Most people know bees sting you, and lots of people know honey comes from bees. But how many people know about the benefits extracted from a beehive? Times Guardian guest writer Mark Franklin found out ...

One person who does, and whose family has gained great recognition for their research and determination, is Sudi Austin of Flynns Beefarm in Brambledown.

In fact, that recognition has been earned far and wide, from America, Africa and Canada to be exact, and people still benefit from Sudi’s family legacy to this day.

What started out as a hobby by Sudi’s grandfather, Bill Flynn, in 1973, was given a new prospective when he was informed by someone from the then Eastern Bloc that there was a by-product of the hive that was being used in hospitals behind the iron curtain in the cleaning and disinfecting of the hospital wards.

That by-product is called Propolis, a little-known natural antibacterial agent produced by the bees through mixing the food they chew with their own enzymes, and what they polynate the hive with to protect it from infection and disease that could wipe out the whole hive.

The discovery was immediately researched by Mr Flynn and his wife Iris, and in no time they decided to move the farm from Longfield to its present 18-acre site in Brambledown.

Their research found that, with the right techniques and scientific planning, they could mix the Propolis with the bees’ honey and produce various health remedies and food supplements.

It was decided to act on the discovery, so work was started to resurrect the derelict buildings and land into a working and productive farm.

They quickly got the farm up and running to produce Propolis-based skin creams, soaps, food supplements and chocolate treats.

With help from a laboratory in Denmark, the products were formulated and packaged ready for sale to the public.

Indeed, the Flynns took their discovery to UK laboratories for testing and trials, but they were laughed off by companies which dismissed their work as inconsequential and a waste of time.

As Apiculture, as it is called, is not a major industry Mr Flynn and his wife decided to carry on with their work and found the help they needed in the Danish company from where the never looked back.

Right up to his death in 1993, Mr Flynn was the subject of many newspaper reports and radio appearances.

The publicity ranged from the BBC World Service to the Sunday Express, as well as one particular letter among the hundreds the farm has received complementing the Propolis health range for its healing properties.

The letter says: “Before I found Propolis, I was taking 15 tablets a day for Arthritis, now I’m on 4 Propolis.”

Proof enough of the healing properties of the product and high regard for the efforts of the Flynns.

When Iris died in 2004, sole ownership and control of the business went to Bill’s granddaughter, Sudi.

After much discussion, she and her husband decided to carry on with the business and take it forward.

Under their control, the farm joined trade federations and has registered as a charity.

It also carries out research for the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders’ Association.

It is also still involved in the research of how Propolis can be used in the medical world to aid treatment of conditions such as arthritis.
The farm is a family-run business based on respect and valued friendship.

It continues to surprise people who frown on its size and always has open arms for the uncertain or just curious.