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Information for newcomers to learn about the fascinating craft of Beekeeping in Getting Started.

Practical advice on many aspects of Beekeeping in our Knowledge Centre.

The latest reports from the SBKA President and other Officers.

Information about the shows at which the SBKA will be represented; come along and see us at these upcoming events.

For our members, read the latest news letters and press releases.

Find out who's who in our Divisions.

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Exmoor Division

President: John Newcombe
Vice president: Gail Johnson
Chairman: Ivan Selman
Treasurer: Maureen Freeguard
Secretary: Tricia Nelson
meadowstreamhouse@ hotmail.co.uk.

Newsletter contributions to Tricia Nelson

 

2012 Subscription fom available for download HERE

and If you are a taxpayer please download a Gift Aid form HERE to make your subscription more tax efficient.

 

2012 PROGRAMME

 

Programme 2012

NB. Please check in our two monthly Newsletters, ring the secretary or on the website for confirmation/changes to any of the events listed below, additional events and for details of pre-booking requirements where relevant.

21st January Division Dinner Rest and Be Thankful, Wheddon Cross

18th February Somerset Lecture Day, Cheddar

2nd March Beginners Course 1st lecture 7pm WSCC

9th March Beginners Course 2nd lecture 7pm WSCC

10th March 12.30 SBKA AGM hosted by Exmoor Division at Lysaght Club, Old Cleeve 12.30pm

11th March Divisional Visit to Blackbury Honey Farm courtesy of K, D and M Basterfield. Cost £4.00 per person

16th March Beginner's Course 3rd lecture 7pm WSCC

24th March Beginners Course, practical sessions setting up -2pm at the apiary

30th March Managing Colonies for specialist honey, heather and oil seed rape 7pm WSCC Chris Harries

31st March Beginners Course 1st practical session 2pm at the apiary

31st March Improver Course practical session 1 with K & D Basterfield . Pre-booking essential

7th April Beginners Course 2nd practical session -2pm at the apiary

11th April Improver Course Practical Session 2. Pre-booking essential

13th April Queen rearing- 7pm WSCC led by Peter Little

14th April Beginners Course 3rd practical session-2pm at the apiary

20th -22nd April Spring Convention Harper Adams

28th April Weekly apiary sessions and “rent-a-hive” commence

30th April Improver Course Practical Session 3. Pre-booking essential

25th May Disease Control- Improver's Course 7pm WSCC-Gail Johnson

9th June Apiary inspection and bbq at Archer House

30th June Candle making and all things to do with wax- 2pm WSCC Jenny Gammon

6th July Products of the hive for showing and sale 7pm WSCC Tony Richards

28th July Exmoor in-house “how to do it “honey and produce show. Details to be confirmed

3rd-4th August County Honery Show

12th August Porlock Show

17th August Dunster Show

25th August Exford Show

25th August Dunster Beefest

1st September Microscopy-testing for nosema College microscope lab 2pm WSCC Gail Johnson

27th October Closing down, acetic acid demo 2pm at the apiary

Autumn Improvers Course to be arranged subject to numbers

16th November AGM details to be confirmed later

30th November Varroa control and Integrated pest management

 

Key

WSCC = West Somerset Community College just off the A39 in Minehead.

Div Ap = Exmoor Beekeepers Divisional Apiary which is located at the top of Cher, Minehead. Just off the A39.

Beesuits brought to the apiary should please be freshly laundered. Rubber and latex gloves will be provided at the apiary by EBKA. Beesuits are available for loan for use at the divisional apiary.

Unless otherwise stated, all talks will take place at West Somerset Community College on Friday evenings at 7pm.

The exact content of meetings may vary according to weather or bee conditions. Changes to the programme will be notified in the EBKA newsletter and posted on the Exmoor Division pages of the Somerset Beekeepers website. Alternatively, please telephone the Secretary.

 

If you would like to host a meeting, or have suggestions for the programme, please let me know.

 

Divisional Apiary

The Exmoor Divisional Apiary is located at the far end of the small lane directly opposite the top of Cher in Minehead. Contacts: Dave Colley 01643 822299

Beginners

All protective clothing supplied and rent a hive scheme available.

 

 

 

 

Download our latest Newsletter here

Previous newsletters

October 2011

June 2011

April 2011

Jan 2011

Nov Dec 2010

 

 

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Divisional Membership

Your local association is able to offer advice, facilities, continued learning opportunities, insurance, training, equipment hire, up to date information, social events and more than anything else, a place to talk about bees! A programme of educational meetings and demonstrations facilitate a community of beekeepers to continue the craft, and to extend knowledge and experience to others on a voluntary basis. Each year we have events, courses, apiary demonstrations, and assistance is given whenever possible.

Our training apiary on the outskirts of Minehead has been significantly upgraded. Power for light and heating, timber boarding internally for a brighter, cleaner and warmer environment, a workstation, catering facilities and storage, make this a positive place for beekeepers to meet. A number of hives have been established for training purposes and are available on a rent-a hive-basis. New protective clothing and equipment is available for use at the training apiary, purchased in 2006.

A monthly newsletter keeps members up to date with activities and information and communicates Committee decisions. The cost for all these services is currently £4.50 !

Full membership currently starts at £27.50 and is for people who keep bees.

Somerset Beekeepers Association

We are members of the SBKA which in 2006 celebrated its Centenary. The SBKA Council helps to manage the activities of beekeeping in a representative way, and is a conduit for communication between Divisions. SBKA services include Bee Disease Diagnosis, Quarterly Newsletter; Year Book; Pollination Services; Promotion; Spray liaison scheme; Lecture days; County Honey show and affiliations.

In 2006 SBKA won a gold medal for the best beekeeping website in the world!

We have representation on Council and feed through our views via our own Committee. As part of our membership fee, £5.50 is paid to SBKA

British Beekeepers Association BBKA

£14 per member helps beekeeping nationally pay for national events and publications. A regular newsletter is also mailed to members directly. BBKA facilitate insurance through the Bee Disease Insurance as well as important 3rd party liability insurance.

 

 
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