PBKA Members are invited to apply for one of two places at this training weekend to be held at the International Pavilion, on the Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground, starting at mid-day on Saturday 29th October and finishing after lunch on Sunday 30th October 2011.

This training event, sponsored and funded by the Welsh Regional Cooperative, is part of a national initiative under the Healthy Bees Plan to increase the number of beekeeper trainers and to help them with training materials with which they can start to plan and prepare sessions, based on the needs of their students. We particularly want to attract trainers who are willing to commit to improving their beekeeping knowledge and teaching skills.

Accommodation, food and drinks will be covered by our sponsor.  You will be asked to provide the Association with a £30.00 returnable deposit per person which will be returned to you after you have attended the event.

How to apply

Members wishing to apply for a place on this event should submit an application by email to secretarypbka@hotmail.com or by post to  John Dudman, PBKA Training, Sevenoaks, The Kilns, Llangwm, Haverfordwest, SA62 4HG.

Your application should include:

• Statement of any training experience you have.
• Why you wish to attend the course.
• What commitment you will make to training beekeepers following the event.

To arrive by 22nd September, 2011.

If your application is successful we will confirm this with you before October 1st and ask for your deposit.

Objectives

The single most important factor in the health of our bees is the knowledge of beekeepers. With the huge influx of new beekeepers this has put tremendous strain on those teaching beekeeping at all levels. This event will provide support in terms of resources, mentoring, practical advice and knowledge to those involved in teaching, demonstrating or mentoring beekeepers.

Format

A series of topics will be covered, plus an opportunity for those associations represented to set out what training they undertake at the moment.

Opportunities will also be provided for the exchange of ideas and best practice. We will have both a WHITE and YELLOW Course in the Case for members to view and comment on. Attendees are asked to be prepared with ideas and / or materials for these sessions.

Experienced trainers will have many excellent resources and schemes of work to share, while recently trained members will be able to relate their own experiences of what worked and what did not.

Accommodation

The Course will be held at the International Pavilion, overnight accommodation will be at Neuadd Henllan, which is also on the Royal Welsh Showground. The available accommodation is twin occupancy, meaning you’ll need to share a room.

The WBKA would like each association to send at least one person who is actively involved in teaching new beekeepers, and who did not attend the equivalent of this Course, held in March this year.

Speakers

Bill Cadmore(BBKA/FERA regional training coordinator) and others who are all actively involved in beekeeping practice and education at a national and local level.