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 22th Jan 2025 for 6 weeks (22nd Jan, 29th Jan, 5th Feb, 12th Feb, 19th, 26th Feb). Followed by 6 practical sessions during the summer months.
Time: 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​
Followed by a practical course as close as possible to the last lesson.

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.
Payment must be received at least 1 week before the start of the course to confirm your place. Your place is not confirmed until payment is received, and the course does usually sell out, so please send your payment in plenty of time. No refunds are possible less than 1 week before the course start date.
For any enquiries regarding the course please contact Bill Paterson at [email protected]