The value of apiary meetings
The season is now in full swing with regular inspections and checking taking place in order to ensure the bees are healthy and hopefully staying put.
Our club weekly apiary meetings have re-started with groups on Monday and Wednesday. The Apiary Meetings are a fantastic source of experience and knowledge, especially for beginners as they help them get the feel for the bees and learn all the hints and tips from the more experience members of our association.
The Monday group were treated on the first night to some delicious cut comb honey and a choice of two meads to wash it down, kindly provided by Douglas. The group then proceeded to inspect and check the condition of the bees with some of the new keepers handling bees themselves for the first time. The last meeting was a bit more typically British with the heavens opening and the group sheltering below the awning talking bees and discussing the previous weeks homework.
Our club’s second Monday meeting was held at a local hostelry where all aspects of bee keeping were discussed, including things to look out for as a beekeeper. Within the club, a small group have got together to exchange information and knowledge on queen rearing which they later shared with the rest of the members.
It’s that time of year when the bees are more likely to have the wander lust, and the swarm collecting team have been busy collecting and dealing with these travelling bees. Having collected a few swarms in the
past I am still amazed at how calm and compliant they tend to be (and long may it continue).
Hoping your girls are busy filling your supers.
By Ray Pearce