Beginners Classes are the best way to get started in beekeeping. You learn about the bees, the problems, the equipment, how to handle bees, all before you commit yourself to buying your own bees and equipment. And the Association offers hands-on tuition at our own apiaries.

Classes start in early Spring in the classroom and end in the Summer with handling colonies of bees in the apiary.

The next round of classes will be in Spring 2011.

"Book your place early to avoid disappointment"

This year's classes were full before the start.

Sometimes we run one-day taster courses so that people can find out what is involved before committing themselves to a full course. Please register your interest in this with the Association Secretary (see Home Page).

  BEDFORDSHIRE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
BEGINNERS COURSES IN 2010

1. At Stockwood Park, Luton
 March
COURSE NOW FINISHED

2. At Harrowden School, Bedford
COURSE NOW FINISHED

Both courses are to be followed up by practical experience in the apiary.

The Association has 2 teaching apiaries; in the south, at Stockwood Country Park in Luton led by Mike Niemann and the other apiary is at Shefford, with apiarists Sue and Danny Lang. Each has around 8 colonies and you are invited to practice your new knowledge with other experienced beekeepers at either one at the weekends through the spring and summer. Bee suits can be provided.

Membership to the Association costs £10, Members can attend the monthly talks held throughout the winter usually in Houghton Conquest village hall. Members can also borrow beekeeping books and DVDs from our extensive library and will receive a year book and a bi-monthly newsletter should you chose to do so. We look forward to meeting you. For further information please call the Association Secretary (See Home Page).

 
The Launchpad Scheme
We are sorry that due to problems with supply and demand we cannot operate the launchpad scheme in 2010.  Thorne's and other Beekeeping Suppliers supply a Beginners Kit now.


The Basic Certificate

The British Beekeepers Association Basic Certificate is awarded to those who pass a straightforward test after keeping bees for at least two years. There is no written exam, but the test includes handling bees and answering basic questions.
In Bedfordshire we are fortunate in having two people who are qualified as examiners for this Exam. See Dates and Events for the details of this years coaching session.

The Queen Marking Colours

New Queens get a different colour each year so that you can tell their age easily.

The usual mark is a small patch of colour on the top of the thorax, put on with a little brush or a matchstick. It is possible to put on numbered discs also, when there is a special reason.

Queens marked                    were new in years
with these colours                 ending with these numbers