Beds BKA Talks:
2011/12 Winter Talks. These will all take place at Houghton Conquest Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Houghton Conquest is in between the A6 and A422 between Ampthill and Bedford. The Village Hall is in the centre of the village, not far from the church, there is plenty of parking on site. If you have any ideas for future talks, please contact Anne Cross. Tuesday 18th October 2011. Ged Marshall will speak about Queen Rearing. 22nd November 2011. Peter Tomkins will speak about “1½ Ways of Keeping Bees”. Peter sent this note: “With the help of slides I will describe the many hive types that I have worked with over a 65 year period. This will be followed by a more detailed demonstration of how this experience has led to the way I manage my bees today”. January 2012 date TBC – Beds BKA DIY evening. This will be a series of short talks by Beds BKA members. If you would like to volunteer to do one, please contact Anne Cross 01582 696074 ASAP. All talks should be about 20 minutes. We will have laptop and screen there on the night. Other Beds BKA Events
Some of these items may appear to be out of date, however they indicate the type of events the Association attends, and the training that is done.
Beds BKA 2011 Honey Show: This will be held on Saturday 17th September 2011 at Stockwood Park/Discovery Centre Luton. For new beekeepers, there is an excellent section on the Beds BKA Website about preparing honey and other items for shows, well worth a read. The Rules for 2010 are also on the Honey Show page. Please note, entry to the public will be after judging has finished, approximately 2pm.
If you like to buy 'local' honey, then Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association are present at the following events during the year.
Shows
Young Farmers Show. Saturday 21st May 2011, Silsoe. contact Ray Smith 01234 771558 or Andrew Beer 01525 240235
Bedforshire Country Show, Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th July 2010, near Biggleswade. Contact Sue Cross 01234 764365
Wrest Park Craft & Design Festival Saturday 27th to Monday 29th August 2010. Contact Sue Cross 01234 764365
Woodworks! Saturday 3th/Sunday 4th September 2011. Near Marston Moretaine. Contact Sue Cross 01234 764365
Dunstable Downs Festival Sunday 4th September 2011. Contact Sue Cross 01234 764365
Apple Day, Bromham Mill, North of Bedford Sunday 16th October 2011. Contact Sue Cross 01234 764365
Training
BBKA Basic Training: The British Beekeeping Association has a structured education framework which aims to promote knowledge and skill in beekeeping. The Basic Assessment is a one hour practical and oral exam which is the starting point on this framework.
During 2011 we will be running several training days to prepare beekeepers for the Basic exam, with theory in the morning and practical beekeeping in the afternoon. If you have kept bees for two years or more and are interested in coming, please contact Gill Brewer on 01525 718550 or the_brewers@btinternet.com or Sue Lang on 01234 764180 or bedfordshirehoney@hotmail.co.uk
For more information about the BBKA exams, please follow this link. http://www.britishbee.org.uk/examinations_and_assessments.php Having attained the Basic Certificate, beekeepers who wish to learn more can go on to sit written theory exams or practical husbandry exams (as per the Module 3 study group led by Fiona Cook).
Food Hygiene Course. We run occasional courses at the Cross Keys Pub in Cranfield. Cost approx £40 plus VAT. Open to non members, but places must be booked in advance. Contact Sue Lang 01234 764180 or bedfordshirehoney@hotmail.co.uk for more details and next dates.
Swarm Control Day. Sunday 10th April, Stockwood Apiary Luton. Contact Jennie Tysom to book your place (limited to 30 people). This is aimed at beekeepers who are likely to be dealing with swarms for the first time in 2011.
Equipment Building Day. Sunday 10th April 2011. Stewartby. Building your hive for the first time and need some expert help and guidance? Contact Sue Cross for more details on 01234 764365. This will last all day, so anyone wishing to also attend the Swarm Control day can get to both if needed.
Foul Brood Recognition: May 22nd 2011 This is with Keith Morgan our Regional Bee Inspector. Numbers are limited to 30, so please book your place with Sue Lang on 01234 764180 or bedfordshirehoney@hotmail.co.uk.