Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025. Wishing a Happy New Year to all members. I hope everybody had an enjoyable festive season however it’s not quite over yet!
Following the skittles evening on 6th December, our new champion is Sara Gray who did well to beat Steve Double in the final playoff. Congratulations Sara and thanks to Elaine for organising a great evening.
As we are in the depths of winter this newsletter will be short and sweet but there is still plenty going on.
Welcome in the New Year with a social gathering where Jeremy Percy will demonstrate the oxalic acid trickle treatment for varroa mite for those considering this method of control. Bring along mince pies, cakes and a flask of mulled wine.
As we are already meeting at the apiary on 1st January, this month’s club night will be virtual with a Zoom talk by Ben Woodcock from the Honey Monitoring Scheme. Ben will be discussing the impact of pesticides on honeybees and other pollinators. Please join via the link – we will also resend via the KBKA Whatsapp on the day of the talk. Meeting ID: 851 5981 5305 – Passcode: 221989
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85159815305?pwd=3BaWEVvEoIrwJV7znGm44Ut74HmzEg.1
This free event is open to everybody and is an ideal opportunity for new beekeepers to practice their techniques and great for longer term beekeepers to help and advise. If possible, please bring a small hammer and something such as a wooden chopping board to protect the table surfaces. Tea and coffee will be provided.
On 12th December, WBKA members received a notification from Secretary
Amanda Letworthy for January’s AGM. The winter lecture will be given by
Dr Richard Comont, entitled “Bumblebees and Honeybees” and will explore the
potential impacts of honeybees on wild bees and how these can be avoided. Please
confirm to Amanda via secretary@wiltshirebeekeepers.co.uk if you will be attending.
We will publish the 2025 speaker list as soon as possible, however for now please
note that David Holloway of Bees Abroad will be joining us to talk about their
project supporting the growth of a social enterprise processing honey in Uganda.
Education
Steve Double will host this study group working towards taking BBKA Module 5
on Honey Bee Biology. The group will run on Thursdays from 9th January to 20th
March inclusive, a total of 11 sessions which includes the final Thursday before the
exam date of 22nd March 25. There are only seven places available so please
respond quickly if you would like to join via emma@thebeeskneeshoney.co.uk.
The BBKA Education & Husbandry Committee has arranged the following
member only courses to be held at the BBKA office and apiary, Stoneleigh:
Microscopy for Beginners – One day course – Sat 8th or Sun 9th Feb
Intermediate Microscopy – Two-day course – Saturday 15th and Sun 16th Feb
Honey Bee Health: Train the Trainer – One day course Sat 12th or Sun 13th April
Queen Rearing: Train the Trainer – One day course Sat 24th/Sun 25th May and Sat 14th/Sun 15th June 2025
Full details can be found at Training Courses | British Beekeepers Association
If the courses are fully booked, please email training.admin@bbka.org.uk with the
name of the course and date to be added to the waiting list.
Below is a comprehensive information sheet to help identify different types of hornet nests. Please take a moment to have a look and forward to anybody who might find it useful.
Looking forward to seeing as many members as possible on New Year’s Day at the Bishops Cannings Apiary.
