The BeeHolder, July 2010

July Apiary Meeting Sunday 25th Tylwch, Llanidloes

This is an interesting venue. A collection of old buildings converted, with considerable panache, into a home for training workshops into rural crafts, stone carving and Archaeological digs. Contrast the range of innovative energy saving additions to these old buildings to the new-build energy-efficient housing to be seen during the September Apiary meeting. And all this before we get to the bees!

Training Day, Bee Diseases and Basic Assessment Exam

Saturday 28th August 10am to 4pm Sunday 28t at The Montgomeryshire Training Apiary at Gregynog, Tregynon,

The day will be run by John Beavan Seasonal Bee Inspector with fellow SBI Peter Guthrie and their boss Welsh Regional Bee Inspector Frank Gellatly. They will be available to advise on diseases and to test bees from members’ hives for Nosema. Members should bring along samples of their bees for microscopic examination. Details of how to collect bees will be sent to members later. For details of the basic assessment see July 2008 edition of BeeHolder pages 7, 8 & 9 or on line here. If you’re contemplating the Basic Assessment:- Please don’t be put off by the title ‘Basic Assessment’ – on the one hand, it is not so ‘basic’ that it is not worth it nor is it trivial; on the other hand it is a face-to-face test and the assessor will do everything possible to direct you towards the right answers during the session. The nature of the assessment, both practical and oral, involves both procedures and knowledge of bees and disease. To be eligible for the assessment you must have ‘managed at least one colony for a minimum of 12 months’

For the moment, remember the day and come to visit the Gregynog Apiary and examine the collection of hives

Only MBKA members will be permitted within the apiary but guests, including your children and grandchildren can view the activities from the public viewing areas behind the security barriers.

To add to the fun there will be a B Xfactor event.

September 4 & 5th,Glansevern Food Festival

We will need help on the MBKA stall at the Glansevern Food Festival. Helpers can get into the festival FREE if they help out on the stall. Please liaise with Secretary Jessica about what times you can do. Going on our experience of the last two years volunteers are kept busy with questions from the public.

September Apiary Meeting Sunday 19th Bishops Castle

The Wintles, part of Bishop's Castle, is an eco-village with community woodland, allotments, apiary, etc. Although each household is independent the residents are active in participating in community activities, such as woodland and meadow maintenance, chickens, pigs, and beekeeping. Currently the apiary has around a dozen hives, including 2 polystyrene. Charles Millar (area Seasonal Bee Inspector) will be attending.

The famous Bishop's Castle Michaelmas Fair will be running on Sept 18-19 - further details can be found at http://www.michaelmasfair.org.uk. Parking will be available at the Wintles for MBKA visitors. Do the Fair, see the Apiary, and do the Fair again. Take advantage of the Wintles’ car park. Who said there weren’t perks in being a member of the MBKA?