tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344682182011-08-05T10:53:35.624+01:00The newsletter of the Hertfordshire Beekeepers AssociationHerts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.comBlogger3941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-48480875695620290712011-07-25T15:38:00.001+01:002011-07-25T15:39:04.736+01:00

by Peter Mathews Once upon a time we looked upon July as the month of peak honey flow. This was in the days before we enjoyed  field after field of oil seed rape.  Today we still think of July as a month of plenty with an abundance of food for the bees. With the swarming colonies out of the way, having either swarmed or been controlled, many of us are sitting back and letting our bees get on

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-69242448947605318772011-07-06T08:15:00.000+01:002011-07-06T08:15:00.018+01:00

What a busy month June has been. My impression has been that members have had good quantities of early season honey which, having been made up of rape, has presented the usual problems with extraction. I learned this year that rape honey is mostly glucose sugar which causes it to crystallize as quickly as it does. The Lime is in flower as I write and smells beautiful, the blackberry is covered

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-91975913593741136682011-05-28T13:41:00.000+01:002011-05-28T13:41:02.849+01:00

I have to beg your forgiveness for the lateness of this newsletter. What with controlling swarms, making up frames /boxes and now getting in the honey harvest I have been a little busy. Every year I think I've got it covered and find myself caught out. We have several interested newcomers and beginners who have been coming along to the Garden Centre apiary on a Saturday morning. Any other

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-4834207612773716252011-05-13T21:18:00.006+01:002011-05-14T07:12:23.715+01:00

By Daniel Favre, biologist and apiary adviser The worldwide maintenance of the honeybee has major ecological, economic, and political implications. In the present study, electromagnetic waves originating from mobile phones were tested for potential effects on honeybee behavior. Mobile phone handsets were placed in the close vicinity of honeybees. The sound made by the bees was recorded and

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12563409766654997885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-61898461003560048122011-05-08T16:05:00.005+01:002011-05-14T07:06:59.609+01:00

by Peter Mathews More beekeepers are becoming aware of health issues with their bees. And, more of us are taking precautions which we didn't bother with in the past. One of these little rituals is washing equipment in a solution of Washing Soda. You may have noticed that after a visit from your local bee inspector, he will wash his hive tool and anything else he has been using.  This will

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-36772402864921952502011-04-26T23:30:00.000+01:002011-04-26T23:30:41.385+01:00

Keep your hive records online at www.beetight.com or by using a smartphone.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-29708927921575325022011-04-26T23:17:00.000+01:002011-04-26T23:17:56.460+01:00

Four 5 frames nucs for collection in May- June 2011.  £90 each.  Please call 01920 420862 for more information.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-49401455155500631572011-04-12T19:52:00.001+01:002011-04-12T19:53:55.834+01:00

Speaker - Bill Turnbull, Thursday 5th May, 6.30 - 8.00 pm Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House, Aldwych (London School of Economics) Free ticketing so arrive early to be sure of getting in. Bill Turnbull is a presenter on the BBC Breakfast programme.  He is a keen beekeeper, and is author of mishap memoir "The Bad Beekeepers Club".

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-31516237643270361672011-04-12T06:37:00.000+01:002011-04-12T06:37:44.928+01:00

Honeybees 'entomb' hives to protect against pesticides, say scientists. By sealing up cells full of contaminated pollen, bees appear to be attempting to protect the rest of the hive. See www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/apr/04/honeybees-entomb-hives for more on this story.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-28115396456814201232011-04-12T06:31:00.000+01:002011-04-12T06:31:45.935+01:00

I am writing regarding a new book which I feel may be of interest to you and your members. "Travels in Blood and Honey: Becoming a Beekeeper in Kosovo" by Elizabeth Gowing, is one womans fascinating account of how beekeeping enriched her life. The book is available through Amazon and directly through us at Signal Books. If you are interested, Elizabeth is willing to tallk about her experience to

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-7682836713268982902011-04-12T06:24:00.000+01:002011-04-12T06:24:49.233+01:00

Apologies that there was no newsletter for March.  I'm feeling the loss of Christine Phillips as secretary. Our AGM was, as usual, very well attended. Congratulations to John Hill for lifting the trophy in the honey tasting. Our next indoor meeting, the last before the summer will be, as usual, the third Tuesday of the month, 19th, April, at 7.30 at Howgills, the Friends Meeting House,

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-70868342589564440362011-04-07T23:09:00.000+01:002011-04-07T23:09:09.426+01:00

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-80073354385837646472011-03-12T20:09:00.000Z2011-03-12T20:09:05.516Z

Saturday 26th March 2011 Tewin Village Hall, 11 Lower Green, Tewin, Welwyn, Herts, AL6 0JX 12.00pm Agenda Apologies for absence. Matters arising from 58th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 25th March 2010. Chairman’s report. Treasurer’s report. Membership report. Election of HBKA Officers: Secretary Treasurer Auditor Beeworld 2011 AOB Date of next AGM Lunch break 12:30 – 1:45pm (Please

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-49146794383765196222011-03-10T07:45:00.002Z2011-03-10T07:49:16.691Z

Globalisation is killing bees, as bee pests and diseases are being passed swiftly around the world thanks to the opening up of trade, says a UN study. Attempts to industrialise pollination are making the problem even worse, the authors found. Unexplained bee deaths have become an increasing issue around the world in the past five years, a phenomenon labelled "colony collapse disorder". Bees in

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-34127896202762054122011-03-03T20:43:00.001Z2011-03-03T20:43:19.562Z

Dear Sir/Madam,We are manufacturers of Cedar Bee Hives and would like to ask if you would include us on your links page of the Hertfordshire BKA website. We manufacture a full range of wooden beekeeping equipment and supply a selected range of beekeeping sundries. We are a family based business and our aim is to supply quality beekeeping equipment at a competitive price with a quality service.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-70579576386345564442011-02-28T09:55:00.001Z2011-03-12T11:18:41.140Z

Our AGM on Friday 4th February was attended by 32 members and 2 visitors. In her report the Chair, Eileen Remnant, stated that the committee had recently decided to have designated persons to cover existing and new posts on the committee. Education, Training & Beginners Course Officer to be Marian Whittaker. She agreed to be responsible for future Beginners Courses, continued mentoring

christine aitkenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03058482300265924988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-80587619883143065482011-02-27T19:05:00.001Z2011-02-27T19:07:49.682Z

The WHBK Association AGM included many "thank you's" to all the people who kindly give up their time throughout the year to ensure that newcomers to, and members of, the Association could receive advice, equipment, tuition and much more. The work involved (as I'm sure many beekeepers reading this will agree) is not always easy or straightforward! Lindsay Bruce pointed out that his role of taking

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12563409766654997885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-26911657786929660932011-02-22T23:45:00.003Z2011-02-22T23:50:31.667Z

The third issue of The Food and Environment Research Agency's new partner and customer newsletter - Solutions - is available to download now.  Please use the following link to download the current edition of  Solutions.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-81660041700489515652011-02-16T07:33:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:33:18.597Z

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8306970/Einstein-was-right-honey-bee-collapse-threatens-global-food-security.html

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-42782543198868513832011-02-13T21:23:00.002Z2011-02-16T06:59:46.397Z

Please find below a link to the recently updated Managing Varroa leaflet as well as the new Small Hive Beetle which contains a few small amendments. Managing Varroa Small Hive Beetle It is our intention to have a limited number of hard copies available before April. If and when these do become available a note will be added to the website. We hope that you find this information useful, any

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-35252208307353107702011-02-12T06:51:00.000Z2011-02-23T06:52:52.532Z

I was saddened to read the Herts Bees Newsletter for February 2011 and to learn that I would not be receiving it any more. I understand that producing the newsletter must be a significant, difficult and time-consuming task.  You are to be congratulated on the contribution that you have given as editor.  I also realise that there are other sources of information and means of communication.  You

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-34589311240579668382011-01-31T23:46:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:24:15.522Z

Hertfordshire Beekeepers AGMSaturday 26th March, 11am to 5pmMemorial Hall, 11a Lower Green, Tewin11:00 AGM12:30 Lunch (please bring your own or visit the nearby pub)14:00 Talk 1 - tba15:00 Talk 2 - tba Editorial by Paul Cooper It is February already and hopefully we've seen the last of the bitterly cold weather. Catkins are out (at least here in East Herts) and they supply useful protein in the

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-53546119842143264122011-01-30T23:42:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:23:55.815Z

Christine Phillips has asked me to write something for North Herts Beekeepers contribution to February’s Herts Bees. Christine, Colin and Andy are overwintering in New Zealand with their son, a resident there, who is also a beekeeper.She writes:It really didn't seem like Christmas here - nice to be warm and see the sun though.
 We have been looking at Nick (son's) bees. Lots of nice placid yellow

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-59469928572691026952011-01-29T23:41:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:22:07.087Z

Now that the days are gradually getting longer we can start to look forward to a new season of beekeeping. With this in mind he WHBK Association is holding their AGM at 8pm on Wednesday, 23rd February 2011.  It will be at the same venue as last year, namely, the dining room at Croxley House, Croxley Green, WD3 3JB.   This is the one event in our calendar at which the majority of members,

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-32709411414106496812011-01-28T23:40:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:21:49.310Z

AGM - 9th February at 8pmEach year the member of Bishops Stortford Beekeepers Association come together to determine the future path of the group and elect the Executive members, who will run the group on their behalf.  In addition to the usual administrative stuff, we will be planning the schedule of apiary visits for the year, receive an update on the beginners training course and discuss bulk

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-8487627967442904112011-01-27T23:40:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:21:31.066Z

We start our Beginners Course, with 24 participants, on the 9th February 2011.St Albans Beekeepers’ have a full programme of  ‘Meet the Public’ events lined up for 2011 as well as our usual Apiary meetings at Prae Wood and winter meetings at the United Reformed Church Hall. The programme will be posted on the SABKA website as well as the HBKA website and those members without email will receive a

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-76383058216956303072011-01-26T23:30:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:21:12.244Z

Barnet beekeepers held their first ever Christmas social in December which was very well attended. We combined this with a honey tasting competition, congratulations to the winners.We have now begun our beginners course. We have approximately 20 very keen and enthusiastic people who turn up on Saturdays to learn all about beekeeping. Our theory course will run until March/April when we hope the

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-74919142877284887412011-01-25T21:01:00.001Z2011-02-16T09:32:10.145Z

by Pete Kennedy, St Albans BKA The International Bee Research Association (IBRA) held a conference at the University of Worcester on Saturday, 29th January, on what is considered by many as still the greatest threat for beekeeping:  the parasitic mite Varroa destructor.  The event was well attended with over 180 delegates registered and the lecture hall packed close to capacity.  No surprise

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-46919958184734044892011-01-24T15:35:00.000Z2011-02-16T07:20:16.759Z

The BBKA shares the concerns expressed relating to reports of possible harm to honey bees that may be caused by the neonicotinoid group of pesticides. It calls for an urgent review of all the available data on the effects of these compounds. The BBKA has consistently urged for more research into this group of compounds as evidenced in its paper Honey Bee Health Research Concepts (Jan 2009) and

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-54042028670123477752011-01-16T19:22:00.001Z2011-02-16T07:15:27.355Z

by Peter Mathews A few notes from today's ADM. These are very brief and more details will appear on the BBKA website and 'BBKA News'PropositionsIncrease in capitation of £1 pppa. This was CARRIED. Capitation for Registered Members will be £15 from next year. N.B.  This is not linked to the cessation of pesticide approvals. Review of the Development of Intellectual Property. CARRIED. This will

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-29022273013865800402010-12-31T23:59:00.000Z2011-02-22T07:46:45.974Z

Editorial by Paul CooperMay I wish all our readers a very Happy New Year.What a cold December it has been - the coldest for over 100 years. Let us hope that the bees are tucked up and keeping warm.The next issue of Herts Bees will be published at the beginning of February so please send me your divisional meeting date for 2011 by the end of the month.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-55088600798738372272010-12-31T20:56:00.005Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.025Z

St Albans & District BKA wish to send many congratulations to Jane Moseley, Secretary of Bishop's Stortford BKA who has just been appointed BBKA Operations Director/General Secretary. Jane is currently Honorary President of Hertfordshire Beekeeping Association. Our Honey Tasting Social on 26th November 2010 saw a really good turnout of members and their families. See separate report written by

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-22198018876376440192010-12-31T20:00:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.028Z

Heinz FolgeWe were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Heinz Folge during a family holiday in Austria. He died peacefully in his sleep aged 85. He leaves his widow, Gertrude and son, Peter. Although Heinz was never a member of the association he was a well loved figure at many of our local events. He and Gertrude also hosted garden meetings over many years. And, I am quite sure he helped

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-23967393390616818472010-12-31T10:27:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.034Z

Last Tuesday Richard Smith described to us the intricacies of producing a beautiful jar of honey. With the aid of slides he took us through the various stages from extraction to creaming (with the aid of an electric drill and a paint stirrer), bottling and labelling. The creamed or soft set honey in the sample he brought was delicious and I shall be on the lookout for some fine seeded honey next

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-31767026240306065262010-12-30T21:46:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.037Z

A few of us met at the end of November to review the Course in a Case that Jane Moseley had kindly organised. We have decided to run a course commencing the first week in March and lasting six weeks.  Our apiary meetings will commence a week or so later and the course attendees will be invited to come along for some hands-on experience. The course will be held every Wednesday from March 2nd -

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-40933441222432037542010-12-01T10:57:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.038Z

I am extremely please to be able to announce that Jane Moseley, HBKA's very own Honorary President and Secretary of the Bishops Stortford Beekeepers Association, has just landed herself the job of Operations Director / General Secretary for the British Beekeepers Association. This is fantastic news and I am sure that every beekeeper in Hertfordshire will join me in congratulating her. She was

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-46300117632283740922010-11-28T21:02:00.003Z2011-02-26T10:11:31.531Z

DESPITE the fact that the thermometer didn’t rise above one degree Celsius all day over 50 members of the St. Alban’s Beekeepers’ Association put in what must be a record attendance at this year’s ‘Honey Tasting’ held at the United Reform Church Hall, Chiswell Green on Friday, November 26. The evening followed its usual format with the jars of honey being displayed anonymously on a large central

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-63255927473111456942010-11-27T08:09:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.041Z

by Peter Mathews This is aimed one of our new members who asked me last January if it was too early to putting on supers. Well, this is what you should be doing in January:- After a year or two of keeping bees you should be in a position of collecting a lot of surplus wax. Do not throw this away it is valuable! Most people render wax down to trade in against new foundation. This should provide

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-61369220263762314422010-11-20T20:56:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.043Z

I started beekeeping by accident, my brother in law rang me one day and said he had just done a beekeeping course at Taylors of Welwyn and a few days later I saw an advert in our local newspaper of a beekeeper selling all his bees and equipment due to retirement. Thinking my brother in law would be interested I arranged to meet him at the beekeepers cottage, in Nuthampstead. In the dark however I

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-72372904923982160342010-11-19T21:31:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.046Z

Defra news release - http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2010/12/22/bee-scientists/ Scientists may be able to halt global honey bee losses by forcing the deadly Varroa mite, lethal in the freezing weather, to self destruct. The blood-sucking Varroa is the biggest killer of honey bees world-wide, having developed resistance to beekeepers’ medication. It is particularly destructive in winter as depleted

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-70600625680550323472010-11-18T15:29:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.048Z

A note regarding the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), and the NBU’s current activities concerning this exotic pest threat. The NBU is very aware of the recent arrival and spread of Asian hornets with the EU (France), the implications of this to beekeepers, and their understandable concerns. To bring you as up to date as possible, earlier this year the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS)

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-22217666945849524552010-11-16T21:00:00.002Z2011-02-21T09:28:43.051Z

by Martin Smith (BBKA President), 16th November 2010 As an educational charity, the BBKA is primarily concerned with the health and welfare of honey bees and seeks to educate, inform and influence all parts of society including beekeepers, the public and industry about honey bees. Over time, a number of arrangements has been made between the BBKA and third parties, who have been attracted to

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-89853700943697370902010-10-31T20:53:00.000Z2011-02-22T23:33:26.023Z

Editorial by Paul CooperAnother winter is almost here so make final checks that mouse guards are secure and the chicken wire is in place.  Heft each hive to get an idea how much they weigh when full of winter stores.Next month will be a double edition covering December and January so please send me your news for December through to mid February.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-71446884974804302422010-10-25T06:37:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.137Z

After Frank had explained the intricacies of artificial and shook swarms at our first winter meeting last Tuesday (with the help of various cardboard boxes and a rather fat wooden queen) we were treated to an antique quiz. This had been threatening to make an appearance for several years and wasn't advertised in case no-one turned up! It was concocted in the old days when beekeepers knew a thing

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-40327537024421750532010-10-24T13:58:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.139Z

Winter meetings  26th November 2010 at 8.00pm at Chiswell Green United Reformed Church Hall is our Honey Tasting Social. This is an informal evening where members bring a jar of their own unlabeled clear honey along and we all taste, judge and present a cup to the winner. Everyone also brings a plate of food which makes for an enjoyable evening. All members and their families welcome.  4th

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-61830372052427064212010-10-18T21:54:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.141Z

On Sunday 3rd October, Andy Clavey, with the three members who keep bees at the Apiary, set about extracting two of three supers removed from the new Association hives. They assembled in Lindsay and Diane Bruces' bee proof utility room and the Association extractor was used. Diane later bottled up 41 x 1lb jars. The flavour was very good. The honey in the third super had crystallised but will

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-68313339918094142792010-10-18T21:52:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.143Z

Don't forget our Harvest Supper at the Nags Head in Little Hadham at 8pm on Friday 12th November.  If you have not booked then please contact Jane Moseley to see if there are any spare places.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-52865813698109254442010-10-17T13:25:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.144Z

We have negotiated a 10% discount for members of HBKA from www.beesuitscheap.co.uk. All you have to do is enter the code BKS100 when you make your purchase.  The site also contains gloves and smokers for sale and will have other tools for sale by Christmas.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-45294372992016233032010-10-16T21:32:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.146Z

by Jane Moseley Now if like me you are thinking what the heck is the BBKA Forum, I will endeavour to explain in very simple terms. Each County sends 2 representatives to discuss topics of interest/concern as proposed by the County Divisions & BBKA at a one day meeting. These findings are then presented back to the representatives and submitted to the BBKA for action. Chaired by Brian Ripley, BBKA

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-7821271615619553452010-10-12T09:00:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.148Z

Dear Secretary Can I take this opportunity for thanking you for any help you gave in encouraging members to complete the honey survey, we needed 1000 responses to make it credible and we received 1386 which was excellent and will allow careful analysis. As it is getting nearer to Christmas could you pass the following information to all your members as an email, or flag it up in your next

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-12329015642726070402010-10-10T14:10:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.151Z

Dear Beekeeper, Please download from here the new National Bee Unit Small hive beetle brochure. This has been developed and updated by the National Bee Unit, incorporating information on risks from the recent Defra funded Pest Risk Assessment and containing new information about contingency planning. We hope that you find  this leaflet a useful addition to your beekeeping information. Kind

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-47676502556260900602010-10-10T09:57:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.152Z

by Richard Alabone (courtesy of Essex Beekeepers Association) Of all animal species in the world, the honey bee is unique in that the multiple mating of queens creates colonies of half sister workers, fathered by drones of dubious parentage but all from the same geographical area. Too much in-breeding reduces virility; therefore the inevitable cross mating, within the geographical area, is a good

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-16501769472734405692010-10-08T20:30:00.001+01:002011-02-21T09:32:37.154Z

Britain’s backyard beekeepers are to be helped to avoid the problem of winter bee deaths by 400 Government-backed volunteer teachers. Soaring numbers of people are taking up the hobby amid concern over honey bee decline. But due to challenges from pests and diseases, inexperienced beekeepers are losing more colonies over winter, so better skills are needed. 400 experts across England and Wales

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-73054552375672966602010-09-30T13:55:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:34:05.318Z

Editorial by Paul CooperAnother beekeeping year draws to a close.  As well as the usual divisional reports, there is an extensive report from our busy-bee president, Jane Moseley, notes from the recent HBKA Exec meeting, details of the Honey Show and advice, if not too late, from the National Bee Unit on how to prepare colonies for winter.After a few warm days in September, autumn is finally here

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-44032989665432790642010-09-28T21:57:00.001+01:002011-02-26T10:19:01.097Z

We had our last apiary meeting of the season on September 11th. Our guest Jane Moseley from Bishop Stortford Div. (Herts President) attended. The weather looked like rain but held off until we had finished. Perfect timing! I have been very pleased with this year's apiary attendances; we averaged over 15 members at every monthly meeting. Varroa treatments should have finished and feeding well

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-2868788660429197522010-09-28T21:35:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.068Z

Winter meetings will be held as usual on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth, SG6 3JJ October 19th - The subject of this meeting is a closely gu :arded secret. Come along and find out more! November 16th - Talk by Richard Smith "Honey from Hive to Jar" December Christmas party? - To be discussed at

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-46650752963417881512010-09-28T01:04:00.001+01:002011-02-26T10:26:39.585Z

5 Queens, 10 Jars & 1 CouncillorOur last Apiary meeting of the season included all of the above. A healthy turn out of about 20 members congregated at my house ready to inspect my 5 colonies. We split up into 2 groups with Dennis & Paul leading the inspection of a group of 3, while I led the inspection of the remaining 2. It actually turned out to be quite exciting as all 5 Queens were spotted

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-44697401315508494712010-09-24T16:00:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.073Z

At our apiary meeting on 18th September, we were delighted to welcome Jane Moseley, President of the Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association. Members old and new were able to chat with her and she joined in the teaching session which is carried out around the beehives. The meeting was once again well attended with about twenty people present In last month's news I mentioned the "starvation swarm"

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-92042650368216044062010-09-23T23:45:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.075Z

Winter meetings 15th October 2010 at 8.00pm at Chiswell Green United Reformed Church Hall. Speaker will be Emma Wright of Rothamsted. After the refreshment break it is proposed to have a review of the beekeeping season with a question and answer session. These are always lively discussions and with so much knowledge amongst our membership - there is a lot to be learned by us all. 26th November

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-30515951602777333672010-09-23T00:24:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.078Z

A Whirl Wind Tour.. from Welwyn to Barnet via Croxley Green. September has been busy but fun, I have met lots of lovely people. So in order to report back fairly I am keeping 2 of this months reports back for the next newsletter A Peek Inside a Bee Inspector’s Hives! It all started on the 11th September with Welwyn Group. I had missed one of their earlier apiary visits and wanted to be sure that

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-62566988825003107452010-09-15T07:24:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.082Z

by Paul Cooper As editor of Herts Bees I get to attend the HBKA Exec meetings as an observer.  So what follows is not a formal record of the meeting (for that you should speak to your divisional representatives) but just some key points that I noted that may be of interest to a wider readership. Bees It was reported that urban bees this year have produced a good honey yield; rural bees less so. "

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-58176582860087318782010-09-15T07:21:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.084Z

Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association has created a new division covering Hertford & Ware. Dr Michael Cook is the chairman of the new division and he can be contacted at eismcook@aol.com or on ☏ 01992 423092.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-83280515108204657732010-09-11T13:12:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.086Z

The 79th National Honey Show, the U.K’s ‘gold standard’ honey show, is just weeks away. It will be held in Weybridge, Surrey from 28th to 30th October. There are almost 250 classes and beekeepers come from all over the world to enter so it is truly an international show. Why not book a ticket now to see the best of the best? What’s on? Apart from the world class honey show there will be a full

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-51408922696342752822010-09-09T17:08:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.089Z

As we approach the end of the summer season the National Bee Unit has created an advisory document called 'Preparing honeybee colonies for winter' (click to view). We hope that this is of use to you as a beekeeper and the document will also be available on BeeBase for future reference. Please send us your comments as feedback is most welcome. Kind regards, National Bee Unit

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-11895810161474237492010-09-08T20:47:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.091Z

Many apologies to those beekeepers who already received this email in June. If you have completed the Husbandry Survey for 2010 many thanks for doing so and please do not re-complete. We are once again conducting a national survey to obtain information on current honey bee husbandry practices and would be very grateful if you could take 10 minutes to complete it.  The survey will be of great

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-52146906256664208542010-09-07T22:00:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.093Z

by David Wootton As a relatively new bee keeper myself I found that many books written for new bee keepers, were written by experts who assumed the reader knew something. As a professional photographer, I have photographed my bees and bee keeping in general and felt that a book with photographs explaining different aspects would be useful to the novice. I was aided in writing the book by my

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-32966628810488727342010-08-31T23:00:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:39:46.024Z

Incorporating news from July & AugustWelcome to Herts Bees after a summer break.  This newsletter is long overdue but hopefully worth the wait.How should I summarise the summer?  It was late (frosts in May), a good honey flow in June/July, cold & wet in August (again) and a good year for all insects including bees, wasps and earwigs! I hope you had a successful beekeeping season and are well into

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-76512688823310222132010-08-31T21:20:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:39:15.086Z

Winter meetings15th October 2010 at 8.00pm at Chiswell Green United Reformed Church Hall.Speaker will be Emma Wright of Rothamsted. After the refreshment break it is proposed to have a review of the beekeeping season with a question and answer session. These are always lively discussions and with so much knowledge amongst our membership - there is a lot to be learned by us all.26th November 2010

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-22671901030179420492010-08-31T21:10:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:38:46.351Z

August has been an interesting and busy month. In the middle weeks of the month I heard about two swarms which were collected in the Oxhey area, and another one collected by Diane Bruce which was a "starvation swarm". When I heard this I did not know what this was so Lindsay Bruce kindly explained to me (and I apologise to the readers who already know this) that bees will swarm at this time of

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-29244556313736697832010-08-31T21:00:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:38:14.357Z

The most recent meeting was at Tony and Pat O'Conner's house. It was a good meeting with 26 people present and plenty of cakes and tea!Next Apiary Visit - Saturday 11th September.What will you see - 5 Hives all of which have done OK, have tried artificial swarms and just recently have been trying out no sugar syrup - just honey stores, but it is time to reduce them down and get them ready for

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-5000933395265226182010-08-31T20:54:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:37:43.092Z

David Massey and John Brooksbank held a very interesting open day at their apiary in Charlton on Saturday 17th August. The Charlton site is on waterworks land and has been used by N. Herts beekeepers since 1943. There are plenty of trees and shrubs and surrounding fields supply extra forage, the only drawback being the occasional need for the waterworks to flush out their pipes which causes the

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-3463022439390411972010-08-31T20:44:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:37:14.487Z

The HBKA will stop sending Divisions printed copies of Newsletters in 2011, but will continue sending it out by e-mail. This will increase divisional costs which for us will mean an increase in subscriptions for 2011. The committee propose to increase subscriptions to cover the increased costs, and give those who receive the Newsletter by e-mail a discount. All this will need to be decided at the

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-68661135204692190502010-08-31T20:34:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:36:42.181Z

by Jane MoseleyJuly 2010....and all for 12 Jars of HoneyFollowing Christine’s clear instruction the Apiary was found nestled in woodland minutes from the City Centre. As the traffic roared past, an air of calm descended as everyone gathered in the late afternoon sun. We congregated in a semi circle, surrounded by beautiful trees with lush green grass beneath our feet and all eyes focused on

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-59093395301989689672010-08-31T20:24:00.000+01:002011-02-22T23:35:56.902Z

There have been an increasing number of hive thefts this year. The St Albans group lost two complete hives in August from their Prae Wood apairy and as a consequence have moved all remaining hives to the St Albans group's other site. This was clearly not a random theft as both hives were full of bees and must have been stolen by someone that knows how to handle bees. The police have been

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-14420214934600254052010-08-31T20:13:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.125Z

by Derek Driver Recently at a dinner, the lady next to me mentioned that she belonged to the W.I and her group had bought a new hive for one of their members. Intrigued, I asked, how many colonies did the recipient have? The reply was, none. I then said, oh, she’s going on a beekeeping course? No, was the reply. Now I was puzzled, so I then asked why did the W.I. buy her anew beehive? Back came

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-5031311903704962162010-08-31T12:00:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.131Z

by Peter Mathews These bees, which were first reported in the New Forest in 2001, seem to be increasing numbers in a big way. They favour settling in elevated locations like trees as their name would suggest. Last year  Welwyn had a dozen or so calls from people with bees in their bird  box. These were identified as the tree bumble bee. From some of the calls, you would think it was our fault

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-81462686091507849642010-08-31T00:10:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.138Z

by Peter Mathews You should have received your 2010/11 membership card together with the June "BBKA News". If you have "BBKA News" and no card, you probably tossed it in the bin with the letter and envelope! If you have neither then contact your branch Membership Secretary who will chase this up for you. If you are a recent member, then your membership may well be 'in the system'. With so many

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-26198055797122885182010-08-10T21:22:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:56:51.156Z

  As editor of Hert Bees I receive some interesting requests from members of the public. I recently received an email from Paul Hickling who now lives in Spain. Paul writes: I used to have a house in Albury many moons ago and a menswear shop in Bishop's Stortford (Donald Hickling) and have lived in Spain since I left Albury in 1977 where I have a restaurant (www.romanoasismanilva.com). I wonder

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-56649567450362934662010-08-10T19:33:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.566Z

Feeding Reminder Bees are fed a substitute for nectar which is made by mixing and dissolving white sugar in hot water. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved. For autumn feeding mix one kilo of sugar with half a litre of water (2lbs:1Pint). For spring and summer feeding mix one kilo of sugar with one litre of water (1lb:1 Pint). The Winter feed requires a higher ratio of sugar to water. If winter

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-9554618734488724232010-08-01T22:41:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.570Z

Bishops Stortford news by Jane Moseley (July 2010) Top Bar Hives & Friendly Bees Another beautiful sunny afternoon spent with 22 members of the BSBKA group and an interesting afternoon it proved to be. A big thank you to Paul and Julie Cooper for hosting the meeting and supplying us with never ending pots of tea and a wonderful selection of homemade cakes, including some made from their own honey

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-57869742414739049262010-08-01T21:27:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.575Z

Caddon Hives - Suppliers of low cost quality WBC and National Hives Please visit our website www.caddon-hives.co.uk for more details. For orders of 10 hives or more we can offer a 10% discount plus free delivery to one address.   E.H. Thorne (Beehives) Ltd After many weeks of hard work supplying orders over the beekeeping season, we are at last in a position to announce dates for our 2010 Open

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-24506127584851819822010-06-03T21:52:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.579Z

Editorial by Paul Cooper Flaming June and the honey flow is in full swing, the supers are filling up and swarms are happening.  Oilseed rape flowers will soon have finished so make sure you get those supers out and spun before the honey sets solid. Don't wait for them to be fully capped as it may be too late. Providing nectar isn't dripping out when shaken they should be ok. This is a short

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-34601156702219032392010-06-03T20:16:00.001+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.583Z

With the swarming season suddenly upon us our new “beeline” seems to be working very well. Helen's good planning and organisation is allowing volunteers from each area to be contacted to collect swarms and those wanting a swarm to receive one, so a big thank you Helen! Beginners After Graham and Derrick's indoor beginners meetings, outdoor teaching began at Graham's apiary in April but will from

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-1886238195192045042010-06-03T20:16:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.587Z

The following should have appeared last month but got lost in the email. Apologies to North Herts. Now that our last indoor meeting of the season has passed, a long summer of bees and apiary visits and honey awaits – I hope. All dates will be on the calendar section of the website, but since the last newsletter there are a few new items: May 15th at 2.00pm Annual clear-up at N. Herts

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-42019790414469890422010-06-03T20:04:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.589Z

WELCOME all our new members. Our membership is now around the 35 mark,  which is fantastic and we hope that you enjoy attending the Apiary Visits, which enable you to have a nose into other folks Hives and to get your hands on frames etc which we hope proves to be useful experience before you get your own Hives. For those with Bees it gives you an insight as to what you may or may not want to see

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-78178728556813266942010-06-03T20:00:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.595Z

Meetings - all to be held at Prae Wood Apiary Saturday 19th June 2010 at 3.00pm For the third members meeting Crispin Baker will explain 'Winter feeding,how and what…'Saturday 10th July 2010 at 3.00pm The fourth members meeting will be about 'Current varroa treatments' and will be demonstrated by Eileen Remnant. 'BeeWorld 2010' A very successful Hertfordshire BKA BeeWorld was held at the Herts

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-49505956312183715072010-06-02T22:26:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:21:41.368Z

by Jane Moseley A big thank you to Malcolm High of the SE Herts group for a very interesting meet on Sunday. Bishops Stortford members joined SE Herts at Malcolm's lovely home on a very hot afternoon. Malcolm has about 40 Hives and we were invited to have a look through some of those which are situated in his garden. Having taken over his wife's hobby which all started back in 1975 he has a

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-39629441298473694172010-06-02T20:16:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:22:11.122Z

by Eric Margrave My 5 frame B.S. Nuc hive complete with new frames has been taken from Pre Wood Apiary between the 1st and 8th May. A reminder not to leave empty equipment around otherwise you might be a victim of theft.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-70494084612601213802010-04-30T23:59:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:09:38.456Z

Editorial by Paul CooperMay is "busy bee" month for beekeepers. All of a sudden, after a late start to the spring, we're faced with queen cells & swarming and probably, like me, wondering why you didn't spend more of the winter months preparing for the sudden demand for new frames, supers and brood boxes. Don't you think that Stoneleigh could be about a month earlier in the calendar? A shorter

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-76274613492006871762010-04-30T22:20:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.611Z

Please call Andy on 01462 711937 as places are limited at the 5th June apiary visit at Shillington.

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-32333000336725775182010-04-30T21:52:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.614Z

We had a great turnout for the viewing of the Barnet Beekeepers' Association 1936 film. Approximately 35 people attended and we were delighted to welcome beekeepers from other Hertfordshire groups. We all enjoyed the film and marvelled at how little beekeeping equipment has changed over the years. We're hoping to continue the momentum and arrange a reguar, monthly gathering with different

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-54386241743439768202010-04-30T21:24:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.616Z

Yesterday (20th April) I went through a few of my colonies, marking and clipping Queens  and putting on a few supers, and was very pleasantly surprised at how well advanced they were after the long cold winter. I never cease to be amazed at how quickly the bees shake of the effects of winter, and how quickly colonies develop once pollen is freely available. But in just ten more weeks the honey

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-90488367938917420622010-04-30T19:19:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.619Z

Meetings – all to be held at Prae Wood Apiary Saturday 15th May 2010 at 3.00pm - At our second members meeting of the season Eric Margrave and Luke Adams will demonstrate the art of ‘Making a nucleus box, stocking it and uses of…’ Saturday 19th June 2010 at 3.00pm - For the third members meeting Crispin Baker will explain ‘Winter feeding, how and what…’  Saturday 10th July 2010 at 3.00pm - The

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-482490245597185882010-04-30T11:12:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.622Z

It was lovely to see those of you that managed to make it to the Apiary visit on 10th April. Thank to John Dockerall for hosting the meeting. We welcomed 3 new members and enjoyed a special visit from Derek Driver from SE Herts, who demonstrated and talked us through the benefits of Queen marking and clipping. John had lost one of his hives over winter but we went through the surviving hive

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-880967367672423862010-04-30T08:28:00.000+01:002011-02-21T23:57:38.625Z

Our first apiary meeting was held on 17th April. It was a little later than usual this year as the one scheduled for 3rd April had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. The 17th was a lovely warm spring day and the meeting was very well attended. It was especially nice to welcome Alan Parrott, who is based in France, and then it is not usually able to attend our apiary meetings.  The two new

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-85729185569667569212010-04-29T22:19:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:12:16.133Z

by Peter Mathews Our annual subscriptions include a contribution to BDI Ltd giving insurance cover for brood diseases i.e. American Foul Brood or European Foul Brood. Divisions pay £2 to BDI for all registered members giving cover for up to 3 hives. Further hives can be added for an additional premium. It is important to declare, and pay for, the maximum number of hives you may expand to during

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-78014608450463893442010-04-29T19:38:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:11:33.190Z

by Peter Mathews Good to see so many HBKA at Stoneleigh this year. Sales at the  exhibition were even more manic that last year. Getting served was a nightmare. BBKA need to give some real thought to expanding the show, or maybe holding it over two days ease congestion. As always, the various talks and workshops are an important part of  the weekend. I understand the two queen rearing workshops

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-56101976175341819222010-04-29T17:45:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:12:41.947Z

Bee World 2010 Don't forget Bee World at the Herts County Show on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th May 2010 - 9:00am until 5:30pm at The Showground, Redbourn, St Albans, AL3 7PT. Click here for details. Rothamsted Open Weekend Please go and support Dr Juliet Osborne and her bee research team at Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ on Saturday 22nd May & Sunday 23rd May 2010 - 11am until

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-52860192456304327882010-04-29T16:46:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:10:58.416Z

by Peter Folge Today it has been announced that the Small Hive Beetle has been found in Hawaii it is also present in Australia. Many imported queens come from these regions especially Hawaii. So please take all precautions and consider carefully if and when purchasing bees from outside your locality. Read the article and links from Beebase: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/public/News/

Herts Bees Editorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532223069502667404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34468218.post-70743043635161760702010-03-31T23:59:00.000+01:002011-03-01T07:14:15.314Z

Editorial by Paul CooperThe temperature is rising, blossom is beginning to bloom and the bees are flying. We've had the AGM, Stoneleigh is just around the corner and we'll be coping with swarms and set honey before you can say "artificial swarm". How good it feels at the start of a new season. We welcome Barnet's contribution to the newsletter this month and wish to highlight their showing of a

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