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The main event this month is our Annual General Meeting at 7.30 on Monday 21st January at the Henhurst Hill Recreation Club. You will already have received notice of this.. January's newsletter
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We have begun the year's programme with a session on Wax Processing - useful especially to those who - like me - still have some of this hanging around in various forms. Our latest newsletter (below) contains welcome news of forthcoming events (such as the arrival of spring), and a workshop planned on Nosema. Don't forget the Spring Convention which takes place at Harper Adams College from 8 - 10 April. This generally has a wide-ranging programme, relating to many different aspects of beekeeping (and appealing to all sorts of beekeepers). See www.bbka.org.uk/bbka-spring-convention-2022
November's newsletter (attached) includes the latest news on the Training Apiary, an intriguing account of the Association's longstanding rooftop apiary in central Burton, and essential advice for care of our bees at this time, including protection against predators which come in many forms and sizes . . 
This months big event was our Honey Show, with a very impressive range of exhibits (maybe the fruit of two season's beekeeping given the Show's absence last year). See Honey show 2021 for some of the highlights. Thanks to Suzanne King, and her team of Stewards, and to Dave Shannon the Show Judge. There's a full report in October's newsletter (below). Chris Ring
The fine weather this month has provided good conditions for treating our colonies against varroa, using thymol-based treatments such as Apiguard (other treatments are available). The warm weather also allows syrup used for feeding to be converted effectively into stores for use over winter - a task which I personally confess to leaving very late. Our face-to-face meetings are continuing on the 3rd Monday of the month, and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust this month provided a fascinating account of their plans to introduce beavers at Willington (only a few, in a restricted area). The latest newsletter, with some important information about our use of the training apiary, and the honey show schedule are attached (in case you missed it last time). Do respond to the challenge of entering exhibits in the Honey Show on the 9-10 October. It is a fun event, and provides a great opportunity for the public to enjoy the results of our craft and learn more about it. And you may be pleasantly surprised! You'll find the entry form just below. Chris Ring
By now you'll probably have harvested your honey, so it's an ideal time to think about what to submit for exhibition in our Association Honey Show, which will take place from 9-10th October, at Cooper Square. You'll already have received a copy of this, but it's also attached below. Here you'll also find the latest newsletter, including a helpful reminder of the things we need to be doing for our bees in August, as well as an intriguing account by Sam Hampton of work being done locally to develop near native queens (Apis Mellifera Mellifera). and further information about the Honey Show from Suzanne King, who's bravely agreed to organise this. Chris Ring
From this month, we are resuming our programme of face-to-face meetings at the Henhurst and District Recreational Club, Henhurst Hill, Burton on Trent. Our AGM will take place there on the 26th July at 7.30 pm, and we would like to welcome as many members as possible there.
The arrival of better weather and the relaxation of restrictions promises a much happier summer for our bees and ourselves. Swarms should be anticipated (if they haven't already arrived - see below); so we should be considering suitable prevention, control (and recovery!) measures.  This one originated from a feral colony in a neighbouring church wall, with limited scope for prevention. With strong nectar flows (at least where my bees live), it's important to consider supering your colonies if they are running short of space.. The British Beekeepers Association has a useful guide to swarming for the public, including a map of where to find your local swarm collector (see www.bbka.org.uk/swarm ), and a handy guide to Bees in Buildings (attached). Our June newsletter is available below too.
The training apiary is now well-established, and is being put to good use. See the latest newsletter (below) for details Sam Hampton has also started a Queen-rearing group, and as you'll see from the newsletter, queens and a small number of nucleus colonies should become available in July - contact Sam ([email protected]) SOON if you are interested! Enjoy your beekeeping. Let's hope for some warmer weather soon - and do ensure your bees have enough stores- I've lost a colony to starvation in May before now. Chris Ring
Our latest talk on Asian Hornet - the French Experience is on Monday 19th April at 8pm Covering: Latest situation as at the end of 2020 – why some areas are heavily infested whilst others are not. Effect on French Beekeeping – is it all down to the Asian Hornet? The Asian Hornet – are you and your bees inviting it into your apiary? Predation of the honeybee - the hidden effects of predation. Opportunities for Nest Control: Spring trapping of foundress queens – the lesser of two evils? What the beekeeper can do and when to do it! Measures proven to relieve stress and protect the hive. To join please see us02web.zoom.us/j/88915605498?pwd=NjlSYWhpYUNBemI0ZXBEa2ErSzV3QT09#success |
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