New members and guests were very welcome at the busy December meeting of the Clarence Native Bees Group. Organisers reported on arrangements for the Native Bees Expo on February 17. This public event promises a day full of informative sessions for anyone interested in native bees. Discussion was lively regarding sourcing new bee boxes. It is important that design, and the timber selected, are suitable for conditions in this region, and that the price is right. Boxes will be purchased by members splitting their established hives. They are also for wild hives rescued from unsuitable locations and accidental damage, or from trees removed for development, like the new highway. The group has grant money for this purpose. A teacher enthusiastically shared her experience of native bee hives in Jacaranda trees at the Anglican School in Victoria Street. Students, aged 4 to 10, are very protective of their bees which are stingless, therefore quite safe, and provide interesting topics for biology and environmental studies. Chairman Ken Faulkner and Laura Noble both planned splitting hives and invited others to attend. For insurance purposes it is important that those who attend are members. Breaking news. Check our web site. http://clarencenativebees.org/ Date claimers: Native Stingless Bees Expo: February, 17 at Clarence River Jockey Club. Places still available. Contact Ken and Carole Faulkner: Phone 6643 3750, mobile 0418 495 460 or Jo Wearing: wbjm@bigpond.com. Next meeting: Thursday January 14, South Grafton RSL, 5.15pm for 5.30pm. Guests welcome. Jo Wearing