​​A theory course of six two-hour sessions, aimed at people who are considering taking up the craft of beekeeping, or who have only fairly recently obtained their own bees. The course will cover: the honey bee life cycle, hive design, equipment, colony management, swarming and hive products and will provide a firm base from which to increase knowledge of the craft. The theory course is followed by three practical sessions to get hands-on with bees. Anyone who attends the course becomes a full member of the Yeovil Branch of Somerset Beekeepers Association Charity, and we try to prioritise new members to receive swarms (if they want them!) so that they can start keeping bees in their first year.

Venue: Chiselborough Village Hall, Church Lane, Chiselborough, Somerset TA14 6TR
Dates: Theory Course - Starting Tue 17th Feb 2026 for six weeks. Practical sessions: 25th April, 9th May, 23rd May 2026
Time: 7.30pm.
Tutors: Neil Cook
Fee: In advance: £75
Anyone signing up for the Course also becomes a full member of the BBKA, SBKA and Yeovil Division (which includes many benefits, including colony insurance, subscription to monthly BBKA News magazine, etc.)
The theory course will cover all aspects of beekeeping, including getting started, honeybee lifecycle, disease recognition, swarm control and many other topics.
​ The practical course will cover colony inspections, the practical elements of swarm control, disease recognition, and queen marking.

Book a Place on the Course

To book a place on the course, please complete the form below, and send payment of £75 for the course as follows:
  • BACS (preferred): Name: Somerset Beekeepers Association, Yeovil Division", Sort-Code: 30-92-40, Account Number: 32009160, Reference: "Your Name Begin" (e.g. "Frank Hobbs Begin").
  • Cheque: payable to “Somerset Beekeepers’ Association, Yeovil Division” sent to Sharon Blake, Stratton Court, Over Stratton, TA13 5LQ by 2nd Jan 2025. Cheques will not be banked until the first day of the course.
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 Neil Cook at [email protected]