BUSY BEES- Villagers Chased by an Angry Swarm

[Katie]

Exciting episodes occurred at Ripley near Woking after the escape of a swarm of bees which the village schoolmaster was conveying to a neighbouring parish.

The hive was placed on a donkey cart, but a few of the bees escaped and promptly signalised their liberty by stinging the donkey.

Naturally the donkey kicked, and soon a wheel of the cart got on to the foot pavement and over went the hive.

The schoolmaster's predicament was such that the landlord of the Anchor Inn went to his assistance, but the bees turned their attention to him and chased him down the village street. He and the schoolmaster were badly stung all over the head, neck and face.

Subsequently the swarm attacked another man, who in trying to get away climbed over a fence and ran down a garden, where he knelt down and rolled his head in the grass for protection, ultimately climbing into a tree.

Others were also sting, including a passing cyclist, who fell from his machine in driving the bees away.

I know it would not have been funny when it happened in 1915, but how this has had me BuZZZZZing with laughter. Enjoy

[Bertieone]

Why is it?
every time I read about Bees, I think of Arthur Askey.

There must be help somewhere.

[Wendy M]

Had these people had a quiet word with the bees, all may have been okay. I chat with bees in my garden whenever they are about. Don't believe I was ever stung except once when I trod on a bee which I hadn't seen in the grass. They are a bit suss about water from hoses tho'.

Wendy

[Fledge]

every time I read about Bees, I think of Arthur Askey.

I didn't... until you mentioned it.

Now I can't get it out of my head.

[MaryA]

Heheheeeee me three

[Katie]

Whats this with Arthur Askey and the Bees? Way before my time please share

[Joe Griffiths]

Have a look at this Katie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Ux57tfL_Y

[daggers]

Katie

Do you have a date for that bee story? It reminded me of a short story by Rudyard Kipling which included a highly humorous passage about the effects on a village of a swarm of bees. I shall have to look for the book if I still have it.
D

[Katie]

9th August 1915-Liverpool Courier.

I can't stop singing that Arthur Askey song now.

[daggers]

The Kipling story was 'The Vortex', published in August 1914, so the author was clearly not inspired by the newspaper story.
D