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Plymouth Branch Newsletter ee rief April 2016btckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site2056/Bee...
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1 www.plymouthbeekeepers.btik.com ee rief APRIL Sunday 3 rd General Meeting: topical items – all members welcome 10 am Sunday 10 th Novice Meeting (2) 10 am Sunday 17 th Improvers Meeting 10 am Sunday 24 th Novice Meeting (3) 10 am Saturday 9 th Joint Nosema Day with Totnes & Kingsbridge to be confirmed JUNE – NOTE: the 11 th is a new date Sunday 5 th General Meeting: discussion on topical items – all members welcome 10 am Saturday 11 th Bee Disease & Husbandry Day – more details to follow Sunday 12 th Novice Meeting (6) 10 am Sunday 19 th (Father’s Day) Improvers Meeting 10 am Sunday 26 th Novice Meeting (7) 10 am MAY (Bank Holidays Mon 2 nd + Mon 30 th ) Sunday 1 st General Meeting: discussion on topical items – all members welcome 10 am Sunday 8 th Novice Meeting (4) 10 am Sunday 15 th Improvers Meeting 10 am Sunday 22 nd Novice Meeting (5) 10 am Sunday 29 th No Meeting - (Bank Holiday Weekend) PLYMOUTH BEEKEEPERS’ Apiary Programme 2016 Plymouth Branch Newsletter April 2016
Transcript of Plymouth Branch Newsletter ee rief April 2016btckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site2056/Bee...
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ee rief
APRIL
Sunday 3rd
General Meeting: topical items – all members welcome
10 am
Sunday 10th
Novice Meeting (2)
10 am
Sunday 17th
Improvers Meeting
10 am
Sunday 24th
Novice Meeting (3)
10 am
Saturday 9th
Joint Nosema Day with Totnes & Kingsbridge
to be confirmed
JUNE – NOTE: the 11th is a new date
Sunday 5th
General Meeting: discussion on topical items – all members welcome
10 am
Saturday 11th Bee Disease & Husbandry Day – more details to follow
Sunday 12th
Novice Meeting (6)
10 am
Sunday 19th
(Father’s Day)
Improvers Meeting
10 am
Sunday 26th
Novice Meeting (7)
10 am
MAY (Bank Holidays Mon 2nd + Mon 30th)
Sunday 1st
General Meeting: discussion on topical items – all members welcome
10 am
Sunday 8th
Novice Meeting (4)
10 am
Sunday 15th
Improvers Meeting
10 am
Sunday 22nd
Novice Meeting (5)
10 am
Sunday 29th
No Meeting - (Bank Holiday Weekend)
PLYMOUTH BEEKEEPERS’ Apiary Programme 2016
Plymouth Branch Newsletter
April 2016
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JULY
Sunday 3rd
General Meeting: discussion on topical items – all members welcome
10 am
Sunday 10th
Novice Meeting (8)
10 am
Sunday 17th
Improvers Meeting
10 am
Sunday 24th
Novice Meeting (9)
10 am
Sunday 31st
Novice Meeting (10)
10 am
NB. Meetings will be held at the Branch Apiary Site unless advised otherwise.
Directions to Branch Apiary at Lee Mill, Ivybridge:
Turn left off the A38 at Lee Mill and follow the signs for Tesco.
Drive past the Tesco entrance & take next right for Central Avenue on the industrial estate.
Drive down the hill of Central Avenue, looking for East Way on your right.
Drive along East Way, looking for Cadleigh Close on your left.
Drive into Cadleigh Close and the apiary site is behind the big iron gates of the tyre factory.
Park inside the gates, walk up the concrete path & you will see the portacabin on your right.
Taken on the 8th April 2012 with Plymouth
Beekeepers – Andy & Neil
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Chairman’s Blog
At last we have some fine, spring weather, although it is still
chilly at night. The bees have been very active, but I have
yet to open my hives, as the temperature is not really warm
enough to do an inspection. They have taken a lot of candy this year – they seem to like
the Ambrosia better than bakers’ fondant and it is worth shelling out the few extra
pounds. Now that we are in April, a liquid feed can be given and I usually mix some Vita
Gold with the first gallon. This helps combat any Nosema and gives the bees a boost. If
the weather in April is cold, wet and windy, the bees will soon use up any stores, so keep
a close eye on their stores and, if in doubt, feed. There is nothing worse than losing a
colony to starvation at this time of the year. Ample food will also encourage the bees to
keep the queen laying. If we get really warm weather in April, supers will be needed.
Always ensure that the bees have plenty of room.
The DBKA President’s Day and AGM went well. The speaker this year was Declan Schroder
from the MBA in Plymouth. He focussed on viruses and in particular DWV. He has
discovered that there are three different strains and not two as previously thought. His
talk was excellent, even for a non-scientist like me, so Jean and Steve will be inviting him
to talk at one of our winter meetings.
Jean French and I met with the team from Plymouth Community Housing on 23rd March
and we reached agreement on swarm collections from their properties, which are spread
all over Plymouth. They have agreed to make a donation to us of £800 for our efforts
last year, the form filling for which did take some time! I do not know whether this money
has been received yet, but Bernie will let us know at the committee meeting next week.
This leads me on to another matter that the committee will be working on – a second
branch apiary. We will be meeting with Chris Avent from Plymouth City Council at Poole
Farm on 15th April to explore the possibility and viability of having an apiary at the
Community Park, so more news on this next month.
Finally, don’t forget the Celebrity Lecture at St Luke’s Church Hall, Buckfastleigh on 14th
April at 7.30pm. The talk is by Prof Stephen Martin on the threat of the Asian Hornet. £5
payable at the door, so excellent value.
David
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Basic Assessment I would like to complete my basic assessment this year. I am looking to find out if others in the association are going to, or thinking of, doing the same. I hope we can then link together to set up a small support network to help and guide each other through this process. For those who are not fully aware of the basic assessment or have not thought about it, below is some general info:-
Why? To provide us with a goal to give us a measure of our achievement in basic skills and knowledge of the craft. Some of us may use it as a springboard from which to launch into the more demanding assessments. The Basic Assessment syllabus can appear daunting at first glance. Closer inspection will show that it merely lists the basic things which all beekeepers should know and many of us have learnt on our induction course.
Requirements To take the Basic Assessment you should have managed at least one colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months. The assessment is completely practical/oral and takes place mainly at a hive in a local apiary.
Action and costs If interested and you would like more info please catch me at the branch apiary or just drop me a line, [email protected]. If you would like to take your assessment and link up please drop me a line. To apply for the assessment, you will need to complete the Application Form found here: http://www.bbka.org.uk/files/library/appform_13c_1381739800.pdf or I'll send you a copy. There is a fee of £18.
Timings The last application can be made around July but I would strongly suggest highlighting your interests now. July will be too late for a support group (for this year).
Passing note I am sure some of the committee and PBKA members would be interested and supportive towards any candidates. As several members in previous years have done very well on their assessments achieving top marks across Devon - well done to those. Thank for your time - Claude Pool Email: [email protected]
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Ask Devon County Council to make the right choice for bees
Councillors are considering a plan to ban the use of toxic, bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides from any land it owns or manages.
This would help reverse the decline of Devon’s bee species and send a strong message that neonicotinoids have no place in our towns and country.
The science showing the threat to bee species from harmful neonics is now stronger than ever before. East Sussex County Council has already taken the lead on banning these dangerous pesticides on council-owned land.
It would be great if Devon did too.
The council will decide soon, and they need to know that Devon residents are right behind them taking action.
Do you live in Devon?
You can add your name to the petition on the Friends of the Earth website calling on the Council to back this ban
https://www.foe.co.uk/act/ask-devon-county-council-make-right-choice-bees
DWT has joined forces with Friends of the Earth, Devon Women's Institute and Buglife to garner public support from Devon residents for DCC to make the right choice for Devon's bees.
The use of three neonics is currently restricted across Europe because they were found to pose a ‘high acute risk’ to honeybees.
But these restrictions only cover some crops and some neonics, and can be temporarily lifted by governments – as ours did last year.
If Devon follows East Sussex and introduces a permanent ban on bee-harming pesticides on its land, Devon’s bees will be better protected.
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In case you missed our update last month, don't forget the discount for bulk purchases of Bee Craft published books. 20% discount if a minimum of 10 books are bought together. If you are interested to know which books these are, please email me and I will send you a list/order form, or take a look at our website remembering that the offer is specific to books published by Bee Craft. This is an ideal way to stock your association library, or as reference books for beekeepers studying for one of the BBKA modules. Liz, our Shop Manager, has just advised me that the twelve booklets we publish have been reduced in price from £3.50 to £2 each. To check the range of topics please take a look at our online shop. A really good price for these popular publications. We have had a few wonderfully warm sunny days here in Devon and I took the opportunity to have a brief look into some of my hives. Unfortunately one appears to have a drone laying queen - how are yours faring? All the best Wendy and the Bee Craft team [email protected] www.bee-craft.com
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PLYMOUTH BRANCH OF DEVON BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION
LIBRARY NEWS
Four new books have been added to the branch library in the General Category.
They are:
Mead, Making, Exhibiting and Judging by Harry Riches
A Practical Guide to Producing Heather Honey by Tony Jefferson
Dr Sara’s Honey Potions by Dr Sara Robb
The Principles of Bee Improvement by Jo Widdicombe
Also at a recent committee meeting it was decided that a member wishing to borrow any of the three rare and valuable books from the branch library should pay a £10 returnable deposit. These books are only available from the branch librarian, and are itemised in the library list.
LIST OF DVDs
Liz Wallis
Branch Librarian
Notes 1 An Introduction to Beekeeping with Paul Metcalf 3 copies 2 An Introduction to keeping Bees 3 copies 3 A Queen Rearing Workshop 4 National Geographic Channel film 1998 2 copies 5 The Honey Bee with Gill Sentinella 6 Jimmy and the Wild Honey Hunters 7 Dancing with Bees 10 minute film,
suitable for children
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HONEY FEST
Thursday 10th March, 2016
At Elburton Village Hall
Firstly, we’d both like to thank all our members who were able to come along and support this new event. For those unable to make it, here’s a brief report of events…….
The evening began with Valerie McA serving samples of her delicious Honey & Sea Salt ice cream – I know several members went back for seconds including myself. With a variety of activities, members were able to swap pots of honey, exchange redundant bee books - and I believe, Fred provided some ad hoc amusement with the buttons at the Honey Tasting table.
The displays of different frame types and the curios/homemade inventions too, created interest and discussion amongst the membership. There was also a hive of activity around Kathy’s display - with her T-shirt logo competition and mood board and the opportunity to become involved in some on-going projects. I was pleased to see members had brought along their ‘first’ attempts at candle making for the Wax Exhibits……and Jean R actively encouraging members to have a go at candle rolling. I saw several rolled candles being waved around by delighted members. Will we see an increase in entries at the next Honey Show?
As per usual, no one left the meeting hungry! An array of honey-based produce was provided including flapjacks, honey cake, honey-based drinks and not forgetting Terry McA’s famous Honey Oat Biscuits. Thanks too, to Steve Arthur who donated a case of pasties which were complemented by a choice of honey mustard or a honey-based homemade chutney.
Finally, I must mention some unplanned entertainment provided by Steve Russell and his popcorn maker. Cups of warm, fresh popcorn were produced, drizzled with honey and a queue quickly formed to sample this delight. Unfortunately, our Treasurer, Bernie Talling got a bit over-excited and decorated the floor with popcorn at one stage, and although he did a good job sweeping it up……I did find popcorn on the sole of my shoe when I got home!
All in all, we were happy with the outcome of this event and hope to repeat something similar next year – any ideas would be welcome.
Jean French & Jean Russell
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£
Lesley Gasson, Chairperson, Dorset BKA
The Buzz – Bees in the news
5th April 2016
Clothianidin 'significantly affects honeybees' learning' finds study - but not bumblebees
By Matthew Appleby, Horticulture Week
“Exposure to the neonicotinoid Clothianidin "significantly affects the learning of honeybees but has no effect on bumblebees", scientists from the University of Sussex have discovered. The research also looked at how the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae, which is a potential threat to honey bee populations in Europe, affects the memory and learning of both species. The study found that infection by the parasite slightly impaired learning in honeybees, however the parasite did not infect bumblebees.”
Read more: http://www.hortweek.com/clothianidin-significantly-affects-honeybees-learning-finds-study-not-bumblebees/ornamentals/article/1390103
Published on April 6th, Saija Piiroinen and Dave Goulson’s research can be accessed in full – this is not free but the link is below
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/283/1828/20160246
HONEY
SHOW
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Bees on their knees: Honeybees come through ‘worst’ winter in decade in Leeds
The wild honey bee is now virtually extinct. Neil Hudson talks to Leeds beekeepers about the plight of the species. “It’s a stark fact there are now almost no honeybee colonies left in the wild in the UK. If you’re lucky enough to spot a honeybee on your travels, it’s odds on it’s come from what’s called a managed colony - that is, one looked after by a beekeeper.”
Read more: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/your-leeds/bees-on-their-knees-honeybees-come-through-worst-winter-in-decade-in-leeds-1-7847442#ixzz45c4o7ZuH
5 April 2016
Starvation as babies makes bees stronger as adults
Hana Carter writes in the Telegraph
“Starvation could give young honeybees a fighting chance against colony collapse disorder (CCD) by the time they reach adulthood.
Scientists from Arizona State University suspect that a lack of nutrition could cause CCD, which occurs when most of a colony's worker bees disappear and leave behind a queen, immature bees and a few nurse bees.
Researchers found the young bees experiencing starvation could reduce their metabolic rate, maintain blood sugar levels and use other fuels faster.”
Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/05/nature-notes-starvation-as-babies-makes-bees-stronger-as-adults/
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Aldi UK promises to protect pollinators with pesticides review
Supermarket chain Aldi UK has announced that it is reviewing its pesticides policy, including the use of bee-harming neonicotinoids.
This is a good start but Friends of the Earth is asking the public to let Aldi know they expect to see a strong bee-friendly policy adopted by the retailer.
Aldi UK has been under pressure to act, following moves against neonics by its parent company in Germany – Aldi Süd.
At the beginning of the year, Aldi Süd banned eight pesticides - including three bee-harming neonicotinoids - from their fruits and vegetables following a campaign by Greenpeace Europe.
But this doesn’t mean the same thing here - as Aldi UK operates independently from Aldi Süd.
Friends of the Earth has been calling on Aldi UK to bring in its own ban. Now, in a statement to us, Aldi UK confirmed it has started a full review of its pesticides policy:
‘The aim of this review is to establish an Aldi UK position on pesticide usage that will take our approach beyond the status quo, particularly in relation to pollinators.’
But what will Aldi UK decide?
Friends of the Earth warmly welcome Aldi UK’s decision to review their policy and their recognition that business as usual is not an option. Increasing science is telling us that neonicotinoids are an unacceptable threat to bees and other wildlife.
And alternative, effective, bee-friendly farming methods are available. Friends of the Earth Bees campaigner Dave Timms said:
“This review is welcome but Aldi’s new policy must include a strong commitment to keep neonicotinoid pesticides out of the production of its fruit, vegetable and cereals including wheat and oilseed rape. It’s vital that consumers let Aldi know that they expect them to act to protect our threatened bees.”
Read more: https://www.foe.co.uk/act/tell-aldi-uk-ban-bee-harming-pesticides
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Contact Details – Plymouth Branch
Chairman
David Milford
839751
Secretary
Jean French
338279
Treasurer
Bernie Talling
709470
Editor
Dawn Clarke
309483
DBKA Website - Members Area Password:
If you have forgotten the password, please contact either David Milford or Jean French.
Member Advert
Member Adverts
FOR SALE Double Hive Stand
Made out of
4” x 2” wood
£10
Contact:
Bill Finnemore
Tel: (01752) 404184
FOR SALE
A selection of National Hives, Supers with Frames, Brood Boxes
Open to Offers
Scaling down
Contact: Mike Lawrence, Tel: 01752 561009
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HEMBURY BEE SUPPLIES
Agents for the main
manufacturers.
We can supply all your Beekeeping needs.
Foundation – Hives – Frames -
Jars And many, many more
We can be found at:
John Harler
Outer Finches Hembury Cock Hill,
Buckfast TQ11 0HN
Tel/Fax n/a until mid-April Mobile 07769878476 Email [email protected]
Please Phone before you make a visit
