Newsletter December 2022

 Newsletter December 2022

Dear Beekeeper,

Thank you to those who attended our AGM at Alkham, it seemed strange to be back there, but our next 3 meetings, January, February & March 2023 will be held there at the village Hall.                                                                                                              

After the discussion about which topics you might like Bob Smith to speak on in January, Bob chose “Reading the hive.”  In other words when you look at your colonies in your weekly inspections starting next spring, do you understand what you are seeing, what the bees are telling you by their behaviours. When should you be looking, how often, how to adjust your behaviour as a beekeeper from what you can see in the colony. When to look/interfere & when to leave alone.

Bob is always a very knowledgeable & inspiring speaker, so note January 28th in your diary!

The committee remains much as before, we are grateful to Julie Scott for stepping in to be Jackie’s assistant for administration of courses & studying.

I have had a couple of enquiries from members asking to go on my list of people who will be looking for bees in the new year, I expect there will be more as the year turns & we all start to worry whether our colonies have made it through the extreme 2022 weather – drought in the baking summer, mild autumn, then a December freeze. All you can do now is to trust that your attention to colonies & the hives they live in has been adequate.

I have also had 2 local enquiries from prospective new beekeepers, please remember that these beginners will need mentors if they decide to take the plunge & become beekeepers, after a course. It is a pleasure to help a beginner, even if you feel you don’t know enough. Rest assured they will have less practical experience than yourself & will appreciate any time you can offer. 

                                           

        

OXALIC ACID   Now is the time for its application, either by trickling into the seams between the brood frames, to kill varroa mites; or by vapourising, a much more challenging operation, as we saw in July, demonstrated by Tony & Terry.

2 items from BBKA:                                                                                                                                                         

BBKA Microscopy - Beginners Course - Stoneleigh, Warwickshire - One Day - Saturday 11th February 2023. This is a one-day Microscopy Course for Beginners                                                                                     The areas that will be covered are Dissection and Compound Microscopes, Disease Investigation, Dissection of Alimentary System and Preparing Pollen Slides from flower/samples/pollen loads.                                                  Equipment for this course will be provided.                                                                             Venue:               Stoneleigh HQ, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

Course Date:      Saturday 11th February 2023

Start Time:         0900 hours         Finish Time:        1700 hours                                                                           Course Fee:        £75.00 per person - including lunch        Maximum number of participants is 16

BBKA Microscopy - Beginners Course - Stoneleigh, Warwickshire - One Day – Sunday 12^th February 2023 This is a one-day Microscopy Course forBeginners                                                                        The areas that will be covered are Dissection and Compound Microscopes, Disease Investigation, Dissection of Alimentary System and Preparing Pollen Slides from flower/samples/pollen loads.                                          Equipment for this course will be provided.                                                                       Venue:               Stoneleigh HQ, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

Course Date:      Sunday 12^th February 2023

Start Time:         0900 hours            Finish Time:        1700 hours

Course Fee:        £75.00 per person - including lunch            Maximum number of participants is 16

 CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations in writing will be accepted up to 14 days prior to commencement of the course. After this date, no refund will be given, unless the place can be filled. BBKA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this course. If this is necessary a full refund of course fees will be given. 

 Bookings for any of the courses should be made on the BBKA webshop: https://www.bbka.org.uk/pages/shop/department/training-courses

HONEY JARS                                                                                                                            Now at Unit 12, AB Crush panel beaters, opposite the Shepherdswell turning on the A2 to Five Oaks, Geddinge         CT4 6RY.        The procedure remains the same, order to me, payment to Philip, collection on a Friday from 11 to 12, it is a really busy site with vehicles, deliveries etc.

PRICES: 1lb jars, including lids, in boxes of 72 £23.50    12oz jars SOLD OUT- discontinued                                                                                                                     8oz round jars & lids are £34.50 for 128                                                                                                         8oz hexagonal jars & lids are £34.50 for 108. SOLD OUT                                                                                            Spare lids available for all sizes.

I lb jars & half pound jars are available at the above prices; once that stock is gone, the new prices will be £30 for 1lb jars & £45 for half pounds.                                                                                           No sales till January 2023.

SPRING COURSE for Beginners

Jackie will be running an Introduction to Beekeeping course starting in January 2023 for 6 weeks, probably a mixture of face to face & Zoom sessions at a cost of £35.

For further details contact her on 01227 831235

Thanks to all who have renewed their membership for 2023.

No meeting this month, enjoy the break & I hope you have a happy & peaceful Christmas.

 Maybe you’ll receive as a gift that special beekeeping book which is going to make all the difference for the new year!

Here’s hoping…….

Best wishes,

Maggie