The BeeHolder, April 2011

It hasn’t been officially confirmed yet but according to rumour, colony losses during this last winter have been much less than in several previous years and less than expected. The Seasonal Bee Inspectors have taken some credit for this saying that the emphasis on disease disease disease has paid off. Bee keepers really are looking after their bees better. Another rumour is that throughout the UK membership of Bee Keeping Associations is down about 25%. That does not mean that there are fewer bee keepers: just that bee keepers are feeling the economic pinch and not rejoining an association. They will be missing out on insurance and the latest knowledge and the consequence of this is that an increase in colony mortality throughout the UK is expected next winter.

We have all to keep costs down and one way is to rely on the internet to send out information. Frankly we just cannot afford to buy so many stamps. From now on information will be sent along with the hard copy of the BeeHolder and updates will be posted regularly on our website. We will also use the phone more. Some of us even have packages that allow us to make free phone calls.

The term “going viral” may strike fear in the hearts of bee keepers when Varroa is mention but when it is about helpful information or an amusing video “Going Viral” is definitely good. Please tell all your contacts about our Grand Opening of the Apiary on 5th June and also about our open Garden day on 26th June. And tell your friends to tell their friends. Distribute via your email contacts list, twitter, Utube Twitter, blogs and Facebook .. whatever..whatever..just gossip... get people to those events; it is all in a good cause ...Bees Abroad and the MBKA.

Andy Brown, our New Members Secretary reports how difficult it is for members with young families to attend meetings. So from now on we will make every effort to have child friendly apiary meetings. As one member reported “I’d love my children to be able to watch me handle bees”. They can do so in safety at our Gregynog apiary and, if they get bored, we will ensure that there is plenty for them to do outside the apiary. So parents please bring your children along. Grandchildren can be brought along too. Make an afternoon out of an apiary visit. We need to whet the appetite of the next generation(s) of bee keepers.

Tony Shaw