Our 2025 course is now finished. Our 2026 course will start in January 2026. Details are below and if you'd like to sign up to it, just fill in the form at the bottom of this page.
The course consists of a theory course of six 45-minute lectures aimed at people who are considering taking up the craft of beekeeping, or novice beekeepers who have recently obtained their own bees. The course will cover: Introduction and overview of beekeeping, about bees and equipment, principals of bee handling, forage and honey, diseases, pests & predators. Bees and the hive bee handling, swarm prevention and control, elementary queen rearing, pests and diseases, preparing honey for market and showing. The course will provide a firm base for beginners and novices to increase their knowledge of the craft. Tea, coffee and chat afterwards
The course consists of a theory course of six 45-minute lectures aimed at people who are considering taking up the craft of beekeeping, or novice beekeepers who have recently obtained their own bees. The course will cover: Introduction and overview of beekeeping, about bees and equipment, principals of bee handling, forage and honey, diseases, pests & predators. Bees and the hive bee handling, swarm prevention and control, elementary queen rearing, pests and diseases, preparing honey for market and showing. The course will provide a firm base for beginners and novices to increase their knowledge of the craft. Tea, coffee and chat afterwards
Venue:The Balliol Hall Church Road West Huntspill TA9 3RN at 7.30pm.
Dates: Starting in January 2026, running for 6 weeks and it's followed by 6 practical sessions during the summer months.
Time: Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.
Tutors: Neville Lee, Thomas O’Neill, Richard Tiley and Ian Tiley.
Fee: £50. Attending the Basic Course also pays for ‘Associate’ membership.
Dates: Starting in January 2026, running for 6 weeks and it's followed by 6 practical sessions during the summer months.
Time: Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.
Tutors: Neville Lee, Thomas O’Neill, Richard Tiley and Ian Tiley.
Fee: £50. Attending the Basic Course also pays for ‘Associate’ membership.
Topics:
- Week 1. Introduction and Overview of Beekeeping
- Week 2. About Bees
- Week 3. Equipment
- Week 4. Principles of Bee Handling
- Week 5. Bee Forage and Honey
- Week 6. Diseases, Pests & Predators, General Recapitulation
Book a Place on the Course
To book a place on the course, please complete the form below, and send payment of £50 for the course as follows:
- BACS (preferred): Name: Burnham and District Beekeepers", Sort-Code: 30-91-20, Account Number: 00881608, Reference: "Your Name Begin" (e.g. "Frank Hobbs Begin").
- Cheque: payable to “Burnham and District Beekeepers” sent to David Backes, 6 Southridge Heights, Bleadon Hill, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 9JH.
For any enquiries regarding the course please contact Bill Paterson at [email protected]
