Hello Beekeepers,

 

Hello Beekeepers,

I’ve lost count of the number of plants in flower! From needing a feed of 1:1 syrup in the few cold days in March, the bees are belting in and out of the hives bringing in about six different colours of pollen and the damson and cherry trees are in flower, as well as the high yielding dandelion about three weeks early. It’s looking good so be ready for an early start to swarming.

Bob Spence was unable to talk on Bees to Africa so at the DVD evening we watched the 10 minute BBKA video on Dancing with Bees, David Thornton’s dvd on last year’s beekeeping trip to Poland and a three part one on Brother Adam – how he got started, his searches through Europe and his last visit to Africa. All informative and enjoyable.  Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Our next meeting is Saturday, 14^th April, 2.30pm at Tarbock Village Hall (map available if you ring me) when our seasonal Bee Inspector, Doug Jones, will talk on making varroa mesh floors and how best to use the various treatments.  Oxalic acid will be available plus a leaflet on using it. (see overleaf for information on varroa control)

On Saturday 12^th May, 2.30pm, in the walled garden of Croxteth Hall Park, there will be an afternoon of going through hives, discussing what is found and answering any questions. There has been the suggestion of a beekeeping safari, with members looking at the bees in one apiary and moving on to another member’s bees, etc. Any comments and offers?

On Sat. 19^th May, is the Wirral Beekeepers’ Convention at Ness Gardens from 10.30am – 5pm. Speakers: Richard Ball, Bee Inspector, on Better Queens-More Honey, and Nichola Bradbear, Bees for Development, on the work of ‘Bees for Development’, £5.  Included is a tour of Ness Gardens. Please contact Doug Jones, Doug@bees-r-us.co.uk , 0151 342 7062.

A lady who’s late husband kept bees in North Wales has donated a number of books and leaflets to the library.  There is also for sale three hat/veils, 2 white nylon overalls (34 & 40), two smokers and a Taylors stainless steel settling tank similar in size to the medium one in Thorne’s catalogue (page 31).

Some beekeepers in Chesterfield have had hives stolen.  As interest in honey products and beekeeping is increasing but equipment is expensive, it would be wise to visit hives regularly to check on them.

There was also two places available on the trip to Slovenia, 26^th May-2^nd June, as a couple had to drop out. Contact Dough Jones see above.

Queen rearing at our Lancashire Apiary between Ormskirk & St Helens, 9^th June has four places available if people are interested. Contact Ray Dowson rayd@dowsonr.freeserve.co.uk . Tel: 01704 8999992118

Here’s to a great season!

Good Beekeeping,

Sheila Myron, Hon. Sec.