Chair’s Newsletter – February 2025

Well done and thanks to the hardy types who turned out on chilly January days for the Apiary meetup on New Year’s Day and the annual frame making morning on 18th January.

Following the frame making session, I visited The Piggery Farm Shop/Cafe in Bishops Cannings where they sell the beautifully presented honey from our own club apiaries – it’s a great venue for a coffee and some foodie treats or gifts if you happen to be passing.

A warm welcome to all the new members who have joined over the winter – we look forward to seeing you soon.

February/March Events

February Club Meeting – Wed 5th, 7 for 7.30pm at Bishops Cannings Village Hall

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. David is a Trustee of both Basingstoke and District BKA and Hampshire BKA, has been keeping bees for 8 years and started this winter with 15 hives. He is actively involved in Basingstoke & District’s training and mentoring programmes and is assistant apiary manager for their training apiaries. He is one of the Partnership Managers at Bees Abroad and looks after one of their larger groups in the Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Working with a large group of beekeepers that keep excellent records has given him the opportunity to look at the pros and cons (cost-benefit, sustainability, performance and environmental impact) of a wide range of hive types (top bar, traditional log and woven) which he would like to share with us along with some of their other projects. There will be an opportunity to donate via cash or card on the night if you wish to.

March Club Meeting – Wed 5th, 7 for 7.30pm at Bishops Cannings VH

Sue Lang, Honey Show Judge (in training) has prepared a fantastic talk for us covering all aspects of showing honey. Definitely one for the diary if you are intending to show honey this year.

Swarm Collection Course – Sat 15th March, 10-12noon Bishops Cannings Village Hall

The session will be run by our apiaries manager Jeremy Percy and will cover safe and practical methods of swarm collection. If you would like to attend please let Jeremy know direct on apiaryhorton@kennet-beekeepers.co.uk.

Save the date (further details to follow)

Sat 19th April – WBKA Microscopy Day
Sat 28th June – WBKA Bee Disease Day at Market Lavington Village Hall
Sat 12th July – Morgans Hill Visit with Liam Olds (or reserve date Sat 19th July)
Sat 2nd August – Honey Extraction Masterclass with Sophie Butcher

Education

Learning opportunities for Improvers

There are plenty of opportunities to increase your beekeeping knowledge and skills this year, even if you’ve been keeping bees for a few years already. Keep an eye on the monthly newsletter for things you can get involved in – here is the first in the list:

The Basic Assessment is one way to lift your beekeeping to the next level.

  • If you took part in one of our 2024 beginner’s courses, the Basic Assessment is the next step for you, either before you get your bees or as you go through your first season with them.
  • If you’ve been keeping bees for a while and just want to make sure you’re doing everything properly, the Basic Assessment will give you the confidence to know that you are and/or provide you with the additional knowledge you need.

What is the Basic Assessment?

It’s a practical assessment (the first of the BBKA formal certifications) that qualifies you as a confident, competent and knowledgeable beekeeper.

There’s no obligation to take the assessment at the end of the course but if you decide to take it and pass, KBKA will refund your booking fee (£25). More than nine out of ten people who take the assessment do pass!

What’s involved?
Each year at KBKA, we hold a series of theory study sessions followed by practical experience (all completely free of charge) to provide students with everything they need to pass the Basic Assessment. The sole aim is to help members improve their skills and confidence.

The theory study sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings, 7pm-9pm via Zoom on the following dates: 12th March, 26th March, 9th April, 23rd April. There will be practical sessions too that will take place at the apiary in May/June (exact dates tbc depending on number of students).

Assessments (if you decide to take one) generally happen sometime in July or August, the exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time. The sessions will follow the BBKA syllabus, which you can view online together with a reading list by clicking on this link: https://www.bbka.org.uk/basic-assessment.

So, if you’d like to help us build a club full of experienced and informed beekeepers who can confidently manage most things their bees throw at them, contact Emma or Andrea at (education@kennet-beekeepers.co.uk) to book a place on this year’s course. Your bees will thank you for it!

Additionally, Rachel Banyard is running a Module 3 study course in readiness for the exam in March. If you are interested, please contact Rachel by 8th February on 07767 895244.

Closing Dates and Fees for 2025 BBKA Exams

EXAMINATION/
ASSESSMENT
FEEAPPLICATION
CLOSING DATE
NOTES
(also see appropriate syllabus)
GENERAL CERTIFICATE in BEEKEEPING HUSBANDRY£9028th FebruaryMust hold Basic Certificate.
Held at apiary of Candidate.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE in BEEKEEPING HUSBANDRY£13528th FebruaryMust hold General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry.
To be held at Stoneleigh on
16/17/18 May and 11/12/13 July 2025
BEE BREEDING CERTIFICATE£9028th FebruaryMust hold Basic Certificate.
Held at apiary of Candidate.
WRITTEN MODULES£45
each
8th February
30th September
All modules EXCEPT Plants & Pollinators held on 22 March 2025. All modules held on 15 November 2025.

Other News

BBKA Spring Convention 2025

Booking and ticket sales are now open for the 2025 BBKA Spring Convention which takes place from 4th-6th April at Harper Adams University, Shropshire. The full programme is available here Spring Convention | British Beekeepers Association. If you would like to offer help as a steward please contact scstewards@bbka.org.uk. More information at the bottom of the newsletter.

Somerset Beekeepers Lecture Day – Saturday 8th February

Should it be of interest, Somerset’s lecture day will be on Saturday, 8th Feb at The Canalside Conference Centre, Bridgwater. The day offers a packed programme of talks, workshops and a trade hall in a spacious conference centre with ample parking and refreshments. The day is aimed at beekeepers at all levels. Please follow the link below for more info and to purchase tickets: Somerset BKA Lecture Day 2025 Tickets, Sat 8 Feb 2025 at 09:00 | Eventbrite.

10% Discount with BJ Sherriff

BJ Sherrif are offering a 10% discount for new beekeepers. Attached with this newsletter is their student leaflet offering the discount plus free carriage in mainland UK valid until 31st May. The offer is also being extended to association members who place their order during the off-season. You can enjoy this discount up to 28th February.

This exclusive discount can be claimed in two ways:

  • Order Online: Visit BJ Sherriff: tbkh5 at checkout.
  • Order by Phone: Call us at 01872 863304 if you need guidance, especially
    for sizing.

    Well, there really is something for everybody this month and lots in the pipeline for the rest of the year so please support our events when you can.

    In the meantime, I look forward to seeing those who make it to the Bees Abroad talk next Weds 5th February. See you there!