SPRING CONVENTION 2010 CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE CONVENTION 2010's Annual Convention is on the first Saturday in March (6th), 9.00am-5,00pm, at Claughton Memorial Village Hall, Claughton-0n-Brock, Preston, PR3 OPM (Grid Ref. Sheet 102 526424) close to the M6 north of Preston. Download the handout by clicking here Dear Beekeeper / Prospective Beekeeper There are two key areas that beekeepers are interested in at the moment 1. Research into bee losses and new treatments Beekeeping has become more difficult in the last few years, colonies have been lost - you may have lost some yourself. Despite the critisism levelled by the BBKA at Government generally, there is still a lot of money spent each year on the beekeeping and the majority of that is spent by the National Bee Unit. They undertake the apiary inspections and are doing research into the causes of the ailments our bees are getting. 2. Education In order for beekeepers to be able to keeps bees sucessfully they need good training. The BBKA has a world class examinations system that is the envy of the world. On Saturday 6th March, we have coming to our Spring Convention Giles Budge - the head scientist from the National Bee Unit Lecture 1 RECENT HISTORIC COLONY LOSSES this is an update of the lecture he gave at Apimondia so we are talking world class here Lecture 2 AN UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL BEE UNIT which includes random apiary survey, husbandry surveys, university links, PHDs etc which will give an overview of the research programme of the NBU. Margaret Thomas - the moderator of the BBKA examinations system. Lecture 1 WHAT MOTIVATES THE BEE TO ACT AS IT DOES? Glands, pheromones and their impact Lecture 2 POLLEN THE BEES AND THE BEEKEEPER About pollen what it is, what it looks like, how collected by the bees and the beekeeper and how to use it Both these two are right in the heart of their respective organisations and give you the opportunity to hear first hand the work that is being done on your behalf to increase your chances of keeping bees sucessfully. Without travelling a long way (such as to Apimondia) you do not often get the chance to hear speakers of this quality. Come along and see how they are working to help your bees. For those who have attended the Convention in previous years you will know that Bill Poole from Blackpool brings along 2nd hand equipment & books for sale. He has contacted me to say he will be doing the same this year, Please Note that you have to book in advance and pay on the day. £17.50 includes Jacket potato with cheese, beans and coleslaw with fruit crumble and fresh cream to follow. Tea/coffee will include homemade cakes & biscuits. Tel 01704 877855 Email beebarb@hotmail.co.uk Mobile for contact on the day 07518035572 |
