Monday 16 February 2015

Newsletter February 2015

Dear Beekeeper

There were 80 or so members at the January meeting to hear Bob Smith reinforce the basics of gentle handling, record keeping and hygiene. So simple, so essential. He was particularly focused on the correct “bee space”, between frames and between boxes.

Several new members joined us. It is very important to realise that if you have bees or are getting them this year, Registered membership is needed to provide insurances, support, entry to conventions etc & the monthly BBKA magazine. Associate membership is a stepping stone to bee ownership.

My bees are not flying, too cold still, but they have started to slowly consume some candy. The garden is full of snowdrops, but no bees visiting them. The next few weeks are the most risky for bees as the queen will be laying, larvae & brood increasing; more activity in the colony means they eat more. Bees can starve in these conditions; check, feed if necessary.
Hope to see pollen going in to feed the larvae.

Bee Improvement For All Day
I hope you are looking forward to February 21st at Elham, we are expecting around 100 beekeepers! Many thanks to those who have offered to help with setting out, car parking, catering etc, it will all help for a smooth day.
If you haven’t already signed up for this, do so asap. The details and forms are on our website, on the courses tab. Pass the information to beekeepers you come across please.

QUIZ!
The competition for the Beekeeping cup will take place on the 28th February at Alkham at 2:30 pm; Dougal is kindly setting the questions, which will be 25% beekeeping & the remainder general knowledge. Tables of 8 [maximum] to take part, partners welcome. We will add small groups together to make 8s, so don’t worry if you are a pair or an individual. Thanet & Canterbury beekeepers are invited so please let me know asap if you want to have a go. Thanet BKA has booked one table so far, but I haven’t heard from Canterbury BKA. All welcome as “audience”. Tea as usual, but you can bring some beer/wine if it helps the competitive edge.
A new venture, but hopefully some fun after the knowledge input day from BIFA.
So far: Ball, Belson, Bunting+1, Harrowell, Roberts, Simm, Hayward, Edwards, Gardner, Inglin, Pau, Philpott, Walter, Sharpe, Smith, Chris[?], Mary’s table [the workers]. More welcome…….

African Honeybees
Thanet BKA host a talk on Tuesday 24th February by Roy Dyche [representing Bees Abroad].
8pm Birchington Baptist Hall, Crescent Road Birchington CT7 9DP

Shepherdswell Post Office are looking for a new supplier of local honey.

W Sussex beekeepers Annual Convention on February 28th may be of interest, Lodge Hill Centre in Pulborough, £25 incl lunch. All welcome. Full details & booking form [essential] are available at www.westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk/convention.html

Best wishes

Maggie