WBKA

WBKA Trustees

apiarymanager WBKA

Dear Beekeepers

Would you like the opportunity to help shape the future of beekeeping in Wales?

The WBKA is looking for two new people to join its friendly team of voluntary Trustees. Our Trustees are elected by the membership to manage the Organisation. Trustees also have a key role in shaping the future for beekeeping in Wales. Could this be you?

The Trustees meet virtually approximately 10 times a year and mostly on a Tuesday evening. We are looking for dynamic people with an interest in beekeeping and beekeepers, and the skills to help run the WBKA. Training and support provided. Want to know more? The links below provide additional information. Alternatively, you can email or phone the WBKA General Secretary, Jenny Shaw on secretary@wbka.com or 07791572843. We’d really like to hear from you and talk through what’s involved.

https://wbka.com/terms-of-reference-of-the-sub-committees-2/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved

https://wbka.com/constitution-cyfansoddiad/#constitution

Ideally nominations for Trustee positions will have been received by 1st February for election at the AGM on March 8th.  The General Secretary can advise on the format required for nominations (secretary@wbka.com / 07791572843).

Cofion cynnes / Kind regards,
Jenny
Jenny Shaw
Ysgrifennydd / General Secretary
Cymdeithas Gwenynwyr Cymru / Welsh Beekeepers’ Association
ffôn / tele: 07791572843
e-bost / email: secretary@wbka.com
gwefan / website: www.wbka.com

Message from WBKA re Modules and Assessment

apiarymanager Education & Training, Examinations, Training, WBKA

Dear Beekeepers

Happy New Year.

Since 2015 WBKA members have benefitted from an arrangement with BBKA whereby, with a levy paid by the WBKA, they could sit BBKA modules and assessment without the need for them to become BBKA members.  Recently this arrangement has been reviewed by the BBKA and we are still negotiating proposed changes with them. With the closing date for taking the BBKA March module exams, 31st January, fast approaching we urgently need to know how many WBKA members are intending to sit a module in March. Could you please email secretary@wbka.com by 11th January if you are hoping to sit a module in March this year?

Similarly we would like to know if you are working towards taking the BBKA Bee health Certificate or the  General or Advanced Practical assessments in 2025. Knowing how many candidates are likely to apply to sit modules in March and/or practical assessments this summer will aid our negotiations with the BBKA.

Due to the logistics of arranging assessors for the WBKA Basic and Junior assessments the closing date for these assessments in 2025 has been brought forward to April 1st. Please ensure that you get your application in as soon as possible.

Cofion cynnes / Kind regards,

Jenny

Jenny Shaw
Ysgrifennydd / General Secretary
Cymdeithas Gwenynwyr Cymru / Welsh Beekeepers’ Association

ffôn / tele: 07791572843
e-bost / email: secretary@wbka.com
gwefan / website: www.wbka.com

BIBBA Courses for 2025

apiarymanager Education & Training, Training, WBKA

BIBBA Supporting Beekeepers Beekeeping Courses for Early 2025.

BIBBA has three different courses planned for early 2025, each with the aim of supporting and supplementing training and sessions run by local BKAs. Click on the titles below to find out more:1. “Varroa Resistance through Bee Improvement”For those aiming to go treatment free. Ideally suited to beekeepers with at least a few years’ experience. The latest scientific knowledge and practical experience from expert speakers.2. “Bees and Queens for Everyone”It is generally accepted that locally reared queens are better suited than imports, this one-day course will go through how to raise locally adapted bees and queens using low-cost, simple methods. 3. “Early Years Beekeeping Course”To support beekeepers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Ideal for beekeepers looking for the next stage after the local theory and practical course, or for those wanting a refresh.Open to ALL beekeepers, not just BIBBA members.Full info at bibba.com/events

 

Winter is Coming! – WBKA Webinar – Sep 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM BST.

apiarymanager Education & Training, Stories of Interest, Training, WBKA
Winter is Coming – Lesley Jacques NDB. Join us for a webinar on Sep 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM BST.

Register now!

Although winter may seem a long way away, our bees are definitely thinking about it already. As beekeepers, what do we need to think about to ensure that our bees go into the winter in the best possible condition, and are ready thrive in the spring? There’s more at stake than simply having sufficient stores. Understanding the needs and dynamics of the colony in the run up to, and during the winter can help us to weather the season most effectively. Here, we will look at the preparations that we make for the winter; what are the essentials and the nice-to-haves, the reasons why and, in spite of our best efforts, some of the things that occasionally go wrong.

Lesley became an accidental beekeeper after a swarm arrived in her garden in 2011. She very quickly became fascinated by the bees she was tending, and committed to learn more about them, working her way through the BBKA Module and Husbandry exams. She was awarded her Master Beekeeper qualification in 2022 and gained the NDB in 2024. Lesley is Vice Chair of Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association as well as being a founder member of Mid Cheshire Beekeepers. Lesley is an examiner for the Basic assessment as well as being actively engaged with the Association’s advanced and beginners’ level teaching programmes, typically providing introductions for entry-level beekeepers, tuition and mentoring for the Basic examination and structured teaching for the Module exams. As a scientist by profession, she takes a particular interest in the biology and botanical aspects of beekeeping, and in conveying this to others. Lesley lives in Cheshire with her husband Tony, and manages three apiaries with more colonies than she admits to.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

View System Requirements

Articles wanted!

apiarymanager WBKA

A reminder that articles for the Welsh Beekeeper magazine are due by the last day of July. We would be happy to receive articles, news items about your association or bees, or a letter about your beekeeping concerns? The magazine will reach readers by early September – so, for example, items about preparing bees for winter, honey extraction, studying for beekeeping exams, and making Christmas gifts are all relevant. All contributions should be sent to the editor, Basil Wolf, at editor@wbka.com by July 31st. Basil will always be interested in talking to you about your ideas and can help you to edit your article.

Keep Snapping: remember to take photographs on for our Annual Photo Competition in December. Anything to do with beekeeping will qualify. Just remember to use your phone in landscape position: i.e. hold the phone horizontally and not vertically, and aim for quality files in excess of 2MB

Basil Wolf

WBKA Editor

editor@wbka.com