Before you download or read the newsletter could you please read these paragraphs – firstly, the Queen Rearing Workshops and secondly, the need for Help at the Shows.
Queen Rearing Workshops
Last year, as something of a new initiative, a few members met together every other Thursday evening from the beginning of the swarming season until June/July to consider how their Queen Rearing was going. It was an opportunity to share ideas and to hear how different people within the society attempted to manage the development of Queen cells and Queens.
Amongst those who attended regularly, we had old stagers and newcomers; the reticent and the ‘have a go’. By hearing about the experiences of others during the active season we looked at the following (and much more):
- simple swarm control
- hive division
- the Cupkit or Jenter systems
- grafting
- the insertion of new Queens into old colonies and
- the use of Apideas.
Having found a model that seemed to work well last year, we are planning to do a similar activity again this year and would like to find out how many people have an interest in joining us if we do. You do not have to have any experience of Queen Rearing to join in, but if you do have some experience you may like to come and share your ideas with others.
The first evenings are likely to be in early May after the bank holiday season is over. Depending on the numbers involved we may run several sessions at different venues.
Although there is no obligation to be at every evening, if you would like to be a part of this initiative, it would be good if you could try to commit to coming regularly. We will probably have 10 to 12 people as a maximum in each group and you will find that the groups will begin to gel as we meet. If you have not done something like this before, you will need to come with an open mind for learning, an expectation that we will have fun together, a willingness to be open about your faults as a beekeeper (the more experienced we are, the more faults we seem to have developed) and a hearty laugh!
What we need to know is how many people would like to do this? Please drop me a brief one line e-mail to: secretary@chalfontsbeekeepers.co.uk if you are interested and I will include you as we make preparations.
Gordon
Help needed for our Shows
As part of the Society’s commitment to supporting our members, selling their honey and educating the public, we attend a good number of Events and Shows from early May through to October. We are often asked to be part of a village festival, a local produce show or some other private event.
At these shows and events there are usually two primary roles that we need helpers for.
The first is to help on the counter by selling honey, wax, fudge and other hive products that members have for sale. The second is to help explain how beekeepers work with their bees and we usually have posters, an observation hive and other materials to demonstrate what we do. Thus we have roles for everyone in the society who would like to be involved – this year’s Beginners are very welcome alongside those of you who have notched up years of experience.
Our Events and Shows Coordinator is Deborah Campbell and she really needs your help. Could you come to at least one or two events during the season to help for an hour or two? If you would be willing, Deborah has a slot for you!
Events are on the following days and at the following places:
- 8th May – Chalfont St Giles
- 14th May – Hyde Heath
- 11th June – Little Chalfont
- 25th June – Chalfont St Peter
- 3rd July – Chalfont St Giles
- 17th July Chenies Manor
- 3rd September – Chalfont St Giles including our Honey Show
- 10th September – Chenies and Latimer
- 24th September – County Honey Show in Wendover
- 16th October – Chalfont St Giles (not yet confirmed)
- 27th October – National Honey Show in Weybridge
Deborah will soon be able to be contacted at the following e-mail address: events@chalfontsbeekeepers.co.uk . However, since we are just getting this e-mail address set up, could you copy me in on any e-mail you send to Deborah until the end of April using: secretary@chalfontsbeekeepers.co.uk and I will ensure that she receives it.
With the shows starting in the second week in May, we would really value your support. Apart from selling hive products (maybe your own) and helping to bring the next batch of Beginners in, you will have a good time. In addition, you will be able to share your current beekeeping trials and tribulations or join the laughter when someone else is holding forth!
Please, please, please say you will. Deborah needs YOU.
Gordon
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Chalfonts Beekeepers April 2011 Newsletter |
Newsletter Contents
- We now meet at 7:30 pm – reset your alarm call!
- Annual winter loss survey – act now – email John Catton with the details requested in the newsletter before 30th April.
- Members’ Evening – Tue 19th April: Varroa – the fightback
- The new BBKA News
- Getto know your committee – Mike Leon
- If only I’d known that 33 years ago!
- The apiary in April
- Pollen alert – for humans!
- Dandelions – one of nature’s miracle flowers
- Dates for your diary
- Fri 15th, Sat 16th & Sun 17th April
Spring Convention: Stoneleigh.
Full details on www.britishbee.org - Tuesday 19th April
Varroa, the fight-back. A talk by Dr. Alan
Bowman from Aberdeen University - Tuesday 24th May
Help! I need a new queen. A talk by Will
Steynor, past President of Wycombe Beekeepers. - Tuesday 28th June
Question Time. Your chance to quiz
experienced beekeepers with your problems. - Saturday 16th July
Annual Family Day at Mike Leon’s.
Full details in newsletter nearer the date.
- Fri 15th, Sat 16th & Sun 17th April
Dates for Your Diary -> See Our Full Schedule
News Feeds (RSS)
Checkout the News page (above) for RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds which bring us news from other beekeeping groups and a few university research establishments. Do note that we do not control these feeds, and therefore can’t be responsible for their contact.
You can subscribe to our RSS feed here.
Unless otherwise stated all our monthly meetings are held at: St. Joseph’s, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St. Peter, SL9 8RY starting at 8pm. Beginners Courses sessions start at 7.30om.
