KBKA Lenham lectures 2011 leaflet.pdf
BBKA NEWS-THEFT OF HIVES.docx
Beekeepers Xmas Dinner 2011 Menu.doc
Chairman’s Notes
At our first branch committee meeting of 2012 it was decided to purchase some new equipment. A complete poly national hive & feeder have been purchased, seeing how they are managed should bring a lot of interest to our apiary. A virtual hive has also been purchased, which is 11 frames fitted with photographs in a brood box showing different conditions in a hive, this is a teaching aid.
It has also been decided to run the beginner beekeeping courses again this year. These were so successful when we did them before and brought in a lot of new members, so if anyone you know might be interested get them to contact me (01233 503645) or Peggy (01233 503074). The course will be on 4 consecutive Wednesdays, starting 7th March, at 7.30pm in the hall in Rylands Road in Kennington, followed by beginners only days at the branch apiary, to be arranged.
Frank and I attended a meeting on 7th January at the KSRC Sittingbourne (ex Shell Research Centre). It took us half an hour to get there and is well equipped, with teaching classrooms, microscopes and tea & coffee and has been offered as a centre for beekeeping courses. 157 beekeepers attended last year’s courses in microscopy, integrated pests and seasonal management.
The first of these courses start on 4th March with Bob Smith called “Improvers”. It is meant for any members who have kept bees for more than 2 years or have a basic certificate and want to improve their knowledge. I have forwarded the E mail of the course and entrance form but if you did not receive this I will print some forms and bring them to the February meeting
What a mild winter it has been so far, on the 10th of January there were snowdrops and crocuses flowering in the garden. I checked the weight of some of my hives and I`ve had to put on some candy
Hope to see you all at the February meeting which is not to be missed, Gary Saunders talking on “Pollen”.
Trevor Atkins
Secretary’s Notes
Our New Year party was a fun evening, members chatted and enjoyed refreshments before having our general knowledge tested.
Our next meeting 3rd Feb. Gary Saunders is talking on Pollen, please try to make this interesting evening.
Medway Beekeepers Assoc. committee have agreed to subsidise a 49 seater coach to the Spring Convention at Stoneleigh. The coach will leave 6 am. Friday 20th April returning 5 p.m. Saturday. Pick up points to be arranged. Cost per person £25.
If you participate you will need to book B & B, a room at the Harper Adams University or other accommodation.
You need also to book your own entry and any courses you wish to undertake at the convention.
Copy and paste this address into your browser for further information. http://www.bbka.org.uk/newsand events/spring-convention2012/bbka--spring-convention-2012programme-details.
If you would like to go, forward a cheque for £25 payable to Medway Beekeeping Association or MBKA along with telephone number and email address to :-
Mrs Diane Wakeling, 9 Tudor Avenue, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5HH
Tel: 01622 687938
Peggy
Ant’s Notes
Membership receipts will be posted to those I have not seen at meetings. Do not worry you will get a receipt sooner or later.
To new members – it does take a little time for the Beecraft Magazine and BBKA magazine to start arriving.
If anybody would like the details of Bob Smith’s Improvers Course on the 4th March, I can email it to you. It is in the Chairman’s Notes above. Let me know:- antbkeeler_hotmail.co.uk 01303 862309
Regards Ant