About Us

Our Mission

At Tonyrefail Apiary, our mission is simple: to provide the finest Welsh honey to our community. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for our craft, we meticulously tend to our own beehives while also championing beekeeping as a rewarding hobby for all who appreciate the beauty of bees and nature.

Recognizing the vital role honeybees play in food production, we are committed to promoting their well-being and encouraging their proliferation. As Albert Einstein once said, "If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live" – a stark reminder of their indispensable contribution to our ecosystem.

Located in the heart of South Wales, Tonyrefail Apiary is more than just a business; it's a legacy spanning three generations of beekeeping expertise. With decades of experience and a deep-seated commitment to excellence, we take pride in producing the finest honey the South Wales Valleys have to offer.

Our honey is raw and unpasteurized, preserving its natural essence and nutritional benefits. Once you taste our honey, its unparalleled quality and flavor will leave an indelible impression. 
A cluster of wooden bee hives in a field with a blue sky in the background.
Jason and Lala from Tonyrefail Apiary dressed in their beekeeping outfits.

Three Generations in the Making

Founded on a bedrock of family tradition, Tonyrefail Apiary can trace its roots back three generations to the industrious spirit of Gerald Chivers. Amidst the trials of the Second World War, Gerald took up beekeeping as a means to supplement rations with honey.

Years later, Gerald's son, Colin, joined him in this pursuit while laboring in the local colliery. When the tumultuous miners' strike of the 1980s unfolded, Colin seized the opportunity to immerse himself fully in beekeeping, laying the groundwork for what would evolve into Tonyrefail Apiary. His adeptness in carpentry became an invaluable asset, facilitating the construction of new hives and ensuring the apiary's growth.

Jason Chivers, Colin's son and the third generation of beekeepers in the family, inherited the family passion for apiculture from a tender age. At just six years old, Jason donned his first bee suit! Under his father's guidance, Jason honed his skills and knowledge in the craft, spending countless evenings and weekends alongside him, gathering swarms of bees on behalf of the local council.

Through the passage of time, Tonyrefail Apiary flourished into a thriving enterprise, deeply rooted in the traditions and ethos of its founders. With Colin's retirement, the torch was ceremoniously passed to Jason and his partner Shaeila, signifying not just a generational transition, but a steadfast commitment to the enduring legacy of beekeeping in the South Wales valleys.
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Image of a bee used for Tonyrefail Apiary's logo.
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