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Members Only Yellow-legged Asian Hornet

“Those Pesky Yellow Hornets” by Jack Silberrad

Zoom Talk – “Those Pesky Yellow Hornets” by Jack Silberrad

We have an exciting new Zoom talk by Jack Silberrad on Wednesday 4th November. Jack talked at our last AGM and you will remember how knowledgeable and also entertaining he is!

This year YLH were found in Cambridgeshire – so they are getting closer.

It is easy to be complacent. It would be a mistake to only take action when you find your apiary under attack with the bees too scared to come out of their hive – preferring to starve themselves to death rather than face the hornets.

Find out the current state of play, and what we need to do to remain vigilant to prevent the spread across Bedfordshire.

The talk is on zoom – you will automatically be sent the link to the talk on the day if you have reserved a ticket.

See you there!!

Events Members Only Training Event

Healthy Bees Day with the NBU Inspectors

NBU inspectors demonstrate inspection for and recognition of bee pests and diseases (including AFB and EFB).

This is an event that all beekeeping members should attend to learn about, or refresh your knowledge on, bee pests and diseases. Even if you have attended previous similar events, you should not miss the opportunity to update your knowledge and ability to recognise exotic pests and devastating diseases. Seeing EFB and AFB infected combs at first hand so you can recognise them is so important to us all.

The day will include:

  1. Latest information on exotic pests – Asian Hornet and Small Hive Beetle
  2. Latest information on permitted varroacides and varroa management
  3. Comb Workshop – examination of real infected comb (including the reportable diseases AFB and EFB)
  4. Inspectors demonstrating an apiary hive health inspection – how to do a thorough disease inspection.
Events Members Only

Introductory Microscopy

Sean Stephenson (chair of Bucks County BKA and a Master Beekeeper) will run an 1-day introductory microscopy course for us at Steppingly village hall on Sunday 30th March. The course will include introduction to bee dissection and making pollen slides. Microscopes and all other equipment required will be provided. If you have your own microscope, you are welcome to bring it along. You will need to bring your own lunch. Course fee is £20.

10am start till 4pm (2 x 2.5 hour sessions).

There are a maximum of 16 places.

You can book a place here: https://webcollect.org.uk/bedsbka/event/introductory-microscopy

 

Events Members Only

Annual General Meeting and Trading Day

The AGM is our biggest event of the year. We review the year just gone and plans for the year to come. There is always a talk on a bee/beekeeping related subject, usually from a renowned external speaker and plenty of opportunity to meet other members and discuss our beekeeping highlights and lowlights of the past and plans for the future. We typically hold our main trading event at the same time so members can collect the goods they have pre-ordered via our Bulk Purchase Scheme.

Full details will be published and circulated to members closer to the time.

Events Members Only Training Event

Beekeeping Workshop – January Training Day

Our regular January Training Day aims to cover topics of interest to beekeepers of all levels – beginner, intermediate or experienced, all will gain something from this day. It is a chance to learn and an opportunity to meet and mingle with other beekeepers.

Doors open 10am for a 10.30 start and we aim to finish by 4pm.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided but do bring your own packed lunch.

Programme:

  • 10.00           Doors open.
  • 10.30           Alternative methods of swarm control – Wally Thrale & Colin Hall.
  • 11.15            Pests – we thought varroa was bad – John Macdougall.
  • 12.15            Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update – Phill Howes.
  • 12.30           Lunch  – Please bring your own.
  • 13.30           Finding and Improving your Queens – Gill Brewer.
  • 14.30           All about Wax, Part 2 – Sue Lang.
  • 15.30           General Q & A session for the season ahead.
  • 16.00           Finish.

You can sign up for the workshop on WebCollect: https://webcollect.org.uk/bedsbka/event/beekeeping-workshop-january-training-day.

Events Members Only

Annual General Meeting and Trading Day

The day will run as follows:

  • 9.30am           Doors open; tea/coffee
  • 10.00am         Trading commences
  • 11.00am         AGM
  • 12.30pm         Lunch; tea/coffee, trading
  • 1.45pm           Asian Hornet Update
  • 2.00pm          Talk by Giles Budge
  • 3.00pm          Tea/coffee and cake, trading, raffle prizes
  • 4.00pm          Event closes

The following stalls will be available through the day:

  1. Bulk Purchase Scheme (BPS) – pre-order pick-ups and sales
  2. Bees Abroad – with a raffle to support this charity (raffle prize donations appreciated)
  3. Second hand equipment (members may bring items to sell, labelled with name and price)
  4. Association library
  5. Membership subscription/renewal (remember – only paid-up members can vote at the AGM)

Please Note:

  • We suggest that you bring along a packed lunch; otherwise, Tesco is close by for you to purchase food.
  • We would also ask you to bring along your own mug or keep-cup if you have one.
  • If you would care to bring a cake to share, it would be much appreciated. 
  • And please don’t forget to bring a prize for the raffle in aid of charity Bees Abroad.