Yesterday we held a session at our training apiary for some of the people that attended our beginners course a few weeks ago. A second session is scheduled for another group in a couple of weeks.

Our apiary manager Kim gave an introductory chat about the apiary and the colonies we were about to inspect.



Martin and Kim gave the first demonstration to the group on how to inspect a hive, explaining how 'Hoopers 5' and the development times of each cast of bee would be used to determine how hive manipulations would be decided upon and what the likely development of each colony would be.





The beginners were shown brood frames the pattern of how the queen laid eggs, the workers stored nectar and pollen and how the brood developed.



Despite the weather forecast suggesting we could have heavy showers, we managed to get through the session with no rain, nice warm sunshine and fairly happy bees.

On Saturday the 29th March we held the second day of our beekeeping for beginners course. In the morning session there were two very interesting presentations given by Steve, one of our most experienced members, that covered swarming, measures to prevent it, methods to mitigate it and how to collect a swarm when it does occur. Steve also covered bee diseases and pests; AFB, EFB, Sac brood, Chalk brood, Nosema, wax moth varroa and the methods and legal requirements regarding their reporting



In the afternoon session there were presentations on extracting honey, labelling rules, mead making, soap, cream and candle making. Regulations covering these activities were covered.



At the end of the day Samantha gave a presentation on siting hives, obtaining bees and the benefits of joining a local beekeeping association (insurance, support, mentoring and on going education). The last session of the day was, as is our tradition, given by a new beekeeper. Steve, who had only started keeping bees last year. His talk was given, warts and all, about how his first year went, amusing, informative and engaging.

We are planning to hold our next beginners course in March 2026 and if you would like to register for it you can use our contact page

We are pleased to note that two of our members, Louisa Richards and Helen Rathbone have both sat the BBKA Module 1 (Honey Bee Management) examination and passed with a distinction and a credit respectively. Well done to the two of you!

This weekend was the first day of our beginners course, where we do our best to teach a group all the basic information they need to start keeping bees.



This year the course was fully booked, with a few people on a waiting list in case someone pulled out at the last minute. On day one we covered a lot of material...

Role of Queens, Workers and Drones in maintaining integrity of the colony. Development times of casts and why they are important in managing bees. Substances collected by bees and their purpose. The Winter Cluster, stores, impact of winter, colony development during spring and into summer. Disease treatment and feeding



On day one we also covered the equipment needed for Beekeeping...
Structure of a removable frame hive, Personal protective equipment, Hives and accessories, Storage space, Hive types, New or second-hand - pros and cons, Cost of equipment, Hygiene



Inspecting colonies was also covered with areas covered such as; Health and well-being of bees, Why we inspect once a week in the Spring, What to look for during an inspection (Hoopers 5), How to hold combs, Disposing of wax, Hygiene between hives/apiaries/tools/clothing, Stings - protection and safety of self and public, Finding and marking queens, keeping records.

At the end of the first day all the attendees seemed to have really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the second day.

Microscopy Group

WBKA has a successful microscopy group. It meets at Eathorpe Village Hall on Saturday mornings (10-13.00) every other month and also has zoom calls on the second Thursday of the month. To find out more contact us.

The dates for 2025 are:

• Meetings (Eathorpe Village Hall )
  • 4th Jan, 8th March, 3rdMay, 5th July, 6th September, 1st November
    
• Zoom calls (7.30-9.00)
  • 13th Feb, 10th April ,12th June, 14th August, 9th October, 11th December

BBKA Honey Bee Health Certificate

If you have your Basic Assessment, why not take the Honey Bee Health Certificate? This is a totally practical assessment which really gets you to understand hygiene, disease and pests - it is very useful to your beekeeping. To prepare you and give you confidence, the Warwick and Leamington branch will be having a training programme. This involves a number of zoom study calls and a day workshop:

• Zoom March 20th 7.00-8.30
• Zoom March 27th 7.00-8.30
• April 13th- whole day workshop at Eathorpe Village Hall, CV339DE and apiary (weather permitting) 9.30 - 4.30
• Zoom call 24th April 8.30-9.30.

There is a charge of £5, which will include the cost of refreshments at the day workshop. These sessions are for members who have enrolled in the Honey Bee Health Certificate. To sign up for the course and enroll for the assessment please contact us

The Warwick and Leamington Branch are organising training which they have opened up to other branches. So this could be a great opportunity to fulfil one of your new year's resolutions

Towards the BBKA Basic Assessment

If you have a year or more of beekeeping experience by next summer, why not take your Basic Assessment- your beekeeping "driving license"? This is a practical assessment which involves going through a hive, discussing your beekeeping and making a frame. To support members of Warwickshire we are running a blended training course of zoom calls and a training day. This will boost your confidence and put you in touch with other beekeepers doing the same thing. The sessions will be:

• Zoom 2nd April 7.00-8.00pm
• Day workshop 12th April 2025 Eathorpe Village Hall, CV339DE, 9.30am - 4.30pm
• Zoom 24th April 7.00 -8.00pm

There is a charge of £5 for refreshments.

This course is intended for those who have entered for the Basic Assessment next year. To get the sign up details for the course and register for the Basic Assessment please contact us