Dear Members,
I was interested to see in the BBKA newsletter the results of the 2019 Honey Survey which indicated that the number of beekeepers replying falls off sharply after two years. Although this could mean that after two years people mostly stop sending in their answers to BBKA, I think it is probably the case that many people drop out of beekeeping after 2 years when they become aware of the complexity and time involved.
Dear Members,
Our Honey Show was again beautifully organized by Fran and it was wonderful to see our youngest member, Dean Oldfield sweep up two firsts with his Novice honey and honey cake.
Gail Plester also managed to take the cup for the most points in show, with Steve Brown a close runner up. Rowan Moore has retained the cup for best light honey - he is the one to aim to beat next time round.
Dear Members,
I am surprised that no matter how often I attend beekeeping lectures, I always hear something new and feel enthused to learn more. Graham Royal, at our September meeting, stressed that beekeepers need to keep up to date with changes in the climate and environment as well as beekeeping research and adjust their practice accordingly to get maximal rewards from their beekeeping . Of course this is common sense, but sometimes it helps to bring it into the light.
Dear Members,
This always seems a difficult time in the beekeeping calendar. I feel as though it requires a major juggling act to accomplish honey extraction, treating for varroa and ensuring, if they need to be, bees are fed.
Dear Member
Well, for many this has been a good year for honey production and most of you who are getting a honey crop this year will no doubt have extracted your honey and be enjoying the fruits of your, and the bees, labour.
