Spring Fling success at Beehive following break-in

The former Free Gardeners Hall was subject to a break-in and destructive vandalism at the end of the last month, leaving trustees shocked and saddened by the actions of four individuals, who have now been charged.

However, just days later, the Beehive was back to its best thanks to the Spring Fling event organised by fellow Buckhaven group, CLEAR.

Allen Armstrong, chairman at CLEAR said over 100 people took part in the activities on the day, and the event was a resounding success.

Families from Levenmouth were invited along to try their hand at a variety of arts and crafts, planting, wood carving and food tasting, all thanks to the dedicated CLEAR volunteers who run a variety of events each week.

A number of them were rewarded for their hard work on the day after being presented with John Muir awards, an environmental rewards scheme that aims to connect people with the outdoors.

Locals were also given the chance to view 12 new story-poles, which are currently being crafted within the Beehive and will soon be placed within the town.

It is just one of several events organised by the environmental charity within Buckhaven. Many events are free of charge, and from next month, they will be starting a big health push, with both a new Yoga class and bike club kicking off on April 11.

Following the Spring Fling event, Blair Denwette, trustee at the Beehive, said it was fantastic to see the hall back in use following the shock of the previous weekend.

“It was great to see the hall being used as a proper centre for the community to do things organised by a local group.

“The Beehive made the hall available to local groups free of charge for things just like this, to make sure that the building is being used.

“So any local group who wants to put on activities like this can get that whole space and lighting (currently there is no heating) for free.”

Blair said the Beehive had had a huge outpouring of support from the local community since news of the break in surfaced, something the trustees were grateful of.

“We’ve had a lot of Facebook messages from people offering their support, and a lot of positivity has come out of this – it’s just a shame it had to come to something like that.”

It is hoped that the hall can be transformed into a facility for the whole community to make use of, with an exhibition space and cafe too.

Planning permission has been filed with Fife Council, with the plans expected to be up for discussion by councillors in the next two months.