Division News
April 2018
Teaching apiary on the move
The Weybridge division's teaching apiary has been in the grounds of St Georges Junior School in Weybridge since 2015. In August 2017 the hives were damaged by vandals on three occasions, so the decision was made to move the hives into the garden of a member for the winter period. The original plan was to move the hives back to St Georges in the spring but an alternative site in Ottershaw has since become available. Hopefully this will be less vulnerable to vandalism and will provide a temporary home until a more permanent site can be secured.
On Sunday 12 April a working party of Weybridge members went to St Georges to load paving slabs and the contents of the shed on to a trailer. The shed was then dismantled ready for the journey to Ottershaw. In the evening of the same day, the hives were transported from their winter quarters and placed in the new apiary site.
The 24 students on the 2018 beginner beekeepers' course began the practical part of the course in the new apiary on 21 April
Teaching apiary on the move
The Weybridge division's teaching apiary has been in the grounds of St Georges Junior School in Weybridge since 2015. In August 2017 the hives were damaged by vandals on three occasions, so the decision was made to move the hives into the garden of a member for the winter period. The original plan was to move the hives back to St Georges in the spring but an alternative site in Ottershaw has since become available. Hopefully this will be less vulnerable to vandalism and will provide a temporary home until a more permanent site can be secured.
On Sunday 12 April a working party of Weybridge members went to St Georges to load paving slabs and the contents of the shed on to a trailer. The shed was then dismantled ready for the journey to Ottershaw. In the evening of the same day, the hives were transported from their winter quarters and placed in the new apiary site.
The 24 students on the 2018 beginner beekeepers' course began the practical part of the course in the new apiary on 21 April
April 2018
Our Nosema clinic was well attended where members were shown how to prepare samples and examine them under a microscope to detect the presence of Nosema. High concentrations of Nosema will cause problems for our bees and appropriate action, such as a shook swarm, may be necessary.
Our Nosema clinic was well attended where members were shown how to prepare samples and examine them under a microscope to detect the presence of Nosema. High concentrations of Nosema will cause problems for our bees and appropriate action, such as a shook swarm, may be necessary.
Feb 2018
As part of the planning application for our new apiary we ran a well attended public consultation to explain our plans. The evening was very well attended by local residents and included some honey tasting.
As part of the planning application for our new apiary we ran a well attended public consultation to explain our plans. The evening was very well attended by local residents and included some honey tasting.
Feb 2018
Our theory course for new members for fully subscribed. A crash course in honey bees in preparation for the coming season.
Our theory course for new members for fully subscribed. A crash course in honey bees in preparation for the coming season.
March 2017
A nosema clinic was run by the Weybridge division. Members brought samples of their bees that were then inspected for the presence of nosema and advice given on how to deal with it. Below is a picture of a nosema sample taken on the night.
A nosema clinic was run by the Weybridge division. Members brought samples of their bees that were then inspected for the presence of nosema and advice given on how to deal with it. Below is a picture of a nosema sample taken on the night.
Feb 2017
We hosted a meeting open to all members of the Surrey Beekeepers Association, on the topic of the Asian Hornet. The meeting was well attended. We are grateful to David Kemp, who came to talk to us and also to the BDI who sponsored the meeting. There will be write ups of the meeting the news letter but here is a first report from Richard Bradfield from the Reigate division. David kindly provided handouts on what beekeepers can do and on making your own hornet trap. Some pictures taken at the meeting are below.
We hosted a meeting open to all members of the Surrey Beekeepers Association, on the topic of the Asian Hornet. The meeting was well attended. We are grateful to David Kemp, who came to talk to us and also to the BDI who sponsored the meeting. There will be write ups of the meeting the news letter but here is a first report from Richard Bradfield from the Reigate division. David kindly provided handouts on what beekeepers can do and on making your own hornet trap. Some pictures taken at the meeting are below.
Feb 2017 - Surrey Bee Day
Thank you to the organisers and to all who attended what was a very successful day. A write up will follow but here are some pictures.