A keen Cheshire beekeeper was devastated to find that thieves had stolen hives containing tens of thousands of bees this week.
The hives were stolen from the Swettenham area of Cheshire East.
The theft of the beehives in question – which were confirmed to have been home to anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 bees – has left the un-named beekeeper at both a significant “financial loss”, and now also needing time to rebuild the colonies of bees stolen.
Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team has confirmed an investigation is now underway to recover the stolen hives.
Taking to Facebook yesterday evening to reveal information about the unique incident, PCSO Pam Graham said: “I have spoken to a beekeeper this evening who unfortunately has had his hives stolen from the Swettenham area.
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“As you are probably aware, beekeeping is a skilled pastime/profession and colonies are not only important to the environment, but are cared for intensely,
“[This] will not only be a financial loss, but also time consuming as he now needs to rebuild these colonies”.
The force is now urging local residents across the Cheshire East area to “remain vigilant” in the wake of the theft, and contact the police if any any suspicious activity is seen regarding the matter.
The statement continues: “Let us know if you see any suspicious activity via 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”
News of the unique theft has since attracted the attentions the wider community.
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Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team’s Facebook post has already amassed hundreds of interactions and shares, as well as dozens of comments from members of the public shocked and saddened at the nature of the crime, and concerned as to how the thieves have managed to pull off such a skilled and technical theft.
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If you see any suspicious activity regarding this theft, you are encouraged to call Cheshire Police via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.
More information on reporting crimes can be found via the Cheshire Police website here.
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Major headliner pulls out of Manchester Village Pride
Daisy Jackson
One of the Manchester Village Pride headliners has had to pull out of their scheduled appearance, just one day before the celebrations begin.
Nadine Coyle was supposed to be headlining the LGBTQ+ event on Friday 27 August.
But in a statement shared by Manchester Village Pride today, they announced that the former Girls Aloud star is ‘under the weather’.
Nadine will be pulling out of her headline slot to ‘rest and recuperate’, but added that she hopes to see Manchester for Pride again soon.
Thankfully, Manchester Village Pride has already found a suitably fabulous replacement for the main stage on Friday – B*Witched.
The iconic Irish girl group will be encouraging ticket-holders to dig out their double denim and dance to hits like C’est La Vie and Rollercoaster.
In the statement shared by Manchester Village Pride, Nadine’s team said: “Nadine is so sorry to have to step out of Manchester Village Pride this year. It was her very first Pride many years ago and she loves getting to spend time with you all.
“Nadine’s voice has been under the weather and she only wants to give absolute best to you all which sadly won’t be possible this weekend as she needs time to rest and recuperate.
“We hate to do it so near the day. Nadine was really hoping she was going to be well enough and hopes she can see you in Manchester for Pride again soon.
“Thank you for being so kind and understanding and we hope you have a wonderful weekend.”
Manchester Village Pride added: “We know how excited many of you were for a massive hit of 2000s pop nostalgia, and we promised you a party. We’ve been working around the clock, and we are beyond thrilled to announce that pop royalty B*WITCHED are stepping in at the eleventh hour!”
Chester Zoo announces return of its £10 tickets for limited time only with extended opening hours
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced the return of its popular £10 tickets deal for a limited time only.
You may remember that earlier this summer, Chester Zoo invited people from across the North West to visit for just £10, and as the offer proved so popular, they’ve now brought it back again for a limited time.
For the past three years running now, Chester Zoo has officially been named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews, and now as the summer draws to a close, you’ll get to see exactly what makes it such a special place worth visiting for a cut price.
With the offer only applicable to afternoons this summer, Afternoon Tickets allow entry to Chester Zoo from 2pm onwards – with the last entry being one-hour before it closes.
Chester Zoo is offering £10 tickets to visitors this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo
Without this offer, standard admission tickets to Chester Zoo usually cost up to £38 for adults, £37 for students, and £28 for children, all including a 10% donation to the zoo’s conservation efforts, while babies and carers go free.
So it really is worth making the most of these limited-time £10 tickets while you still can – with the offer now running until 6 September.
The best bit about the offer returning? The zoo is currently operating its extended opening hours until 6pm too, so included for the bargain price of a £10 ticket, you’ll even get to see all the animals while the sun goes down.
Afternoon tickets are only available online and must be booked in advance to claim the £10 offer.
Tickets can only be purchased online before 4pm on the day of your visit, and standard admission tickets can be purchased from our ticket office at the main entrance.
Find out more and book your £10 tickets online here.
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2021 
