It all starts again

We will be meeting at the apiary at 10.00am on 22nd March to welcome in the Spring, open up our shed and take a look at what has gone on and is going on. We will discuss what needs to be done at the start of the year, probably make up some frames, generally tidy up and enjoy a good natter over coffee and biscuits.

An ideal opportunity for those entering their first year of beekeeping as well as those with experience that can be shared.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Cheers

Peter and the Committee

Identifying Nosema

There may now be no commercially available treatment for Nosema, but it still pays to be vigilant to its presence in the hive. Nosema is simple to identify for those who know how, and have the right kit. As part of the Saturday Apiary clinic sessions we are planning to offer training in identifying Nosema. This is likely to take place several times through the season.

Please let me know if you would be interested in this training and I will get in touch closer to the time (April onwards) with further details.

Beginners Training

Beginners Training
The Beginners course will start on 25 Feb 2014. Details are on the Training Page. Sign up here if you are interested.

The Big Debate

Hope you’ve got your 2014 diaries because here’s the first Big Bee Date to put in:

 

On Wednesday January 15th SBKA will be hosting the Big Debate with the proposal:

 

Natural Beekeeping is the way forward for British beekeeping?

 

Two Trustees of the Natural Beekeeping Trust will speak in favour of the motion, while two senior beekeepers will debate the strength of their proposal.

 

All welcome so please forward this e-mail on to any you think may be interested, a poster is attached too which we’d encourage you to print out and find a place to display.

 

Venue: St Dominic’s Primary School, St Mary’s Hill, Inchbrook, GL5 5HP (parking in the church car park opposite)

Starts at 7.30pm and promises to be a lively and interesting debate.

BBKA General Husbandry Qualification

For those interested in or looking to take the BBKA General Husbandry Qualification …..

Stroud Beekeepers are hosting a two day course which will prepare people
to take the BBKA General Husbandry Qualification. We are lucky to have 
Ivor Davies (NDB, Ex president BBKA) who is eminently qualified to run
the course for us. The course costs £35, including lunch and teas, is
subsidised by BBKA and GBKA. You don’t have to take the qualification to
benefit from attending the two day course which is for anyone who has
reached the BBKA Basic level. For those wishing to take the GH exam,
there will be practical session at the apiary on April 26th. All the
details are attached. If you are interested please sign up using the
link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1STGw8HT2XZLecBHW8mLhA-5oL9CVj42IijXps6vWkck/viewform

Final Reminder

Here’s your final reminder of our joint meeting with Cirencester BKA which takes place this Thursday.

Clive de Bryuyn will be talking about “Maintaining Healthy Bees”

 

It all takes place at Coates Rural Skill Centre with a 7 for 7.30pm start. You’re welcome to make your own way there or alternatively meet at St Dominic’s car park at 6.45pm to share lifts.

 

This is our first joint meeting with Cirencester so it’d be great to see it well supported.

 

And remember your £2.50 for raffle and refreshments.

Directions to Coates Rural Skill Centre

Checking Colonies

While we’re enjoying relatively mild weather Ian recommends you check your colonies’ stores. Bees have been doing plenty of flying so its possible your hives may be lighter than you realise. Ian has 2 colonies that were easily fed 40lb plus but now do not have enough to see them through the Winter. Any colonies going light will have to be fed with fondant.