June - Apiary Report
We have just taken about 175lbs of spring honey from the clubs hives. Some had set in the combs. Hopefully the bees will recycle it and i'll whip it back in the next week or so before the Blackberry comes into full blossom although the sections I introduced into frames have not worked out how I had hoped. However, the honey will keep Katy happy for her street market and Annie being our Treasurer!
All colonies are strong and in good health apart from one that's become a drone laying colony. I'm sure it's the workers producing the drones and not the queen running out of semen. (About 200 workers become drone layers in a colony) Eggs are random in the cells with some at the bottom of but not in a tight cluster as if it was the queen. I'm in the process of replacing, shame as its a 14x12.
Might get the new colony in place and let Tom do the change over on the NBU day.
All the colonies have settled down from requeening. We are putting new wired framed queen excluders and supers on all hives due to upcoming exams. On the exam front, we are having candidates from other branches wanting to use our apiary and its not Dover!
We have successfully introduced 2 locally bred queens. Temperament is exceptional, I know they can produce honey. I'm now assessing them on wax building for neatness.
The clubs observation hive is a great success especially as its on a 5 framed nuc. Joanne has taken it on many school, scout and community group talks. Its also used on display at the market events. We may get the second hive operational to help with the change over as there are several more talks booked.
On the clubs hives. It's essential for those venturing through them to fill out the basic hive record sheets in the club house as whoever follows after that person, there is history of the hive. I try and keep all the records up-to date but with 10 hives it's a tall order!
Junes Club Meeting
This was a huge success with nearly 35 people attending, some new faces along with current members. The weather was ideal to venture into the hives. Groups were spilt into three. Belinda, Dr Andy and myself took the groups.
Both Andy's and Belinda's hive had just swarmed. Andy's group saw a virgin queen which had just emerged whilst Belinda's group saw queen cells.
My group saw a drone laying colony.
Obviously, something had happened over the past week before they decided to swarm as both colonies were looked at for the mock practical exams. Previously the colonies were both queen right and happy!
Plenty of tea and cake was consumed and we also had a brilliant raffle of interesting prizes.
If numbers keep going up in attendance, then it may have to be considered, that we have bi weekly meetings in the summer months. First Sunday general club day but every 2nd Sunday hive day, We also need those who are doing the basic assessment exam to help with the demonstrating.
Due to demand, we have decided to run another beginners course, possibly starting towards the end of the summer. Joanne will keep those interested informed. Several of our spring Introduction to Beekeepers course are now club members and are underway on their journey with bee colonies of their own.
At last weeks meeting, I spoke to a couple of individuals before we ventured to the hives. One was a past member. They spoke about a young chap interested in queen rearing. Possibly from the Brookland area. If anyone can shed any light who this maybe please contact Joanne or myself. I would like to consider him raising queens for the club.
I've been informed that the Bee Disease Insurance included in our membership has changed. The policy now covers new for old replacement for hives of diseased colonies. A great reason to keep up with membership renewals on time.
Hygiene: The soda crystal solution for cleaning ratio has changed from 5 - 1 to 4.5 - 1 ( 4.5 water, 1 part soda crystals.)
Our Top Bar Hive now has a new roof. Thanks to Andy Cook and myself. We've fitted felt roof shingles to a new top and I believe it looks great.
NBU safari day: Friday 27thJune. (Bee Health Day)
10 am -2.30 pm
I'm looking forward to this event. Probably the best event of the year.
£5 per head pays for the barbeque lunch. Please bring items to help with feast!
I'm expecting we will have a good turnout as we have invited Dover and Hastings/Rother clubs.
Please reserve your place as numbers will be limited.
In preparation we are trying to smarten up everything so I don't have too much criticism on the day along with finding issues with our colonies.
Hopefully, they will show us the correct way to change over the drone laying colony and give us plenty of advice on hygiene, varroa/treatments, sac brood and doing a shook swarm.
The bee inspectors want 3 or 4 full working hives for the days events.
Hornet and wasps will also be discussed along with advice given. A full day's programme!
Sugar is now available. (Not only for bee feed but for jams) Please contact Robert and Annie.
Steve will update everyone on the Asian Hornet front shortly.
Finally, Saturday, 14th June 10am -3pm is a Club Open Day
Katy is arranging everything with crafts, refreshments, talks and outside stalls.
All enquiries to her and volunteers to help please
