Please note that there is no PBKA Auction planned for 2023.
Sales and wants will however continue to be available online to PBKA members.
Please note that there is no PBKA Auction planned for 2023.
Sales and wants will however continue to be available online to PBKA members.
For the second year in succession, the Association is unable to hold the annual sale of bees and equipment. In the meantime, there are plenty of new beekeepers out there looking to start and hopefully some responsible beekeepers with colonies to sell. Wherever possible, choosing locally adapted bees is the best choice, the clue is in the title. In order to assist both buyers and sellers, the Association is more than happy to host any advertisements for bees and equipment on our website and as ever, PBKA Committee members are always happy to provide advice and guidance.
When we were able to run the auction, all bees were bought to the sale site a few days before the auction to allow them to settle and to give our seasonal bee inspector and her colleagues time to inspect and report on colonies for sale. Their written reports were available to potential buyers on the day of the sale. For the most part, colonies presented for sale were in good condition, but like in any other area of sales, ‘buyer beware’ is a good rule to live by. This is especially important for those beginners with little idea of what a good colony looks like. Very kindly, our local Seasonal Bee Inspector, Maggie Gill, has offered to inspect bees offered for sale wherever possible and as stated above, the Committee are also on hand to provide a view if requested to do so. Any beekeeper offering colonies for sale should be more than happy to have their bees inspected prior to sale.
Don’t be in too much of a hurry, it is still early here in Pembrokeshire to be able to inspect colonies, many of whom will only now be building up after the winter. We have already received a number of calls from new beekeepers keen to start, but patience is not only a virtue but also particularly important in every aspect of beekeeping!
And finally, just to remind potential new beekeepers; don’t forget to get trained before buying bees and equipment!
Be aware that there is a lot of unsuitable equipment which may be up for sale and keeping bees is not as simple as it first appears, hence its fascination! So please check out our post on training for further information.
Good luck!
We are sorry to announce that the auction scheduled for Saturday 25th April 2020 has been postponed until further notice.
During the Coronavirus situation, beekeepers will still want to sell bees and prospective buyers purchase them. Clearly this is dependent on any movement controls for the public, either imposed centrally or individually.
The Association is happy to provide neutral and independent advice to prospective buyers and sellers over the phone, especially in relation to pest and disease issues that new beekeepers should be aware of.
Questions that buyers may consider asking might include:
If buying ‘Bees on Frames’ then the seller will provide the colony in some form of package, usually in a nucleus or complete hive, the purchaser would collect or have it delivered, all frames and bees would be transferred to the purchasers own hive and the hardware returned to the seller.
Some sellers will be happy to sell the complete hive including the bees, just be clear about what you are buying / selling.
In terms of equipment, understand its condition.
As a service to members, the Association will be happy to host a ‘virtual marketplace’ for bees and equipment. Preparations for this are underway so check the website for updates.
At present it is not clear whether our seasonal bee inspectors will be authorized to be out and about checking colonies. We will keep members informed via the website.
For advice and guidance, phone:
Jeremy on 07799 698 568
Alan on 07867 988597
or
Paul on 07988 037571
PBKA Auction – Sale of Bees and Equipment – Saturday 4th May 2019
Please note that this year’s beekeeping auction is in The Pavilion, Withybush Showground, Haverfordwest, SA62 4BW this Saturday 4th May. There are 32 lots of bees for sale, plus numerous items of beekeeping equipment etc.
Viewing starts from 11am and the sale starts at 1pm promptly! Note that the Pavilion is behind the ‘Go Kart’ building at Withybush Showground.
All enquiries to the PBKA Chairman, Jeremy Percy on 07799 698 568
All are welcome, whether beekeepers or not and we look forward to seeing you there!
Important Notes:
Please note that this year we are in The Pavilion, rather than our usual venue, the Brithdir Hall. The Pavilion is on the same site, behind the Go Kart building and bees for sale should be bought to the rear of the Showground offices below the Pavilion [one of the side gates will be open for access].
All enquiries to the PBKA Chairman, Jeremy Percy on 07799 698 568 or PBKA Vice-Chairman, Paul Eades on 07988 037571