Baldwin Beekeepers founder Rex Aldridge still sharing his passion

Baldwin Beekeepers founder Rex Aldridge still sharing his passion
96 year old WWII vet talks bees at Robertsdale Garden Club meeting

By Mary Ann Lindsay
Living to the age of 96 is an amazing feat, and conducting an hour-long primer on bees at that age is remarkable. But that is waht happened when member Ann Brun introduced Mr. Rex Aldridge, in his King Bee t-shirt, to the members of the Robertsdale Garden Club who were treated to a presentation on his favorite subject—bees. Mr. Aldridge kept the interest of the group with his casual yet informative program at the November meeting of the group.
Mr. Aldridge established the Baldwin County Beekeeper Association more than 50 years ago which now consists of 80 members. Additional information regarding this group and information about bees can be found at baldwinbees.com.
Mr. Aldridge also served his country in World War II. After basic training, Aldridge went to England, serving under General George S. Patton, participating in the invasion of France, storming the beach at Normandy and earning five Bronze Stars. He was among the troops that landed on Omaha Beach.
Mr. Aldridge shared interesting tidbits, including the fact taht $500 can start an individual in the bee business; a box of bees costs $125; there are approximately 75,000 to 100,000 bees in a hive; bees can be found approximately 3 miles from a hive; and the approximate cost of honey is $100 a gallon.
A Robertsdale Garden Club Christmas brunch will be held at the PZK Hall on Dec.r 14 at 11 a.m.