Newsletter October 2023
Dear beekeeper,
The last outdoor meeting passed well, over 30
members, many with tales of hornet encounters they had experienced &
descriptions of the efficient speedy work done by the NBU inspectors when
called to a sighting. Asian
Hornets have been recently found on Richard Baker’s land in Stelling Minnis.
Richard reports the hornets seem keen on grapes, so that’s another place to
check on if there’s a vineyard near you. The NBU team hope to track &
discover their nest in the next couple of days.
Thinking of
vineyards, Turlingham Vineyard near Hawkinge are offering space for a beekeeper
plus hives on their land. There is water nearby, with a meadow and woodland,
contact me for details.
It was great to see so many Dover visitors to the bee
stand at the East Kent Ploughing Match at the end of September, even though it
was not very easy to get there! Roadworks & huge queues.
Lisa, our Bee Inspector was there, spreading the word re
hornets to visitors & stallholders along with members from Canterbury,
Thanet & Whitstable. The gazebo/tent that Thanet provided was really
impressive. I doubt there was anyone who attended who wasn’t better informed
about AH by the time they went home.
I hope you all read Jackie’s feature in BBKA News &
also Beecraft. We are truly in the vanguard of this pest invasion! Jackie &
her husband Allyn have given up many hours in spreading information to outlying
areas, with traps & attractant potions.
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DDBKA Honey Show, October 21st 2:30pm
Sue, our Show Secretary, has asked me to remind you
that the time for your entries is drawing closer & we really need to fill
the hall with a fine display of honey & hive products to show the great
variety of bee-related items that can be made & used.
Email your entry
forms to Sue, suecourt@hotmail.co.uk or call 07979 253242. She will post
your id labels to you for you to attach before bringing items along on the morning
of the21st.
Competition is very friendly, it is good fun to see
what your friends have been up to, lots of laughs, tales of woe &
comparisons, but please read the rules………& have a go…
Judges often
give tips on improving your honey, even if you know it’s already perfect!
BBKA have paid
£15,000 as part of a campaign to put posters on the back of buses to warn
people about Asian Hornets. They want to know if anyone has noticed – I was
really pleased that 4 people at our meeting had seen them locally. I have
informed BBKA, but if you see one, let me know please.
HONEY JARS For MEMBERS
Now at Unit 13, 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 £30
8oz round jars & lids are £45 for 128
We now have lids again, £2 for a dozen.
Also, Ambrosia bee feed syrup which many of you have used in the past. Buy using the same routine as the jars. Each 12.5 kg plastic container costs £21.
This month’s meeting, Saturday October
21st
2:30 pm at Shepherdswell Village Hall
CT15 7NN DDBKA Honey Show
All entries to be in the Hall by 9:15a.m.
- ·
Please bring a cake to sell in the
afternoon as we shall be providing tea & cake for club funds. Please list the ingredients.
- ·
Servers needed please. To pour teas,
plate cakes, receive money
- ·
Bring along some of your honey/candles
to sell, for your funds!
- ·
Bring a raffle prize if possible.
- ·
Bring family & friends, Jackie will
have a bee information display to learn from, including the latest regarding
the spread & incidences of Asian Hornets, all clear to see on the local map
she has made.
- ·
Candle rolling
- ·
Honey tasting
- ·
Free flower seeds to encourage
pollinators
- ·
Beeswax products
I am very much looking forward to
seeing you & your entries,
Thank you,
Maggie
