Bee-harming pesticides found in English waterways

apiarymanager Bee Health, Neonicotinoids

Pesticides that harm bees were found in the “majority” of English waterways tested in the last year, according to data analysis by two environmental charities.

The Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link found neonicotinoid pesticides were present in 85% of English rivers tested by the Environment Agency between 2023 and 2024.

See link for further details!

 

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

 

Excellent PBKA Honey Show!!🐝

apiarymanager Events, PBKA, PBKA Apiary, PBKA Honey Show, Scolton Beekeeping Centre, Stories of Interest

We had an excellent Honey Show on Sunday, with a variety of high quality entries. Very encouraging indeed, considering the poor season due to the weather!

It was also a great opportunity to meet up with friends and have a chat over tea or coffee and was a very relaxing and enjoyable social occasion.

Some of the highlights of the Show included ‘Best in Show’, for Mari-Anne Harstad and her superb mead. ‘Most Points in Show, for Fe Hobbs, and Luci Prosser’s, First in the ‘Novice’ class!

Congratulations to all those who were placed!

Many thanks to all of you who came along (especially considering the weather) and a very special ‘thank you’ to our Judge for the day, Diane Corbett, her assistant Aisha, the rest of the PBKA team for all their support, and Scolton Manor for hosting the event!!

The Prize Giving Ceremony will be early in 2025, date and venue to follow.

We hope to see you all then.🐝

Very best regards

Paul

Paul Eades

Chair

Pembrokeshire Beekeepers’ Association

Reminder: PBKA Honey Show, this Sunday 24th November 2024!🐝

apiarymanager Education & Training, Equipment, Events, Honey Processing, PBKA, PBKA Apiary, PBKA Honey Show, PBKA Membership, PBKA Newsletter, PBKA Website, Scolton Beekeeping Centre, Starting Beekeeping, Stories of Interest, Wax Processing

Don’t forget that the PBKA is running its ‘Honey Show’, this Sunday 24th November 2024.

  • Open to all PBKA members and their families from 10am, whether you are exhibiting or not!
  • This year, there is a free gift for all entrants to the competition and a special £50 Gift Voucher will be awarded to the winner of the ‘Most Points in Show Award’
  • Free refreshments will be available for all PBKA members!
  • Open to the Public for viewing between 2pm and 4pm. Come and meet a Beekeeper!🐝

The Honey Show will be held at ‘The Green Barn’ at the bottom end of the site, past the old steam train at Scolton Manor.

This year the schedule includes additional categories in order to encourage PBKA members and make it a more inclusive, ‘fun’ event at all levels and ages.

We are keen to encourage as many entrants as possible, so please have a look at the Schedule for the PBKA Honey Show 2024 (3) to consider what categories you might like to enter, if you haven’t already.

Note that we have a special category for beginners (Novice Class) and as well as some new categories this year, such as Honey Fudge, a Children’s Category, and an ‘Interesting or ingenious piece of beekeeping related equipment’ category. Again, as last year, we have a fun ‘Bad Beekeeper of the Year’ award, (which I should win easily this year, according to the Committee!!!).

Note that we intend having a combined social event and prize giving in the New Year 2025, which will be open to all PBKA members and their families!

Parking

  • Please note that limited parking will be available for contestants dropping off their entries in the morning at the association apiary down the lane past the Green Barn.
  • Pay and Display parking is also available on-site.
  • NB: Please DO NOT PARK in front of the Green Barn.

Any enquiries in the meantime, please come back to me at pbkaapiarymanager@live.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you all! Continue reading →