A theory course of 7, 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: West Huntspill Methodist Church, Main Road, West Huntspill TA9 3SQ at 7.30pm. 
Dates: Starting 23rd Jan for 7 weeks (23rd Jan, 30th Jan, 6th Feb, 13th Feb, 27th Feb, 6th March, 13th March). Followed by 6 practical sessions during the summer months.
Time: 7.30pm.
Tutors: Neville Lee, Thomas O’Neill, Richard Tiley and Ian Tiley.
Fee: £40. Attending the Basic Course also pays for ‘Associate’ membership.
​Topics:
  • Week 1. Introduction and Overview of Beekeeping
  • Week 2. About Bees and Equipment
  • Week 3. Principles of Bee Handling, Bee Forage and Honey
  • Week 4. Diseases, Pests & Predators, General Recapitulation
  • Week 5. The Bees and the Hive , Bee Handling
  • Week 6. Swarm Prevention & Control, Elementary Queen Rearing
  • Week 7. Pests and Diseases, Preparing Honey for Market and Showing​
Followed by a practical course as close as possible to the last lesson.
If you anticipate getting bees during the first year, you need to increase the membership fee from ‘Associate’ to ‘Full’ to ensure you obtain the necessary Bee Disease Insurance (BDI). 
Bookings:
​Please complete the form below and bring it with you to the first session on 23rd January. ​Please also fill in the Gift-Aid form if you are a UK taxpayer – this is a big help to us.
For further details please contact:    
Neville Lee 01934 853256 spruces@tiscali.co.uk 
or
Thomas O’Neill 01278786036 bees@tjoneill.plus.com