Ken Basterfield started beekeeping almost by accident in 1974 when he overheard a conversation about beekeeping, and subsequently arranged to swap some amateur radio equipment for a hive of bees. Little did he know what he was getting himself into! Fascinated by this hobby, Ken's interest grew, and with it the number of beehives. Soon one hive had become ten hives, which necessitated his first 'out apiary' - an old walled garden of a derelict house.

As an active member of both the Plymouth and Devon beekeeping associations, his knowledge and experience increased rapidly, and by the early 1980's he had grown his 'hobby' to over 100 beehives. His wife Maureen and young son Daniel were soon roped in to help!