Friday 17 February 2017

Newsletter February 2017

Dear Fellow Beekeeper

As I write, our bees are still quiet, the weather is cold, but mild days will bring them out to visit the snowdrops & crocuses you have planted for pollen. 
Continue with fondant if you have started - early March is the colony’s most vulnerable time to succumb to starvation. 
New brood should appear soon, but there are fewer winter bees to care for it. 
Check your equipment; the season will be here before you know it!


DDBKA Membership:
Thanks to the many who have already paid their 2017 subscription, either at the January meeting, directly into the bank or by post to Philip. I know that some have moved away & some have given up beekeeping - we will miss you. 
Membership of DDBKA enables you to loan a hive (for your first year) and also to borrow honey extractors in the summer. We also have 2 solar wax extractors to lend as well as other bits & pieces. We also aim to offer members reduced rates on Ambrosia bee feed syrup in the autumn and varroa treatments. Plus we have honey jars in 1lb, 12oz and 8oz sizes for sale at cost price, but only to current members.

Click HERE to download the 2017 Subscription form if you wish to join or re-join.
Please get it sorted asap if you haven’t yet done so - we close the Spring list soon after the end of the month. 
Thank you!

Swarm Collectors:
Let me know if you want to join or leave the list of swarm collectors & were not at the AGM in Nov. BBKA have sent me their list for updating on their website, remarking that it was snowing at Stoneleigh at the time of contact!

Also, tell me if you are looking for a mentor as a new beekeeper for 2017, or to loan a National hive for your first year of beekeeping, to save expense.

Invitations from Thanet BKA to two talks:
Thanet BKA has kindly invited all to come along to a talk by Kay Wreford, our Seasonal Bee Inspector. She will be speaking on EFB & hive hygiene, both very relevant last season.
The only charge will be for refreshments.
Sunday 19th February at 2 pm
Taddy's Barn, East Northdown Farm, George Hill Road, Margate CT9 3TS
ALSO:
A talk by Bob Smith on Queens & Queen Raising - The Theory.
This talk will be followed by a practical session with Bob in June to which visitors will be welcome, numbers permitting. 
Tuesday 28th March at 7.30 pm
Salvation Army Community Hall, 1 Tothill St, Minster CT12 4AG
This is a brand new hall on the main road into Minster from the Thanet Way. Look out for the TBKA sign on the railings.

Central Association of Beekeepers
Spring Meeting, February 18th from 10:30am to 4:30pm
At Roots & Shoots, The Vauxhall Centre, Walnut Tree Walk, London SE11 6DN
Bring your own lunch. Three science-based lectures related to beekeeping.
Free admission, donation to expenses welcome.

FOR SALE 
Honey Extractor: Nine frame radial manual food grade polythene extractor for sale.
This also includes a slightly temperamental motor, probably needs servicing. The extractor was in use with the motor in 2016.
£200 buyer collects. Contact Mary Hill by email at mary.hill43@btinternet.com 

National Hives:
Penny Rickards is leaving beekeeping. She has 4 National hives, almost new, to sell. Old Wives Lees area.
£150 with 2 supers, £165 with 3 supers. Contact Penny on 01227 730602.


This month’s meeting 

Saturday 25th February at Alkham Village Hall CT15 7BU 2:30 p.m.

Our speaker is Kay Wreford, very well-known as our seasonal bee inspector.
She will be speaking on Alien Invaders, exotic pests we may encounter, Asian hornets & Small Hive beetle. It is no good just hoping we’ll never meet them; the Asian Hornet is just over the Channel!
Please pay your subs at the meeting if you have not done it before! Remember to use a sealed envelope with your name on it for your form & payment - it can get confusing! Please also remember to fill in the back of the form.
Your subscription pays for: BBKA membership including monthly magazine, BDI insurances, our newsletter & speakers plus allows you access to our loan kit, and to buy our cost-price honey jars, bee feeds and treatments, and lend books from our library.

Tea [£1] and raffle as usual.

I hope you will be able to come along.

Best wishes.
Maggie