Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Hive removed after couple spots honey dripping through ceiling
Sticky situation: a couple from Leicestershire noticed honey dripping through their bathroom ceiling.

Hundreds of bees found in listed building

An enormous bee hive has been removed from a loft after a couple spotted honey dripping through their bathroom ceiling.

The hive was found in a grade II listed 18th Century house
in Leicestershire earlier this month.

The couple told BBC News that they found the “sticky substance” coming through a light fixture.
But it was not until heritage insurer Ecclesiastical cut a hole in the ceiling that they made the “surprising” discovery.

“The couple noticed a patch [and] on closer inspection they could see that the substance was sticky and coming through the light fixtures, said an Ecclesiastical spokesperson. "They [also] noticed a lot of bees around the house and at this point sought an expert view. The bee expert made a hole in the ceiling and discovered the huge hive."

The insurer added that because of the amount of honey, the claim had to be made in a similar way to water damage. After the busy bees and their honeycomb were removed, the ceiling and light fixtures were repaired.

David Bonehill, claims director at 
Ecclesiastical said: "Claims for this type of damage in older properties are relatively common. Usually leaking pipework is the cause rather than honey!"

Image (C) Ecclesiastical

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.