 |
| William Elmore,
Tennessee 1865-1930's |
EDITORIAL
As we advance steadily into the new
year and the drums of war take our minds off the threat of GMOs,
Small Hive Beatles and T. claraea to our craft, it is interesting
to note that at the beekeeping level, normal communications can
still continue. Until comparatively recently I was communicating
information on Bee Eaters (European), to the Bagdad Natural History
Museum who are studying the problem which exists for Iraqui bee
keepers. I have no doubt that such contacts exist in a wide range
of subjects, perhaps countering (in a very very small way) the
notion that all the talking has stopped. I hope that such contacts
can continue. In the mean time, I must add my thanks to Kenneth
Elmore for his extremely interesting photos and I hope that we
see more of them.
The month so far has been fairly quiet on the beekeeping news
front but I'm sure as the year progresses, it will liven up. So
a quiet issue.
CHANGES TO THE NEWSLETTER
This issue of the Apis UK newsletter has been changed slightly
in that the 'Dates for your Diary' section has been put at the
end. This is not to suggest that it is least in importance; quite
the contrary, but this new position will facilitate 'finding your
place' when you wish to refer directly to that section. One other
change is the addition of a section discussing the various myths
that abound in beekeeping especially on the UK scene. We start
with a look at acarine disease and its link to the Isle of Wight
Disease. Anyone can contribute their pet hate myth and/or shoot
down any comments made. I wrote this one so any rockets to me
please.
OVERSEAS CONTRIBUTORS
Although this newsletter is written in English, it is web based
and is therefore by definition readily available to a global audience
and I know that many from overseas read it. Often, if they wish
to communicate with us they are inhibited from doing so because
of the difficulty of expressing themselves in written English.
We have received some requests for information in Spanish with
a covering letter in English and I have translated the texts into
English, but I also include the Spanish versions so that any Spanish
speaker with limited English may be able to contribute. The message
to overseas contributors is to try us in English first (please),
but if this really can't be done, we will try our best to translate.
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The Great Hive
©Kenneth Elmore
(Is this what John Yates means by standards?
E.d) |
THIS EDITION
So what has this edition got to offer?
The usual mix of articles and associated beekeeping information
including an article on biannual beekeeping, feeding bees, and
the myths surrounding the Isle of Wight disease. Two new books
have recently been published, and these are reviewed in the newsletter.
Both are most interesting (one has been republished) and both
are worth a place on beekeepers' bookshelves.
Sadly, another well known respected
beekeeper has died (See obituary below) and of course this is
always a sad occurrence. The lady in question lived to a ripe
old age and we all mourn the loss.
WEB SITES OF INTEREST
www sites are of course a major feature of the newsletter and
there are three that I found recently that will be of interest
to beekeepers. www.beesource.com
run by Barry Bikey is a fount of interesting information with
beekeeping news, science articles and a very useful apicultural
book store. Dr Adrian Wenner a contributor to beesource.com, is
best known to scientists and beekeepers as the man who challenges
the theory of the 'dance language of the bee'. I have often read
his interesting theories and am inclined towards them, especially
his views on a swarm finding a new home. You can read them on
this web site, or take a look at a series of articles by him in
the ABJ in 1999. Even if you dismiss these theories, they certainly
make you think and all those interested in beekeeping science
should (in my opinion) retain an open mind. (See the Acarine article
below).
Bees for Development
have updated their web site at http://www.beesfordevelopment.org
And it is well worth a visit. It is one of those sites where you
click onto another part of it and things happen straightaway.
In other words it works. Their bookstore is excellent, maintaining
stocks of books mainly in English but also in other languages,
and of course by buying from them, you are helping a charity that
is doing excellent apicultural work in the third world. Take a
look. More on this next month.
In this issue we have included some
information given out by the editor of Bee Culture, a US
apicultural magazine. Under the title 'catch the buzz article',
Kim Flottum the editor passes on information about magazine articles
and other interesting snippets. You an receive these by subscribing
on the web site http://www.beeculture.com/beeculture/
And finally,
THE VIRTUAL BEEKEEPER? R.Raff toddles off. For many years the
Bee Keepers Quarterly edited by John Phipps has entertained thousands
of beekeepers with the ramblings of R. Raff who's 'Back to Basics'
column endeavoured to remind beekeepers of the roots of the craft;
a sort of antidote to this high tech world. His knowledge and
experience of beekeeping was obviously extensive, his dry wit
excellent and his writing skills plain and simple. Month after
month he kept us enthralled with stories of Bill the Bastard (a
horse), or his searches for apiary sites after having been booted
off existing ones, or the delights of his neighbourhood where
he would whizz out of his house at dead of night to retrieve the
bits of wood used in fights by the local thugs, for use in his
apiary. Old age (he tells us) has now claimed him and he can no
longer keep bees. He now wishes for nothing more than 'to toddle
off into the sunset' and retire from the scene. I would like to
wish him well and to thank him for entertaining us so royally
for so long. We have never seen a photo of Raff and this has led
my wife to believe that he is a virtual creation. She is now devastated
that he is no longer writing and told me to immediately cancel
my subscription to the Quarterly unless he came back. (I had to
remind her that I received it free!). Good luck R. Raff. You won't
be forgotten.
I hope that you enjoy reading this
issue and if you have anything to say, let us know.
David Cramp. Editor.
NEWS
CAN HONEY KILL WEEDS?
ARS scientists in the US have now scientifically
tested the use of vinegar as a herbicide and offer the first scientific
evidence of its potency as a weedkiller. Using various concentrations
of vinegar they found that 5 and 10% concentrations killed weeds
during their first two weeks of life; and that higher concentrations
had an 85 to 100% kill rate at all stages of growth on tested weeds.
(Household vinegar has a 5% concentration). Interestingly on a larger
scale, spot spraying of weeds in cornfields (I assume this is
maize, Ed), killed 80 to 100% of weeds without harming the corn.
Scientists stressed that more research is needed.
This research could offer organic farmers a safe
and organic way of destroying harmful weeds without the need for
chemical herbicides and it also indicates another use for honey
vinegar.
This information came from a report on www.beesource.com
a site mentioned in the editorial in this issue.
The Bee Inspector on BBC Radio 4
Call in the bee expert. The Bee Inspector Sundays 2nd - 23rd February,
2.45pm on BBC Radio 4. Who do you call when your bees stop buzzing
or the honey goes off? Why, the Bee Inspector of course. He may
be the man from the Ministry, but David Kemp is the saviour of many
a bee-keeper. What's more he's full of fascinating facts about these
extraordinary little creatures and how they live. But does he get
stung often? If you missed the broadcast visit the URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/beeinspector.shtml
(Thanks to Greg Snell for this news item E.d).
NEED A CHANGE?
Then join a Bees for Development Beekeepers' Safari
- friendly holidays visiting beekeepers world-wide. Safari is the
Swahili word for journey. As with all the best journeys, Bees
for Development Safaris combine travel with adventure,
learning, making new friendships, tasting exotic cuisine, and beekeeping
too. Our Safaris are joint activities with Bees for Development's
partner organisations in developing countries. Each Safari
is a unique and memorable adventure, encouraging exchange of ideas
between beekeepers from different countries. We introduced our Safaris
in 1996 as part of our programme to promote awareness of beekeeping
as a worthwhile and environmentally sustainable activity, world-wide.
An enjoyable adventures for beekeepers and non beekeepers alike.
For more information and future dates visit our website: www.beesfordevelopment.org
OBITUARY
Somerset Beekeepers have lost a valuable beekeeping
colleague when Lilian passed away recently age 91. She was an outstanding
demonstrator and lecturer and was well known as a judge throughout
the west of England. Lilian Hender dgmorris@cooptel.net
THE BEE PRESS
BEECRAFT
The latest issue of Bee Craft offers a wealth of information, advice
and items of interest for all beekeepers in its monthly columns.
The following is its contents list:
Beecraft February 2003 Volume 85 Number 2
Website: http://www.bee-craft.com/
Editorial, CANHOS - Martin Buckle, Beekeeping in
St Helena - John Kinross. Bees for Development - Nicola Bradbear,
PhD. Viruses in New Zealand honey bees - Jacqui Todd and Brenda
Ball. Getting Startet: setting up an apiary - Margaret Thomas, NDB.
An African experience - Len Dixon.
Beekeeping in Madagascar - Joe Bidwell. Report from the North -
Colin Weightman. Vive la difference - Celia Davis, NDB. All go at
the National 2002: Part 2 - Don Hannon. Beekeeping in Ireland -
Eddie O'Sullivan. In the Apiary: an interesting bee book - Karl
Shower. As Dr Drone. The 'B' Kids. Letters to the Editor. Around
the colony. Classified advertisements and Calendar
THE BEEKEEPERS QUARTERLY
Editor John Phipps Neochori, 24024 Agios Nikolaos, Mesknias, Greece
tel: 00 30 27210 78089 email: jdphipps@otenet.gr http://www.beedata.com/bbq.htm
 |
Cover photograph
Dray horses of England's oldest brewery and producers of the
honey~based Waggledance beer.
Photograph courtesy Young's Brewery
|
The Editor welcomes articles for inclusion in the
BKQ but please state when submitting a ms if it has been sent simultaneously
to any other magazine or journal.
BKQ No.72 February 2003 Contents:
Editorial, Why KEEP THE BRITISH BEE? Part Two Ashleigh Milner ENVIRONMENT:
The ever-changing landscape Geoff Hopkinson NDB SCIENCE REVIEW Janet
Dowling FRES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ASSOCIATION NEWS National Honey
Show; Apimondia; BIBBA; Bees for Development; BBKA; NEW BEEKEEPING:
modernising small-scale beekeeping for the recreational needs of
today Robin Dartington AMERSTERDAM BEE PARK Alex VerstMegnn AFRICAN
BEES TO CONTROL AFRICAN ELEPHANTS Fritz Vollrath, Iain Douglas-Hamilton
Danielle Kars and Alex Verstegen FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS England,
Dr Nigel Payne; Russia, Vitahy Petrovsky; Czech Republic, Dr Vitezslav
Vydrw, Poland, Machj Winiarski:, Bulgaria, Stoyan Stoyanov; Cyprus;
Roger White, Canada, David Dawson, USA, Ann Harman; Scotland, Nigel
Hurst, Brittany, Job Pichoir, HONEYBEE WINTER ACTIVITY Jim Fletcher
LONDON ROOFTOP BEEKEEPERS Jill Mead and Steve Benbow FARMER BEES
and other tales from the world of Social Insects Prof. Francis Ratnieks
BREEDING MATTERS John Atkinson COLLECTORS CORNER: Beekeeping Treasures,
Geoff Hopkinson NDB.
BEE CULTURE MAGAZINE
Siftings from the March 2003 Bee Culture: This is the first
in a series of short articles that will appear on a regular basis.
They introduce you to upcoming articles and information in the next
issue of Bee Culture magazine.
Editor Kim Flottum discusses the "real"
Russian bee in The Inner Cover. Most call them Carniolans, but they
are also something else according to Drs. Ruttner and Rinderer.
Clearly identification of honey bees is taking on a more important
role in contemporary apiculture.
In the what's new area, Burkes Rapid-Notes colony
records follow an easy "checklist" format that allows
you to quickly and accurately record the activities of your colony
inspections without a lot of extra writing. Extra spaces are included
in each inspection category so you can customize information to
suit your particular needs.
Dr. Steve Sheppard discusses why bees and elephants are both mentioned
together and their relationship in Africa in his Research Reviewed
article. Dr. Wyatt Magnum promises to bring a lot of still-good,
yet old beekeeping knowledge to Bee Culture in the months ahead.
He writes about the origin of and publishes photographs of his beekeeping
museum, the fountain of these future articles.
Florida Bee Inspection on the Chopping Block:
"The Board was notified that the new state
budget presented by Governor Jeb Bush would eliminate the Apiary
Inspection Division. Governor Bush wants to eliminate the $797,000.00
budgeted amount stating the Apiary Inspection Division should be
financed by the beekeeping industry itself. A lengthy discussion
was held concerning the ramifications this would invoke on the beekeeping
industry. It was the consensus of the Board of Managers that an
emergency Honey Board Technical Council meeting be called as soon
as possible. Further information will be forthcoming as to the means
in which the "beekeepers" can convey their displeasure
to the elected officials in their areas." http://www.flareal.com/fsbaminutes.htm#bmmfeb2003
Kim Flottum
Editor, Bee Culture Magazine http://www.beeculture.com/beeculture/
For an archive Catch the Buzz postings, visit: http://bee.airoot.com/beeculture/buzz/index.html
ARTICLES
(More sound information for beekeepers. In this issue John Yates
writes on feeding bees which I believe to be a more complex subject
than it seems. But see also the historical note below for more illuminating
information. Ed).
Feeding honeybees
Written by John Yates
It is often said, and I believe it to be true, that
anyone needing to feed their bees in the spring should not be keeping
bees; they have fed their bees inadequately the previous autumn.
The nonsense of giving the bees a cake of candy on Christmas day
still persists in some parts of Devon and, no doubt, in other parts
of the country. I hear also, from time to time, other horror stories
about feeding such as feeding fermenting honey, feeding heated honey,
feeding hydrolysed sucrose by using this for making soft candy and
feeding partly hydrolysed sucrose by boiling with cream of tartar
or vinegar as the basis for a making a solid candy. Many of the
bakers' fondants are used for feeding as well. Reference to Bailey's
book on Honeybee Pathology will condemn them all as toxic to bees
and there is only one food that can be safely administered and that
is pure refined sucrose. Unrefined sugars are toxic including semi-refined
beet sugar.
Many years ago, MAFF as it was then, the time when
it took a real interest in honeybee husbandry, conducted a survey
on winter losses and found starvation to be the major cause. I doubt
if much has changed. So let us explore for the rest of this article
a few facts about feeding colonies of honeybees.
The reasons for feeding a colony sugar are shown
below:
a) To provide adequate stores for winter (rapid
feeding).
b) To provide emergency stores in the season between colony inspections
(rapid feeding).
c) As a means of administering drugs (generally rapid feeding).
d) To stimulate the queen to lay (usually slow feeding).
e) To prevent starvation when the colony is about to succumb (rapid).
f) To enhance wax production and the drawing of foundation and comb
(slow or rapid depending on circumstances, eg. a swarm on foundation
is fed rapidly).
g) When a colony has an inadequate foraging force, eg. an artificial
swarm which is short of stores (rapid feeding) or after spray poisoning
losses.
The precautions to take when feeding honeybee colonies:
a) There should be no spilling or dripping of syrup
anywhere in the apiary.
b) Precautions should be taken to prevent robbing (reduced entrances
and bee-tight hives).
c) Feed should only be administered in the evening just before dark.
d) No sugar syrup should find its way into the supers and be mixed
eventually with honey for extraction and sale.
e) Only pure white refined granulated sugar should be used.
Preparing syrup for feeding:
Generally, for the last century, two types of mix
have been recommended, a thick syrup for autumn feeding which will
be stored more or less immediately and thin syrup for spring or
stimulative feeding which is to be consumed without storing. Most
of the literature quotes the following:
Thick - 2lb sugar to 1 pint of water gives 61.5%
sugar concentration
Thin - 1lb sugar to 2 pints of water gives 28.0% sugar concentration
Since the bee requires a concentration of 50% for
it to digest and metabolise the sugar then the mix should be:
Medium - 1kg sugar to 1 litre of water gives 50.0%
sugar concentration
If sugar syrup is to be mixed with cold water, it
will be found difficult to obtain a complete mix with 2lb to 1 pint
and if it is mixed with warm water sugar crystals will remain in
the bottom of the feeder which are too dense for the bees to use.
The so called 'thick syrup' can be forgotten and so can the so called
'thin syrup, which requires the bees to increase the sugar water
ratio, by manipulation, before they can use it.
Because of this cold mixing problem we use a mix
with cold water of 7lb to 5 pints in an old washing machine (top
loader with central agitator). The concentration works out to be
52.8%, less than 61.5% and hence giving the bees a bit more work
to do ripening it to 80% for storing and sealing. As we feed for
winter immediately after extracting in August, this causes the bees
no distress as they have plenty of time to get their larder in the
order they require it before the cold nights set in. We picked up
this tip of 7lb to 5 pints years ago from Mrs.Payne in Sussex the
mother of the Payne brothers who, at that time, were bee farmers;
I think mum prepared the feeding syrup for a lot of bees!
I am of the opinion that, for the sake of simplicity,
the very simple metric mix of 50:50 would satisfy all bee husbandry
requirements and thick and thin can be relegated to the past.
The amounts of food to be fed in an emergency and
for winter seem to be the most important; they are discussed below.
Emergency feeding
It is necessary to know the amount of food that
a colony requires during the season so that, after an inspection,
the beekeeper can determine whether it shall require feeding or
whether it has sufficient stores to the next inspection. The worst
case must always be considered and that is when the colony sends
out its foragers and they are unrewarded in their search for food.
A flying bee uses 10mg honey per hour while foraging
for an average time of 5 hours per day. If the colony has 13,000
foragers (1/3 of the total population) and the next inspection is
7 days away, then the colony should have 10lb of liquid stores.
ie. 10lb = (13000 × 10 × 10-3 × 5 × 7) ÷
454
Therefore, if the colony has less than 10lb of stores
it may require emergency feeding if there is no income and the weather
is inclement. The amount required is likely to be small, ie. a few
pounds.
The same considerations are applicable to nuclei
and many a nuc has died out due to starvation because of the beekeeper's
ignorance of not understanding the little colony's food requirements.
If a colony or a nuc is on the point of starvation the bees will
be in a pile on the floor of the hive unable to move because their
blood sugar levels are too low. Spraying them with a 50:50 solution
of sugar water is an amazing sight to see. In a matter of a few
minutes as they clean each other up their blood sugar levels increase
very rapidly and they start to move. It is not long before the whole
colony is on the move and back onto their combs and reciprocal feeding
is underway again. At this stage a feeder can safely be put atop
the colony knowing that they will have sufficient energy to reach
it. Thankfully, beekeepers that get into this pickle generally do
not repeat the exercise.
Winter feeding
We are alarmed and distressed by the large number
of beekeepers who either don't know how much food a colony requires
for winter or, if they do know, have no idea how to calculate how
much it should be fed. The losses each year in the UK due to starvation
amount to many thousands of colonies according to the MAFF survey
mentioned above. If the RSPCA knew more about bees they would be
taking some action against the offending beekeepers.
The calculation is a simple bit of arithmetic and
the starting point is a colony inspection in August. Each frame
in the brood chamber is inspected and the amount of liquid stores
estimated on the basis that a BS frame when full and sealed with
honey weighs 5lb. A Commercial frame holds 7lb.
A strong colony requires c. 35lb to see it through to the spring
without feeding in the early months of the new year, the time when
stores are used up very quickly. To illustrate the simplicity of
the calculation, assume the colony has 25lb of stores after the
inspection. The colony requires 35 - 25 = 10lb of additional stores
or the honey equivalent thereof. How much sugar must be fed in syrup
form to provide the equivalent of 10lb of honey? 1lb of honey contains
c. 0.8lb of sugar; therefore, 8lb of sugar should be fed in syrup
form. If the colony required 15lb of additional stores then the
amount of sugar = 15 × 0.8 = 12lb sugar. It is as simple as
that and yet very few beekeepers take the trouble to do the job
properly and many colonies starve to death each winter.
I hope that your colonies come through the winter
but if you have doubts have a look, on a good day in February/March
to determine whether there are any sealed stores. Don't move the
frames just look between the frames after a puff or two of smoke
has sent the bees down.
Fact as Strange as Fiction
Written by Ian Rumsey
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It is just as well that we do not have to have a full understanding
of a particular fact or function to enable that fact or function to
operate satisfactorily.
For example, young ladies would be unable to start their cars, and
old men would not be able to send messages by computer, if this was
not the case.
We cannot explain gravity, but fortunately for us it continues to
exist.
There are of course facts beyond belief, and fiction so plausible
that it continuously masquerades as fact.
It is an interesting exercise to mix unlikely facts with plausible
fiction as the true connoisseur would readily appreciate the situation
and enjoy the joke.
So, without further ado, let us commence.
1. Feral colonies of bees continue to exist in areas of varroa
infestation.
2. The reason for this is fully understood and is being applied
to current beekeeping practice.
3. The shape of the brood nest effects varroa reproduction.
4. The cell size and orientation within the brood nest is also
an important consideration in this respect.
Need I go on - you get the drift, these few examples
will suffice. Fact or fiction? Who knows.
If your interest has been aroused, have a look at: http://www.beedata.com/data3/fdgmhive2001-3.htm
and see whether you can see the wood for the bees.
ACARINE DISEASE. Fact or Fiction
FACT?: "ACARINE DISEASE or The Isle of Wight Disease wiped
out much of the British honeybee population in the early part of
the 20th century". Did it?
This 'fact' found in many writings even today is possibly one of
the misleading statements in the UK beekeeping scene together with
the supposed symptoms: wings set at odd angles (K wing) and bees
therefore crawling. Today, in the 21st century, many new beekeepers
and old can recite a litany of misleading beekeeping 'facts', and
Acarine disease, its symptoms and its link to the Isle of Wight
Disease is certainly a classic, and it was taught to me in 1990
on a bee keeping course.
So what do we really know about Acarine?
Most of the work on this subject has been carried out by L. Bailey
in the UK and Gary and Page in the US and the evidence certainly
indicates that Acarapis woodi had little to do with the losses of
colonies suffered in the early part of the 20th Century.
That there were large losses of colonies amongst some UK beekeepers
in the early part of the 20th century is not in doubt and these
problems were first noted in the Isle of Wight in 1906. It was assumed
that this was due to a new unidentified disease, a 'fact' which
was promulgated in the press helping to confirm the fact in the
public's mind. Investigations at the time attributed most bee deaths
(especially starvation during and after bad winters) to this new
disease and often caused wholesale poisoning of colonies with their
remedies. One report stated that the bees were dying because they
were short of nitrogen because they had distended rectums full of
pollen. At the time, adult bees were supposed not to need protein
food and if they did, then pollen was unsuitable. Removal of pollen
frames in the autumn was advocated and colonies were fed with beef
extract. This poisons bees, but the practice was continued for many
years and losses attributed to the IOW disease. Bailey reports that
other remedies included phenol, izal, sour milk and other chemicals
lethal to bees. They were fed to cure ailing colonies and as a preventative
for healthy colonies.
Descriptions of colonies with foul brood were reported
as IOW disease and in short, beekeepers attributed just about all
colony deaths to this phenomenum. Even Dr Rennie, (the co founder
of the mite) believed that many other problems were attributed 'to
the now quite properly discarded designation, Isle of Wight Disease'.
And he wrote this in 1923. Initially Dr Rennie believed that his
discovery might be the cause of the problems, but his own evidence
didn't support this, with A. woodi being widespread and found in
normal, healthy colonies. Often too it was found that flying bees
were more heavily infested than crawling bees from the same stock.
Essentially, A. woodi then was as it is now, widespread and with
the ability to very slightly shorten the life of bees, but certainly
not causing the observed sickness known as the Isle of Wight Disease.
The problem however was that the mite was discovered at around the
same time as problems occurred. New problems observed; new mite
discovered. The mite caused the problems. Obvious.
It appears from Bailey's and others works that with
colony densities possibly ten times higher then than now, a corresponding
rise in incidence in paralysis and of A.woodi (and possibly other
contageous pathogens) occured. Since those years, the decline in
colony numbers has been followed by a decline in incidences of parasites
and a similar decline in paralysis which is independant of A. woodi.
So it appears that the supposed symptoms were those of paralysis
which was discovered some 50 years later. Other colony deaths were
the result of numerous other problems including remedies for the
'Acarine'.
All of this information is openly available in the beekeeping literature
and on various bee science sites on the web so the question is,
'Why do we still talk about and teach new beekeepers about "Acarine
disease?" and why do we link Acarapis woodi with the so called
Isle of Wight Disease? and finally, why do beekeepers to this day
(and I actually know some who do) still put such garbage as Frow
mixture (or modifications of this mix) into their beehives? I wouldn't
eat their honey.
In his monograph on beekeeping equipment, (reviewed in this issue
below), John Yates asks for specifications and standards to be applied
to beekeeping equipment and suggests that the BBKA undertake this.
Perhaps an agreed syllabus for beekeeping courses could also be
devised.
BOOK REVIEW
BEEKEEPING EQUIPMENT
(caveat emptor)
a monograph for the
INITIATED and UNINITIATED
JD Yates.
No one can accuse John Yates of not speaking plainly
when he writes (I have never spoken to him personally). In his articles
for this newsletter and in previous publications plain speaking
and logic have been his trademark. This small publication is no
exception. Demand for written notes following various lectures on
the inadequacy of current beekeeping equipment prompted him to complete
this monograph in which he makes three main essential points: Firstly
that much of the beekeeping equipment in the UK suffers from inadequacies
of design; Secondly that to overcome this for future generations,
beekeeping equipment (including wax foundation) should be subject
to design criteria and that specifications should be prepared to
this end (he proposes that the BBKA is the logical body to arrange
this); and Thirdly that much can be done to overcome present inadequacies
by simple modifications of existing equipment.
Following an introduction of the type of bee that
we are dealing with, John gives a brief history of hive design,
leading to the discovery of 'bee space' and around this all important
discovery, he develops his theme which is that knowledge of accurate
bee space dimensions is not taken into account when designing beehives.
(I often wonder whether beehives are 'designed'. In Spain certainly
they are just 'manufactured'). He clearly points out the problems
which occur (propolising, burr and brace comb making) and defines
some basic criteria for hives and hive parts.
Most of the monograph then concentrates on the exact bits of kit
that fail the test and describes ways in which any beekeeper can
easily rectify the problems with a minimum input of DIY skill. This
includes hive equipment as well as smokers, floor boards, feeders,
mouse guards etc and gives easily followed information on how to
make a superior hive tool.
He ends the monograph with a set of proposals and swiftly concludes
that the present situation is a 'disgrace'.
The monograph is very well presented and written, the information
very practical and the conclusions logical. There is no doubt that
if John's recommendations were acted upon, beekeeping in the UK
would improve. The facts of the matter are inescapable, but I know
through experience that mere facts won't convince anyone however
well presented. Money does that. As for the practical advice given
to beekeepers on how to rectify problems in their own hives, I believe
that many beekeepers will be eager to try out these ideas, (most
are hobbyists and this is something new in their hobby to try).
They will re-arrange them, alter them, modify the alterations, improve
upon them, argue passionately for this one or that, and a whole
new crop of non standard pieces of kit will emerge from their various
workshops to satisfy their desire to improve their beekeeping and
to further confuse the situation. That's what having a hobby is
all about. Standards??
When I first started beekeeping, someone totally
confused me by advising me to buy plastic metal ends instead of
metal ones!! When I found out what they were talking about and bought
some of these abominations I thought then that something should
be done and now John Yates has done it. This monograph is brilliant
and should be read by any beekeeper interested in the equipment
side of his hobby/craft/job. Whether it will have any effect whatsoever
I don't know, (it may even have the opposite effect as I outlined
above), but it needed doing and even if you have no intention of
changing anything, anyone reading this will have a far better idea
of why his or her beehive is like it is. I learned a lot and I think
that others would as well. It is plain speaking at its best.
Dr. Francis Smith Beekeeping in the Tropics
2003 reprint of the 1960 classic title. The
potentialities of the tropical areas of Africa, Asia and America
for the large-scale production of honey and beeswax are enormous,
but with a few notable exceptions, mainly in America. Beekeeping
in the tropics has been conducted on the most primitive level, or
with inadequate hives and poor strains of bees. During recent years,
a great deal has been added to the knowledge of the biology and
behaviour of honeybees, and something is now known of the plants
of value to them. Some of this information has had a direct bearing
on the problems of tropical beekeeping.
The first part of the book is devoted to the biology,
behaviour, diseases and enemies of bees, the plants which provide
most of their food, and the methods of exploiting their industry,
with some consideration of the economic aspects. Dr. Smith confines
himself to the straightforward equipment and methods suitable for
economic beekeeping, based on experience in Europe and Africa, eliminating
all that is fanciful or of doubtful value. The second part is devoted
to a discussion of the apiary and its equipment, including primitive
hives as well as the most efficient of the modern frame hives, with
full details of their construction and assembly, and mention of
the other tools and equipment required for apiary work.
Part three deals with hive management, with the
most successful methods of handling simple hives, as well as the
techniques of using present-day equipment, both the earlier Langstroth
and the more modern Modified Dadant hives. Particular emphasis is
placed on bee breeding, especially as there is a popular misconception
that this can only be done by expensively equipped research stations
with highly qualified staff. In fact it is something which every
beekeeper can and must do if he is to increase the productivity
of his bees.
The final part is devoted to the crop beeswax and
honey-its constituents and properties, and the handling of it once
it is removed from the hives. Lastly, the problems are considered
of those whose duty it is, though not themselves beekeepers, to
do everything possible to help the industry.
The book will provide all those interested in beekeeping
with a handy reference and guide book, with particular emphasis
on the practical and economic aspects in the tropics. It is written
for prospective bee farmers, officials concerned with developing
the industry, teachers in schools, and those interested in beekeeping
for its own sake. Special
offer during March £14.95 including UKP&P only
available to order online URL: http://www.beedata.com/nbb/nbboffer.htm
HISTORICAL NOTE
Having read John Yate's discourse on feeding
bees, here are some other feeding regimes to think about.
Of the Feeding of Bees. From John Evelyn's Kalendarium
Hortense. (C.1680).
January. Turn up your hives and sprinkle them with
a little warm sugar and sweetwort.
February. Continue feeding your weak stocks.
Of the Feeding of Bees from WC Cotton's, 'My Bee
Book'.(1742)
Autumn feeding should not be done later than September.....
First as to food. There is nothing so good as honey......
If you feed your bees on sugar and beer which is the next best,
do not put more than a pound of sugar to a quart of beer; nor boil
it for more than 5 minutes. This melts the sugar: longer boiling
would make it thick and unwholesome.
Winter Feed for bees. Pepe the Bandit. Los Romanos,
Spain 1994.
Use those figs that are rotten and full of insects.
Let them dry in the sacks. Boil them in water until the water turns
dark brown. Let the mixture cool and feed to the bees when required.
(I actually tried this last one. (Once). The
bees used it all and 'appeared' not to suffer, except those very
many who drowned because the sticks I had placed in the feed sank.
Ed).
LETTERS
Dear Editor,
My name is Kenneth Elmore I am a local beekeeper in California I
inherited hundreds of old photos of my Great-Great Grandfather and
his bee operations in Tennessee dating from 1865 to the 1930's His
name was William Elmore and he was the Iowa state bee inspector
for the entire state, I also inherited all of his log books for
his inspection of hives throughout the state.
My real interests in the photos is that I have noticed a certain
type of plant growing amongst the beehives in 3 different states
dating from 1880's thru 1960's I have done some research to find
out what type of plant this is , I feel it may have some medicinal
purpose, I have sent the photos to American Beekeeping Assoc. to
see what they could come up with, But as of now after 2 years it
is still a mystery. Perhaps you may know somebody that may be able
to help me with this mystery,
P.S. I have zoomed in on the plants and tried to clean the photos
up as best I can , If you would be interested in seeing them I would
be glad to e-mail them to you. Thank You Sincerely Kenneth L. Elmore
Jr. http://www.beedata.com/data3/uploads23-02-03/uploads23-02-03.htm
(Thanks Kenneth for sharing those fantasitic b/w
images of your Great-Great Grandfathers bee operation. We hope others
enjoy viewing the photographs at the above URL and contact the editor
if you can help Kenneth identify the plant. E.d)
 |
Dear Editor,
Apimondia Foundation, former IITEA Apimondia, has recently launched
its own web site available at the address: http://www.apimondiafoundation.org
There you may find useful information about its purpose, targets,
history, fields of activity and some achievements. The web site
is only in English for the time being, but we intend to have it
also in French, German, Spanish and Russian. An important step forward
is the information we would like to offer you based on the input
provided by the Questionnaire that you may access at "data
bank." Please fill it in and send it back to us if your activity
fits with the questions from the questionnaire. Beginning February
1, 2003 our e-mail address will be also changed into apifound@apimondiafoundation.org
(former address was iitea.apimondia@itcnet.ro) Thank you for taking
note of the above additions and changes. Kind regards Cristian Constantinescu
Dear David,
The London Beekeepers Association is up and running again!
We have a permanent base at the Wildlife Garden at Roots and Shoots,
Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington Road, Lambeth, London SE11 (near the
Imperial War Museum) which is our venue for meetings. More information
and details on our website: http://www.kentbee.com/londonbeekeepers/
We are running a 10 week introductory course (fully subscribed)
and are arranging a series of LECTURES open to all. This message
is being sent to our neighbouring Associations with an invitation
to any of your members to attend our lectures. Please give the programme
publicity amongst your members. Julian Lush JulianLush@amserve.com
Dear Editor,
Just a word to say well done with the newsletter. I find it very
good - some excellent articles, presented in a lively way, and well
illustrated. I especially enjoyed the piece a few months back about
urban beekeeping in London. Keep up the good work! Regards John
Owen john.e.owen@virgin.net
Dear Editor,
Have you come across plastic hives and frames? I would appreciate
getting contact details of anyone in the U.K or abroad with experience
of using plastic instead of wood. Also do you have any books on
bee-keeping in India?? Thanking you. Venk Shenoi Longhope Glos vgshenoi@powereng.co.uk
(Bees for Development have a unique selection
of beekeeping books and have an online store http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/.
Can anybody else help with the plastic frames and hives? .Ed)
(This letter printed in the original Spanish
below this translation appears to be aimed at Cuban Beekeepers.
But I'm sure that any beekeeper possessing knowledge of this subject
will reply. Any mess ups with the translation are mine. Ed).
Greetings,
have enjoyed browsing your site since its inception, especially
the international flavour. I'm attaching two files below. Perhaps
you can pass on the info in some manner, and/or comment on any possible
further sources or info relevant to the topics as they are works
in progress and any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks. Thomas
Mozer
Dear colleagues,
Greetings and best wishes. I would like to take this opportunity
to discuss the continueing search for information on the historical
apicultural links between Cuba and Florida and to thank those who
help in this exchange of information. According to various sources
cited by Bande Gonzalez, 'it appears most probable that Bishop Morell
of Santa Cruz first introduced Apis mellifera to Cuba, on 2 May
1763 on his arrival at havanna, preceding San Agustin of Florida
although others believe that the date was earlier. According to
Ponz 'this race (from castille) was believed to be imported from
Florida where it was introduced by the Spanish in 1711 .
It is still not known if European bees had been introduced before
those documented by the English in the North American colonies in
the 1600s but in an article recently published about the second
installment (not yet published) of 'The history of Spanish Apiculture'
by Gomez and Loren, it is stated that 'in this, there is irrefutable
proof of Spanish primacy in the export of European bees to the New
World, something that up to now according to the authors, had not
been recognised.
There exists therefore the possibility that bees had been carried
to the Antilles before arriving in Florida, perhaps including Eastern
Cuba and from there they were carried to other Spanish colonies.
It is interesting to note that an investigation into the morphological
characteristics of Apis mellifera in Cuba coincide in some results
of a study of morphological features of bees in Andalucia (Apis
mellifera iberica) . Also it would be useful to be able to compare
wild bee colonies in Cuba with those in Florida that I analized
See: http://www.beesource.com/news/article/floridaferal.htm
With this in mind, I would like to seek your help in obtaining examples
of bees in alcohol from your respective parts of the island (of
Cuba) which I could collect on my next visit, or sent to me in whatever
manner possible. Thanks in anticipation for your collaboration in
this project. I hope that it results in a deep understanding of
the links that unite us as a people.
Apiculturally
Thomas Mozer
References. (See original language letter below). Version en Espanol
Parece que esta carta esta dirigida a los colmeneros Cubanos (Ed).
San Agustin de La Florida, 15 Enero, 2003.
Estimados colegas:
Saludos cordiales de mi parte, espero que todos
esten bien! Quisiera tomar esta oportunidad para comunicarles sobre
la busqueda que continuo de datos acerca de los enlazes historicos
entre Cuba y la Florida en la apicultura, y darle las gracias a
los que ayudan al intercambio de informacion.
De acuerdo a varias fuentes citadas por Bande Gonzalez, "parece
bastante probable que el Obispo Morell de Santa Cruz haya sido el
principal introductor de las abejas meliferas en Cuba, el 2 de Mayo
de 1763, a su arribo al puerto habanero procedente de San Agustin
de La Florida."[1] Aunque otros estiman que puede haber sido
en una fecha anterior, segun Ponz "esta raza [la de Castilla]
se cree fue importada desde La Florida a donde la introdujeron los
Espan~oles en el an~o 1711."[2]
Aun se desconoce si hubieron introducciones de abejas europeas antes
de las bien documentadas por los Ingleses a las colonias norteamericanas
en los 1600's, pero un anuncio recien publicado sobre la segunda
entrega (todavia en redaccion) de "Historia de la Apicultura
Espan~ola" por Gomez y Loren, declara que "en ella se
presentaran pruebas fehacientes de la incuestionable primicia hispana
en cuanto a la exportacion al Nuevo Mundo de las primeras abejas
europeas, cuestion, segun los autores, que hasta el presente no
se habia reconocido."[3]
Existe entonces la posibilidad de que se hayan traido abejas meliferas
a las Antillas antes de haber llegado a La Florida, quizas inclusive
a Cuba oriental, y de alli se llevaran a otras colonias Espan~olas.
Es interesante notar que una investigacion sobre las caracteristicas
morfologicas de la abeja (Apis mellifica) en Cuba [4] coincide en
algunos resultados con lo descrito por un estudio morfometrico de
las abejas Andaluzas (Apis mellifera iberica) [5].
Tambien seria util poder comparar las abejas Apis de Cuba que existen
en condiciones silvestres con las comparables de La Florida que
yo analize (vean http://www.beesource.com/news/article/floridaferal.htm
). Con ese proposito quisiera pedirles su ayuda en conseguir muestras
de abejas en alcohol de sus respectivas partes de la isla, para
poder recolectarlas en mi proxima visita o enviarmelas por cualquier
manera oportuna. Gracias de antemanopor su colaboracion en este
proyecto, espero que resulte en un entendimiento mas profundo de
las conexiones que nos unen como pueblos.
Apiculturalmente,
Tomas Mozer
Referencias:
[1] Bande Gonzalez, J.M. "Contribucion al Estudio de la Historia
de la Apicultura en Cuba, Introduccion de la Abeja en la Isla."
Estacion Experimental Apicola, El Cano.
[2] Ponz, J.B. 1926. "Manual de Apicultura".Ed. Imprenta
Dorrbecker, La Habana. p.12; (citado por Bande Gonzalez, comunicacion
personal).
[3] Vida Apicola, #111, Enero-Febrero 2002; p.51.
[4] Diaz Millan, M.E. y Dominguez Alonso, D.A.(1985) Cienc.Tec.Agric.,
Apicultura,v.1.
[5] Padilla, F. et al. (1992) Arch. Zootec. 41 (extra).
MORE BEEKEEPING COURSES 2003
UK
Kingston Beekeepers Club - beginners practical beekeeping course
- all hands on at the club apiary and led by our most experienced
beekeeper. Saturdays 2-4pm starting 29th March 2003 at Hampton
Court Way Allotments. Map and directions on the website: http://www.members.aol.com/KingstonBees/index.html
New members are welcome to join the group at any time.more details
from me or Bob Madill bobmadill@tiscali.co.uk Andrew McManus, Kingston
Beekeepers Club, 57 Fleetwood Close, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5QH.
Tel: 01737 362006 Mobile: 07956 342094
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Event organisers are welcome to forward
dates and details of their events to the editor (by e-mail) for
incorporation on this page.
1st March 2003 - Bucks County Beekeepers Association
ANNUAL SEMINAR To be held on March 1st 2003 at Wendover Memorial
Hall from 10am to 4.0pm. Speakers:- Glynn Davies - Chairman BBKA
'The bees knees' Celia Davis -Gardening for Bees Andy Johnston -"Never
trust an expert" (thoughts on Queen rearing) Cost:- £10
for BBKA members, £11 for non-members Ploughman's lunch included
For details contact S. Chamberlin, 61 Wordsworth Road, High Wycombe,
Bucks HP11 2UR.Tel. 01494 522 082. E-mail: Sylvia
Chamberlin
1st March Saturday 3.00pm - Medway Beekeepers
Association presents Brenda Ball of Rothamsted "The Varroa
Virus Story". Brenda is famous for her work on bee viruses
and varroa. Come and hear what a virus is and how it works in terms
that we all understand. Location: Presentation Suite, Civic Centre,
Strood, Kent. Easy access from M2, M20, A2 and A228. No charge,
refreshments and unlimited parking. All beekeepers and their friends
are invited.
Tuesday 11 March 2003 at 7 pm at Roots & Shoots, Walnut
Tree Walk, Kennington Road, Lambeth SE11. Norman Carreck, Bee Researcher
at Rothamsted Research, will speak on "Current Bee Research
at Rothamsted". This date is during National Science Week,
in which David Perkins, Outreach Worker at the Wildlife Garden,
is taking a broader part, so this talk on scientific research on
bees forms a fitting contribution, and will be extremely interesting
to all bee-keepers. All LBKA members and members of neighbouring
BKAs are most welcome.
Refreshments will be served. Julian Lush JulianLush@amserve.com
14th March
- National Science Week 2003: The David
Allen-Booth Memorial Lecture THE AMAZING LIVES OF SOCIAL INSECTS:
BEES, WASPS & ANTS Professor Francis Ratnieks & Dr. Adam
Hart Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects Department of
Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield. Pennine Lecture
Theatre, City Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Friday 14th March
7:00pm - 8:00pm with demonstrations before and after.
Open to families and people of all ages. Social insects are those
insects that live in colonies: ants, bees, wasps and termites. They
do many incredible things and their lives have amazing parallels
to those of humans. Francis will speak about social insects in general
before detailing some of the things that they do. These things include:
communicating to each other by dancing and releasing chemicals (pheromones);
making honey and pollinating crops; choosing the sex of their offspring;
building prisons; putting out their rubbish; punishing miscreants;
and even sacrificing their life to defend their colony. Outside
the lecture theatre, Adam will set up colonies of leaf cutting ants
and honey bees. These will be magnified using video cameras and
TV screens so that everyone will be able to see what the insects
are doing. There will also be displays of social insects from around
the world, honey tasting, how a beehive works and information about
the Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects. For details,
see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/uni/projects/taplab/natsciweek.htm.
Tickets are free on a first come first served basis from: Pat Brunskill
SETPOINT, South Yorkshire, Sheffield Hallam University Telephone
0114 2254888; e-mail P.Brunskill@shu.ac.uk There will also be talks
at 11:00am (primary schools) and 1:30pm (secondary schools). Please
contact Pat Brunskill if your school would like to visit. The talk
will last approximately one hour and will be followed by demonstrations.
15th March 2003 - The Central
Association of Bee-Keepers. Bringing Science
to the Beekeeper. Spring Meeting on SATURDAY March 15th 2003 at
Kings College, London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Stamford Street,
London SE1 9NN* Programme:-
11.15 a.m. Dr Lars Chittka, Queen Mary, University of London: "Adaptation,
constraint, and chance in the evolution of bee vision and behaviour".
12.30 p.m. Lunch. Please make your own arrangements.
2.15 p.m. Dr Jeff Ollerton, University College, Northampton: "Insect
pollination in the asclepiads, a tropical family of plants".
3.15 p.m. Dr Mark Brown, Trinity College, Dublin: "Bumble bees
and their parasites - an island view".
4.15 p.m. Central Association of Bee-Keepers Annual General Meeting.
5.00 p.m. Close of meeting.
All welcome - Admission free but voluntary exit collection.
Please let the Secretary know in advance (Tel: 0208 977 5867) or
Email: norman.carreck@bbsrc.ac.uk if you intend coming to the meeting.
Otherwise, you may be refused entry by security. * Please note new
venue. Nearest underground: Waterloo. Map at:- http://www.kcl.ac.uk/maps/waterloo.html
Plant & Invertebrate Ecology Division,
Rothamsted Research,
Harpenden,
Hertfordshire,
AL5 2JQ, UK.
Tel: +44(01582)763133X2769
Fax: +44(01582)760981
Email:norman.carreck@bbsrc.ac.uk http://www.iacr.bbsrc.ac.uk/pie/
22nd March 2003 - Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association One
Day Meeting. Speakers: Professor Martin Wolfe "Some concerns
about the use of GM"; Dr. Mark Whittaker "Biological control
and natural pollination in the UK horticulture industry''; John
Potter ''Honeybees under glass"; John Wilkins "Sniffer
bees - What are they? Exploring the potential of insect olfaction".
Ticket price of £11 includes lunch and lunch-time drinks.
Full programme (with map) and tickets available early in 2003 from
Dr. D. J. Abson, 6 Ascham Lane, Whittlesford, Cambridge, CB2 4NT
(01223 834620) SAE appreciated. E-Mail David
J. Abson
March 28 - April 2nd 2003 - Bee Products
and Apitherapy Congress and Course
Preliminary Program of the Second German Bee Products and Apitherapy
Congress and Course with International Participation, Holiday Inn
Hotel, Passau, Germany. http://www.apitherapy.com
or http://www.apitherapie.de
March 29, 2003 (Saturday) - The Northern Illinois
Beekeepers Association is proud to announce the 2003 Midwest Beekeeping
Symposium! 8:30 am – 3:30 pm McHenry County College, Crystal
Lake, Illinois. The Northern Illinois Beekeepers Association and
McHenry County College present the 2003 Midwest Beekeeping Symposium.
The 2003 Symposium will combine both general sessions and numerous
small group sessions. The diverse and jam-packed agenda will range
from beginner topics to advanced such as, integrated pest management
strategies, mead making, research updates, honey competition strategies
and many more. Our 2003 featured speaker will be Dr. Dewey Caron,
Professor of Entomology, University of Delaware. His topic for the
keynote address will be “Integrated Pest Management - The Best
Strategy for Mite and Pest Control Within the Hive”. Dr. Caron,
author of Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping, Africanized Honey Bees
in the Americas, and co-author of Observation Hives, is one of the
country’s most popular speakers on Beekeeping. His research
interests are insect pollination, pest/predators of honeybees and
issues in conservation of Bees and natural resources. To receive
a brochure with more information, including registration information,
e-mail your name, address and phone number to mwalsh@mchenry.edu
or call 815.455.8697. Additionally, Symposium information can be
found on the Illinois State Beekeepers Association website at www.isba.ws
The Symposium registration fee of $30.00 covers all presentations
and a Honey themed lunch. Ken Haller President, Northern Illinois
Beekeepers Association, Northern Region Director, Illinois State
Beekeepers Association.
Friday 4th - Saturday 5th April 2003 - ULSTER BEEKEEPERS'
ASSOCIATION. 59TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
GREENMOUNT COLLEGE, ANTRIM.
Friday, 4th April:
7.30 PM Opening ceremony
7.45 PM "Beekeepers' back, Margaret Thomas (guest lecturer).
8.30 PM "An evening with Drew Coid"
Saturday, 5th April:
9.00 AM Registration, coffee etc.
9.30 AM Welcome from Ethel Irvine, president UBKA.
Opening announcements.
9.45 AM "Varroa, its detection and spread in Ireland"
Paul Moore (DARD)
10.15 AM "Living with Varroa" Margaret Thomas.
11.30 AM "Apimondia 2005" Philip McCabe, (President, FIBKA)
12.00 "New Products" Paul Smith (Thornes)
12.15.PM "Update on New Disease Control Methods" Jeremy
Owen (Vita Europe)
12.30 PM LUNCH.
2.00 PM "Making a Varroa floor"
Tom Canning.
2.30 PM "Spring Management" Margaret Thomas.
3.15 PM Presentation of Certificates and Awards.
3.45 PM COFFEE BREAK.
4.15 PM AGM, UBKA.
Exhibitors: E.H. Thorne (Beehives), Northern
Bee Books, An Beachaire, DARD, Vita Europe Ltd., FIBKA Examination
Board.
Admission, including coffee/tea for entire
Conference £15 per person, £25 per family. Friday only,
£10 per person, £15 per family.
For On-site accommodation contact Jim Fletcher,
028 9187 2163. For other accommodation contact Walter McNeill 028
9446 4648.
Saturday 5th April 2003 - North
of England beekeepers' ANNUAL BEEKEEPERS' CONFERENCE. Venue: Northumberland
College at, Kirkley Hall, Ponteland.
Programme:
Bryan Hateley: Stocking and maintenance
of observation beehives.
Christer Seltorp: Principles of successful over-wintering of bees.
Mike Brown: NBU working for you. Tricks of the trade. Christer Seltorp:
Rearing good queens on a small scale.
Bryan Hateley: Building an observation beehive. (The hive will be
auctioned afterwards with the proceeds going to conference funds).
Trade stands & Bee Plant sales Total cost including meals on
the day: £28-00; but £23-00 for those who have not attended
the last two conferences. Persons under the age of 18 years and
those in their first year of beekeeping £18-00 total. For
details and a booking form contact: Stuart Johnson, Conference Secretary,
7, Shaftoe Close, Ryton, Tyne & Wear. NE40 4UT Telephone: 0191
413 2672 Email: Stu@rtJohnson.fsnet.co.uk
12th April 2003
(Saturday) - The Yorkshire Beekeepers Association Conference.
"Something Old and Something New in the Practice of Beekeeping",
In conjunction with Bishop Burton College, Beverley East Riding
of Yorkshire. Guest Lecturers Glyn Davis - Chairman - British Beekeepers'
Association Bob Ogden - Devon Beekeepers' Association Ian Molyneux
- Regional Bees Inspector - Northern Region. Conference organisers
are Dudley Gue and Ivor Flatman.
http://www.bbka.org.uk/bbkafiles/yorkshire-bka-12april2003.pdf
[42KB PDF]
12th April 2003 (Saturday) - The West Sussex
beekeepers Association 'Practical Beekeeping' Convention at
Brinsbury College (on A29 between Pulborough and Billingshurst)
from 9.30am Speakers include: John Furzey (over 50 years of Commercial
Beekeeping) Norman Hughes (former BBKA Chairman) Richard Ball (Southwestern
Regional Bee Inspector who discovered resistant mites) Trade stands.
Lunch available in the College Restaurant. A superb day of Beekeeping.
Tickest £6 in advance or £8 on the day from Andrew Shelley,
Oakfield, Cox Green, Rudgewick, Horsham RH12 3DD (sae appreciated)
Further details, if required, on 01903 815655 or email john_bateman_hunt@hotmail.com
Email
John Bateman
26th April
2003 (Saturday) The
BBKA Spring Convention. Trade Exhibitors and Educational
stands galore (about 50 - 60 in three large halls). Lectures and
Demonstrations in abundance. Download the full programme in PDF
format (1.1MB) from: http://www.beedata.com/files/bbka-spring-conv-programme2003.pdf
Programmes and Advanced Tickets available from John V Hayward,
19 Kings Road, LEISTON, IP16 4DA on receipt of £9 per ticket
and a SAE, size C5 with a 33p stamp. (Those without membership cards
£13 on the day). John V Hayward john@hayward2.fsnet.co.uk
Trade Stands Manager, BBKA Spring Convention.
3rd May (Saturday)
- The Meon Valley Beekeepers Association. 24th Annual Auction sale
of Beekeeping equipment. Stocks of bees and Beekeeping books
and Plants on Saturday, May 3rd 2003 At 1.00 pm. prompt at The Village
Hall, Greatham, Nr Liss. (Off A3). Viewing from 11.30 a.m. on the
day of the sale only. It is expected that the usual large quantity
of equipment and stocks of bees will be on sale. Items for the inclusion
in the sale are now welcome. The first 300 lots accepted. Deliveries
of lots for sale to be made to the hall on the morning of the sale
only between 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. Catalogues, printed 11th April,
will be available at the sale ground or can be ordered by sending
40p and an A4 S.A.E. Commission on sales - 10% plus 50 pence per
lot entered. Information and Catalogues from Francis Farnsworth,
2 Malcolm Road, Chandlers Ford, S053 5BG Tel/Fax 023 8027 0622.
E-mail mintybees@hotmail.com
10th May 2003 - West
Sussex Beekeepers' Association Annual Bee Market and Auction
at Brinsbury College, Pulborough. Details of items for inclusion
are welcome now. Information and entry forms from David Staples,
14, Northfield Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 1QW (sae please)
Tel 01903 539205. Viewing from 11am. Auction at 1pm. All bees to
have disease free inspection certificate. No used or drawn comb.
John Bateman-Hunt E-mail: john_bateman_hunt@hotmail.com
7–8 June 2003 - Sutton Coldfield (Warwickshire) Beekeepers
Biennial Meeting. Speakers Adam Hart, David Charles, Bob Ogden,
David Kelly and Pam Gregory. Demonstration of Dartington Long Hive.
Saturday – Lecture, Demonstration and evening meal. Sunday
Demonstration and Lectures with lunch available. Information from
Ruby Smith on 0121 354 7548 or e-mail routh.family@lineone.net
24-29 August 2003 - 8th International Congress
of Apimondia. Ljubljiana, Slovenia. Slovenia is to host the
38th Apimondia beekeeping Congress. The congress will be held in
the City of Ljubljiana and the congress invites the submission of
papers. Details of subjects and more information can be found on
: www.apimondia2003.com
22-25 February 2004 - Apimondia Symposium
on Tropical Beekeeping: Research and Development for Pollination
and Conservation. Heredia Costa Rica More detail is available
from: Isanchez@una.ac.cr
23-27 February 2004 - 7th Asian Apicultural
Association Conference Los Banos College, Lagunas, Philippines.
More information from: cleofas.cervancia@up.edu.ph
24th April 2004 BBKA Spring Convention and
Exhibition
6-10 September 2004 - 8th IBRA Conference on tropical
Bees: management and diversity. Ribeiro Preto, Brazil.
16th April 2005 BBKA Spring Convention and Exhibition
Editor: David Cramp Submissions
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