third project was to build the first Lancaster Long Hive, a highly insulated hive capable of taking standard brood frames, 14”x12” brood frames or simple top bars, and incorporating a biological sump. Once again, the project was a huge success, a major part of which was due to Vincent.

I have no hesitation in recommending him as a hive builder extraordinaire.

Jenny Gilpin

We were extremely pleased with the top bar hive Vincent made. It is robust, made to a high quality with excellent workmanship and eye for detail. Best of all was Vincent’s ability to adapt and personalise the design to meet our needs.

Huston & Janet Clements

Having decided to purchase a Top Bar Hive from Vincent Smalley we went through a comprehensive process to have the hive purpose built to our exact requirements. Exact measurements, style and facilities were agreed.

Having the hive built around us, as well as according to the latest trends in hive construction to suit the bees was a first.

The quality of the wood, the standard of craftsmanship and attention to detail were outstanding. As the construction progressed, slight modifications were carried out to meet the needs of the bees and us the customer!

Having existing colonies and not having any swarms to house in the new top bar hive, an innovative introduction box was constructed to allow 5 existing 14” x12” frames to be placed directly within the top bar hive to introduce the colony into the hive.

This was a new concept because initially the colony did not migrate to the top bars as expected. Vincent altered the design of the introduction box within a day. The bees accepted this new arrangement and soon moved to the top bars where they began to draw out comb.

This has been a new development of the traditional top bar hive and being a prototype one expected teething problems. As we manipulated the hive and bees we suggested slight changes to the design and these were incorporated within the design. Vincent regarded these as developing both experience and a greater understanding of the needs of the bees leading to the very latest ideas on hive construction.

Vincent has ably coped with the demands placed on him by beekeeper clients and has an open mind to alternative methods of beekeeping (being a beekeeper himself). He has a world class approach to manufacturing beehives.

The hive that we have developed with Vincent is the new Lancaster Top Bar. We are the proud owners of the prototype and the first successful LTB.

Bob Gill

I am a novice beekeeper, having recently acquired my first colony. It has been an interesting and exciting experience. My biggest decision was my choice of hive. Which type should I go for? The more conventional National and WBC hives had the disadvantage of requiring some heavy lifting, and with a longstanding back problem, would this be too difficult? Should I go for a top bar hive? I was in a quandary. Then I met Vincent, a local craftsman and beekeeper who offered to build me a hive to suit all my requirements.

It is superb. It can be used as a top bar, but I can also use frames in it, and I can even add a super if I wish. What’s more it looks good and is sturdy and stable and capable of withstanding our coastal winds. It has insulation to help the colony overwinter. The attention is second to none. I am absolutely delighted with it.

Vincent came to install it and has helped me through the early stages of my beekeeping journey. I cannot praise him enough, and my bees are now thriving.