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April 2008 At least the April showers are seasonal! I’ve rescued a few bumblebees immobilised by the cold wind this month. My remaining colonies are either crowding the entrance with pollen loads in the sun or staying resolutely inside away from the hail and winds. Over the winter I have lost two colonies, another was on just two frames when I last peeked in and the others were struggling to cover four or five when they should be forging ahead. I am not alone. I have left a 1:1 sugar syrup on as the weather is so uncertain. The BBKA has asked Lancashire beekeepers to let secretaries know what losses they have suffered and the state of remaining colonies as people are reporting failing queens. Don’t be embarrassed about it. Some have lost fifteen colonies, others the only one or two that they have. Please let me know by phone, email or letter where your bees are at (problems with answering machine so ring back even if you leave a message). However, panic not! There have been big previous losses and the bees did recover. We will survive! Doug Jones, our seasonal Bee Inspector, has informed us that changes in his work mean that he can no longer do his regular visits. He stresses the fact that, if you have any concerns at all, call him and he will come out to you (0151 342 7062 or 07977687657). He can visit new beekeepers so I will send him names and phone numbers. Also if you have dead (fresh!) bees, he or Ian Molyneux, our Regional Bee Inspector (01204 381186 or 07815 872 604 m or i.molyneux@csl.gov.uk) , will advise how to get them analysed. The Inspector’s report is in the handbook together with important dates and practical information. Those who came to the Video/DVD evening in March will already have their 2008 Handbook. I enclose a copy for those who couldn’t make it then. ONE CORRECTION: Our Magazine Librarian, Trevor Latham’s phone no. should be 0151 525 3130 and his email is There is a growing concern that, just when we need it most the Government is reducing its input where bees are concerned. Are you willing to show the enclosed poster ‘Honey Bee Health at Risk!’ in your window, local library, shop, and (even ‘or’) ask people to sign the enclosed petition for increased funding for research into bee problems. We owe a great deal to bees. Our next meeting is at Arthur Gillett’s apiary at Bishop Eaton, Woolton Road, L16, on Saturday, 26th April, at 2.30 pm, when Ian Molyneux will go through a Spring Inspection, hopefully in the hives if the weather is good, or in the hall with a cup of tea and biscuit if it isn’t. Come and discuss how your bees are coping and compare with others’ experiences. If you have lost your bees, come and discuss ways of replacing them – we can’t help if you don’t tell us. On a cheerful note, the lectures and workshops at Stoneleigh this weekend look very interesting and we hope to see you there (if not I’ll tell you about them next time!) Best wishes for a better season this year. Sheila Myron Hon. Secretary PS If you have an email it would be quicker to send this plus any news that crops up. PPS New research pollution stops flower scents within 200-300m instead of 1500m so bees and bumblebees can’t find the flowers in towns & cities. (The Guardian 15.4.08) |
