Wednesday 21 June 2017

Newsletter June 2017

Dear Beekeeper
 
I hope all the Registered Members received their 2017 BBKA membership cards with the June copy of BBKA News. It is a peel-off card on the address sheet.
If you haven't received it, please contact me.
Look after it! Your membership number is on for future reference.
 
The phone calls regarding swarms seem to have eased off a little, but some calls went unsatisfied as beekeepers ran out of equipment to accommodate swarms. If you have agreed to be on the swarm collection list, remember that swarms are collected for the general good; to help the public & enhance the reputation of beekeeping, not just for your own apiary.
 
One of our far-flung members, Del Warden from Petham, has been busy; he collected 6 swarms from one garden in Chilham in the space of 3 weeks! Is this a record?! 
 
As stated last month, prevention of swarms can be achieved by weekly inspections & keen eyes.
 
The apiary at Eythorne has flourished, being a source of hands-on experience & lately of honey. Approx 80 lb of honey has been taken, plus some baker’s honey melted out from last winter’s stores.
Dick will have some at meetings to sell to members & visitors who may not have any yet.
 
Let me know if you are still looking for bees to populate your hives or to get started.  
 
GOOD NEWS!!
Two of our members, Mick Delieu & Charles Barnick underwent the BBKA Basic Assessment earlier this month & both passed. It is a practical & oral examination & the first step to any qualifications. Well done to them both, and to Mary for her coaching!
 
Dick & Peter’s Wednesday 6:30 pm sessions at our Eythorne out-apiary CT15 4AD are proving successful & busy, bringing together members needing a problem solved, hands-on experience, or some equipment to loan.
They make beginner members especially welcome, so use it as a drop-in or however you wish.
 
The National Bee Unit has issued a warning re possible starvation of colonies after honey has been extracted or a colony has been split. Feed syrup [2:1 white sugar to water] if you are concerned.
 
This month’s meeting CHANGE OF VENUE
 
Due to circumstances beyond our control & that of the Bruderhof community, we are swapping the June & July meetings. July 29th will now be held at Beech Grove, Nonington.
 
Saturday 24th June at the DDBKA out apiary at Eythorne Court, Shepherdswell Road, Eythorne CT14 4AD 2:30 p.m.
It is along the Shepherdswell Road, in Eythorne as you head towards Shepherdswell, on the left, near a black wooden building. We park in the next field. If you are a new member or visitor, please make yourself known, we get busy! 
  • Mary will work with beginners, & other pairs will demonstrate at the club’s hives, the progress of colonies can be followed each month & compared with your own. Bring clean suits, wellies & rubber gloves. Bring glasses if you wear them! We have suits to borrow for beginners & observers.
  • Return your Library books & choose another.
  • Tea and cake [£1] and raffle as usual. Bring your own mugs!!!! 
I hope you will be able to come along & that the weather stays fine.
 
Best wishes
Maggie