Bee sales in 2021

apiarymanager For Sale, PBKA, PBKA Auction, Starting Beekeeping

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!

Beginners Beekeeping Training

apiarymanager PBKA, PBKA Membership, Training

Keeping bees is something that should only be undertaken after appropriate training, both theoretical and practical. With Covid restrictions likely to be relaxed over the next few months, it is to be hoped that some of our bee keeping training activities will be able to resume, subject to the situation prevailing at the time. We intend focusing initially on providing training for beginners, both classroom and practical.

It would be helpful for planning purposes therefore, if those of you who may be interested in taking up the craft, could contact us if you would like to attend a ‘one day’ classroom session. This is open to both members and non-PBKA members who reside in Pembrokeshire. If you are, please complete the form below. Details and cost to follow in due course.

Please note that the practical apiary sessions, when available, are free, but open to PBKA members only. If you wish to join the association in order to attend these, please click https://pbka.info/join/

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WBKA Convention – Saturday March 27th 2021

apiarymanager Events, WBKA

Dear Beekeepers

As you are all aware, the WBKA Convention, in its normal format as a face to face event at the Royal Welsh Showground, has had to be cancelled for a second year due to the pandemic.  In its place, the WBKA Events Team has organized a Virtual Convention and we really hope that you and your members will support this.  You can access all the details at https://convention.wbka.com/

There will be 4 webinar sessions including an opening address, two main lectures, and an ever popular Question Time session.  More details, and the links to register, can be found in the attached leaflet, as well as via the website.  Opening the registration links will give you full details of the talks and speakers. Registration is free and open to all. 

There will also be a series of ‘drop-in’ sessions.  There is no need to register in advance to join these – just click the link (or join by phone) using the details in the attached leaflet, or the website.  This is your chance to talk to the WBKA team on any matter.  Maybe you would like to see the WBKA supporting beekeepers and bees in a specific way; you may wish to know more about beekeeping assessments and modules; you can ask about the current vacancies in the WBKA team and learn what skills and commitment would be involved should you consider volunteering. Your feedback and suggestions are very valuable to the team and help us ensure that the WBKA supports you, the beekeepers of Wales, in the best way possible. We really want to hear from you.

Of course, many of you visit the convention to purchase equipment etc.  You can visit our virtual Trade Hall via the website where you will find links to our trade exhibitors.  Many have provided additional information on their products including video content so do have a look and start that shopping list! 

The various charities you so generously support when you visit the WBKA Convention have not been forgotten.  You can also visit them in the virtual Trade Hall.  Do please make a donation if you can to support the valuable work they continue to do. 

We know that a virtual convention is not what most of us would choose but we do hope you will support this alternative until we can again meet face to face. 

As well as on the website and in the WBKA Convention 2021 – flyer, details and registration links can be found on our Facebook page.  Please share as widely as possible in whatever way suits you best.

We are looking forward to seeing as many as possible of you on the day – Saturday March 27th.