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Published on Leave a comment on New Year – new resolutions

It is a quiet time in the apiary but that means you have more time to update and improve your knowledge on bees.

Bee Beginners' Course: This starts on March 11th at the Colliton Club in Dorchester. It does not matter whether you ever intend to keep bees or not - this course will tell you what is involved and you will get several opportunities to open hive and handle bees. The cost of the course is £60 and in addition you need to be a member of the Dorchester and Weymouth Beekeepers Association which is another £30. If you are interested then do contact our secretary, Sally at dwbkasecretary@gmail.com

OK that is nearly £100 but it is a chance to learn about keeping bees, a chance to open up hives and carry out several hive inspections and a chance to meet enthusiastic beekeepers. Compare that with the average cost of a single "Bee Experience Day" and you will see what an opportunity we offer. Further details of the course are on our web page.

Bee Behaviour Course: We are hosting a bee behaviour course at the Colliton Club in Dorchester starting Monday 20th January at 19:30 and running for six weeks. Those who attended the course last year were fascinated by what they learned. The cost of the course is £60, the equivalent of just £10 per week. If you are interested then do contact our secretary, Sally at dwbkasecretary@gmail.com Further details of the course are on our web page.

Social Evening: If you want to meet other beekeepers to find out if we all have beards and wear smocks, then why not come along to one of our socials and have a look. Our next one is Wednesday 22nd January at the Colliton Club in Dorchester from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. If you are interested in either of the above courses then this is an ideal chance to find out more.

Videos to watch:

  • Missed the Honey show last year? See them here.
  • Missed the BBKA lectures? See them here.
  • Want to know how to use Oxalic acid? Look here.
  • Just want some useful bee videos from BIBBA? Look here.

All the above links are taken from the DWBKA newsletter. The news letter contains a lot more information. if you want to see more then why not join us?

Published on Leave a comment on Christmas is coming

OK so we are not even into December as I type this but that does not mean we are not thinking of jolly.

This Monday 2nd December is our Xmas do at the Colliton Club in Dorchester from 7pm to 9pm. There were more details in the November news letter but in case you do not read the newsletter or you have a short memory I thought you might like a reminder.

At the social there will be a light hearted quiz as well as a sausage and chips supper with a meat option for carnivores!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Stephen

Published on Leave a comment on Bert is here

Not a day to be out in the apiary. By this time of year your hive should be well protected against all that the winter may throw at it. Have you:

  • Hefted your hive to check for stores
  • Removed any varroa treatment - many only work when it is warm.
  • Lashed your hive together so that if it falls over it can be picked up easily
  • Placed a large concrete block on the roof to prevent it being blown over
  • Browsed our "For Sale"page - I have added more items today.
  • Browsed the supplier catalogues with ideas for Xmas presents for you.
  • Looked at the BBKA reading list for exams for reading suggestions
  • Looked at the BBKA exams and see what you might like to tackle next year
  • Looked at the BeeInfo pages on this site to brush up your knowledge