New Training Apiary
Colony inspections have continued to take place at the Training Apiary this month with Pete Barclay and Ulya Lalo stepping in to lead on 7th May due to our Apiary Manager, Dave Bonner being involved in the Queen Rearing Course at Birmingham.
Our small group of novice beekeepers attended and are no doubt finding the practical experience beneficial.
Unfortunately, no one has stepped forward yet to lead the inspections over the next few weekends whilst Dave is away on holiday if you are available to help, please contact Dave as soon as possible the committee is very keen to keep the regular inspection meetings going to encourage our newer members.
The apiary meeting on the 15th May was to have been an opportunity for the students from this years Beginners Beekeeping Course to attend for their practical session but unfortunately the weather was poor and this had to be cancelled at short notice. Hopefully, an alternative date can be arranged very soon.
World Bee Day is being celebrated this month and Pete Barclay and Lesley Batchelor have agreed to support this by attending an event organised by the Canals and River Trust at Hawkesbury Junction this weekend. The observation hive will be there and Pete will be giving a talk on bees and beekeeping.
The Branch has received a donation of equipment from one of our long term members, Bill Crofts who has unfortunately decided to give up beekeeping this season. Many will know Bill as the Branch’s resident rocket scientist due to his involvement with the satellite programme at Warwick University. He has given us a number of talks about this at branch meetings and also served as a committee member for many years in times past. We will miss him at meetings and thank him for his kind donation to the Branch.
Plans for our Grand Opening of the Branch Training Apiary are moving on apace and the organising committee have been working hard on getting things ready. There was a slight set back when the local rabbit population decided to make a meal of the new planting of bee friendly flowering plants but hopefully, that can be rectified before the day!
The Lord Mayor of Coventry has agreed to do the official opening at 2pm and there will be afternoon tea, honey sales, candle rolling and other activities going on. We hope that as many Coventry Branch Members as possible, together with their families will be there to support the day and the core of dedicated members who have made it all happen. The apiary site is on the London Road Allotments, Humber Road, Coventry, CV3 1ND. Keep your fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day!
By Julia Barclay