Friends of The Three Bees Project
We have spread our reach far and wide within the community to find a diverse group of individuals who we call friends and advisors. They are all keen, passionate members who will bring a wide range of skills to the The Three Bees Project. The team consists of Allen J Watts, Helen Watts, Sarah Ponting, Rachel Barker, Wayne Turpin and Iris Anderson. Scroll down for more information on the team and our animals.
Allen J Watts
Allen is a truly impassioned member of the team. He has had a long record in charity both in his working life and as an individual. As a former Stagecoach principal he took their previous years national charity income total of £3,500 to £75,000 with his charitable concept.
Known locally as the Barefoot Landlord, he has inspired hundreds of people to join his cause by going Barefoot for a day, or a week or even longer in aid of Giving Africa. Allen took this concept and ran with it for a complete year. No socks or shoes for 365 days, two weddings, two funerals and a wasp sting and even had the charity logo tattooed on his foot.
He has a background in counselling, studying as an adult and completing his level 3 certificate. Mental health is one of his key focuses and is setting to the challenge of approaching health and well being in a different, more secure way.
Favorite Bee: The Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa darwini)
This little guy isn’t so little. He is one of the biggest bees and a very pretty colour.
Helen Watts
Helen has three main passions in life; enriching the lives of children and young people, the sensitive stewardship of the world in which we live and encouraging kind, respectful relationships with all creatures. As a qualified teacher and Equine Facilitated Learning practitioner, Helen hopes to bring her experience working with children and young people together with these passions to create a more positive place for us all to exist in, both inwardly and in the wider world.
Helen’s family has a background in farming and she is keen to forge links between the agricultural industry, environment and education for the benefit of all.
Through her work teaching, both in schools and performing arts/music settings, Helen has developed an understanding and respect for the needs of those with a range of neurodiversity and is looking forward to bringing this experience and her passion for nature to The Three Bees Project.
Favourite Bee: The Solitary Bee (Chelostoma campanularum)
These beautiful tiny bees enjoy their own space but value the company of others, living in their own individual cells yet surrounded by a colony of neighbours. They are also furry and ginger which makes them all the more appealing.
Finny (In memorium)
Finnian had an uncertain start in life. Born into a large, unplanned litter and taken from their mother at three weeks of age in order to be drowned together in a feed sack. Finn was lucky enough to be discovered by a passerby and transferred to the care of a team of rescue volunteers and then raised as part of a family with three children to keep him entertained.
A true empath, Finn offered unconditional comfort and companionship to all creatures, great and small. As a senior citizen he became deaf but we all worked on learning visual commands and sign language.
Finny has now passed over the rainbow bridge and we will all miss him very much.
Sarah Ponting
Sarah is a full time animal and nature loving mum of 2 young girls with a background in running theatre schools and teaching children performing arts. In her role as trustee she hopes to act in the charities best interests to help further the development of the charity, and more importantly benefit those in need of help.
Favourite bee: Western honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Through their amazing waggle dance, honey bees communicate with each other the distance, the situation, and the direction of flowers for their pollen or nectar.
Elkie
Elkie joined the family when her current owner was diagnosed with an ongoing medical condition that would make it hard to care for her. She is very much the matriarch and head of our herd and feels responsible for the safety of every one of us, causing her to be hyper vigilant and anxious at times.
She has really benefited from co-regulating strategies and now actively helps those around her, both animals and people, to achieve a calm and regulated state. She’s also rather beautiful.
Fun fact: Elkie really really likes carrots
Carrots are her favourite and she’ll eat a whole bag given the chance!
Rachel Barker
Rachel is the Principal of a local performing arts school. Her teaching career began back in 2001 as a class assistant at a local ballet school. Throughout her years as an educator, Rachel has worked with thousands of children with varying needs and enjoys seeing the individual in every student.
Rachel grew up with a love of nature, passed on by her Dad, and she enjoys going to reserves for a spot of birdwatching regularly. Having spent some time volunteering for a local wildlife rehab (as well as many at-home bee and bat rescues!) Rachel appreciates the connection between humans and animals, and the special bond we all share.
Favourite bee: Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)
These bees are always first to the party, one of the first bumblebee species to be seen in the spring.
Charlie
Charlie joined our herd 7 years ago to keep Elkie company. He was afraid of people, couldn’t tolerate even the gentlest touch and suffered extreme separation anxiety when other ponies left the paddock. Having made a small amount of progress with him through intelligent horsemanship practices, it was animal communication, reiki and crystal healing that finally allowed him to move forward from his pain and learn to trust his humans.
We later discovered that Charlie was taken from his mother at a very young age and went on to experience emotional and physical abuse in his relationships with people. He still seeks out his chosen crystals when he is feeling vulnerable and has days when he needs to withdraw from company.
By respecting his need for space we continue to build his trust. Charlie is perfectly supported by his best friend, Elkie.
Wayne Turpin
Wayne has been involved in the local community, both as a businessman and various sporting and charity ventures for over 30 years. He has always had a keen interest in nature and feels strongly about how animals can create a positive impact on mental health, both for young people and adults.
Wayne also has a small variety of animals himself, including 2 not so little micro pigs! An estate agent and business owner by trade he is excited about the future of The Three Bees Project and the support that he can provide.
Favourite bee: Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
One of the most numerous bees in Europe. It is a large bee and apparently very popular.
Pip & friends
Philip G Pig, Pip to his friends, lacked confidence when he was little. Much smaller than the other piggies, he was often picked on or dominated so after a number of violent attacks from his barn mates, Pip came to live indoors with the family.
He loves nothing more than snuggling in front of the TV or curling up with the cat. He’s desperate to make friends with Finn the dog but has yet to learn how to break the ice with him.
Iris Anderson
Mental Health is very close to Iris’ heart. Helping and supporting vulnerable people, no matter what their age, is fundamental to her. This lovely human being has a list of charity accolades as long as her arm. She has been a local TVBC councillor for many years. Her proudest moment was to be elected Mayor of Test Valley in 2015/2016.
Leading the revival of the Andover Carnival, being Ambassador and President of Purple Oak and being an Ambassador for Yellow Brick Road she keeps herself extremely busy and all for the benefit of others.
Favourite Bee: Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
A very industrious bee. Constantly working. A bit like Iris.
Nanny and the goats
Nan struggled with grief and depression when her close friend and companion passed away. Since she has joined the Three Bees Herd she has made new connections and is now more interested in doing the things that used to make her happy, like climbing to the highest point of the log pile to enjoy the wind in her beard and the gorgeous view.
Harley & Friends
The Three Bees Hens are always into something they shouldn’t be. Curious, inquisitive and with the attention span of… well, a chicken, they often find themselves on the wrong side of the garden gate, pulling up the seedlings. But how could we be cross when they are such appealing characters.
If you’ve never sat in the sunshine and listened to the busy clucking of hens at your feet then you are missing one of the greatest and simplest pleasures in life.
Our amazing volunteers
We also have a team of incredible volunteers. If you are interested in joining the team please get in touch.
