The Monthly Newsletter.

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OBKA NEWS

November 2009


 

Sunday 15th November

OBKA Honey Show, Cumnor Village Hall

Now is the time to submit your entry forms and start preparing your entries for this year’s Honey Show.  The afternoon is always entertaining, whether entering or not, and our judge will be offering many valuable insights into honey and wax preparation as well as improving the quality and presentation of exhibits.

Please contact me if you would like to enter and have mislaid your entry form or if you have any questions about making an entry. 

Doors open at 13.00 for the setting out of exhibits and judging will commence promptly at 14.00.  This will be followed by a grand tea for which food contributions will be very welcome.  Donations of prizes for the raffle are also welcome.

 

Directions: From Oxford, leave the A420 three miles from the A34 ring road onto the B4017 northwards signposted Cumnor.  Drive through Cumnor on the B4017 almost to the derestricted sign at the northern edge of the village.  The Village Hall is on the left.

From Eynsham (have 5p ready for the Toll Bridge) take the B4017 towards Cumnor.  On entering the village the Village Hall is on the right about 100m past the 30mph sign.

 

Mike Rose

Honey Show Secretary

Tel 01608 737237

mike.w.rose@btopenworld.com

 

PLEASE CAN ALL 2008 TROPHY WINNERS RETURN THEIR TROPHIES TO SALLY MOYES BEFORE 14/11/09 OR CONTACT HER TO CONFIRM THEY WILL BE BRINGING THEM TO THE SHOW.

 

NEW MEMBERS

The committee would like to welcome the following new members to the Association:

 

Peter Ferrer   -  Woodstock

Hayley Martyn -Fisher   - Burford

Anne-Marie Eilersen   - Forest Hill

Sarah Davies and Anthony Keary  - Oxford

Margaret and Kevin Colton  - Horspath

Gillian Bullock   - Kidlington

Gillian Oliver   - Botley

Rupert Ponsonby   - Sarsden

Pip Wilkins   - Finmere

Paul Whitaker   - Charlbury

Ramsay Dunning   - Hook Norton

Sarah Morris   - Witney

Juliet Franks   - Old Marston

 

Adam and Jillanna Mawle   - Banbury

Robert Dunn,   Headington

Janet Hillsdon,   Kidlington

Roberta and John Ainley,  South Newington

JFR Campbell,  Hook Norton

Neil Fayers,  Minster Lovell

David Johnson,  Hardwick

Susan Paice,  Witney

 

2010 CALENDAR

Peter Hawkins, a keen photographer, has devised an attractive calendar for 2010 with a different picture of bees for each month.   Anyone who would like to download a copy should contact Peter on peter.hawkins@fsmail.net.

 

LIBRARIAN

We are please to announce that Jill Rose has volunteed to take on the post of Librarian.

 

APIARY MANAGER

We are still looking for somebody to take the position of apiary manager for next season. Please speak to any Committee member if you are interested in this very rewarding post.

 

APIARY MEETINGS 2010

Please can anyone willing to host an apiary meeting next year contact Camilla Daukes, We are especially interested in hearing from our newer members.

Camilla’s telephone number is 01993 823533.

 

2009 BEGINNERS COURSE

The 2009 OBKA beginner’s course held its final class on Wednesday 9th Sept and to round off the course Ian James chaired a question and answer session which was a very effective way to reinforce many of the lessons we had learnt.

 

The OBKA’s teaching apiary at Marlborough School, Woodstock is an excellent facility hosting a variety of hives, a library/meeting room and is well suited to the novice bee keeper. The course structure and content was well planned, allowing us all to become familiar with the practical aspects of bee keeping, as we were taken through the season. Lucy and I remember the great excitement we felt when a hive was opened on our first visit to the apiary, the novelty has still not worn off.

 

The fortnightly classes ensured there was always expert advice on hand to address the inevitable upsets that accompany the arrival of so many tiny feet when that precious colony finally arrives. It was also nice to be able to share success and failure with fellow participants on the course.

 

As we progressed through the syllabus we were introduced to a variety of husbandry practices such as the shook swarm, artificial swarm, extracting honey and the control of pests and diseases. We were even treated to a fine display of worm charming by Phil Spillane when he encouraged some wax moth larvae to show themselves simply by tapping out ‘Jerusalem’ on the frame of some capped brood. There is no substitute for first hand experience and these sessions were invaluable.

 

Not wishing to spare anyone’s blushes, Lucy and I are certain that we speak for all the members of class A & B when we say this was an excellent course and the tutors should be very proud of their efforts. We are very grateful for the effort/commitment put in to making these courses such a success. Several of our number were able to get their first colonies via the course tutors. Again, this was much appreciated by the recipients.

 

Many thanks Sally, Ian, Martin, Terry and Phil

 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

Someone left behind their page of notes in a blue exercise book together with a fancy grey biro after the talk on wax last month. Sally Moyes will bring it to the Honey show if the owner would like to collect it.

 

AUGUST MEETING

APIARY VISIT TO CLIFFORD McLEAN

A lovely sunny day saw a good turnout of people to see Clifford’s apiary which consisted of about twenty hives- mostly Langstroths but all of which he had made himself from salvaged pieces of wood. It can’t have been easy to keep the bee spaces and internal dimensions of the hives consistent when all the pieces of wood are different thicknesses but Cliff seems to have managed it. His finishing touch was a unique camouflage scheme designed to conceal the hives from passers-by.

 

Most people know Clifford in his capacity as Swarms Liaison Officer, and several of the colonies were swarms that Clifford had collected earlier in the year.

 

He brought a bucket of Sweet Clover Honey for members to see which his bees had collected from a nearby field.

 

This isn’t a common crop in the UK but is an excellent nectar producer. It is also known as Yellow Melilot and grows between two and four feet high with bright yellow flowers.

 

Farmers grow it as a green manure and also for hay despite that fact that it can be toxic if allowed to go mouldy. If this happens the plant produces a powerful anticoagulant toxin which can cause internal hemorrhaging and death in cattle. Indeed, chemical companies extract this and use it as the active ingredient in some rodent killing baits.

 

FUTURE MEETINGS

7.30pm Fri 11th Dec

Pre-Xmas social and talk. Our guest speaker will be Robert Carpenter Turner who many people will know as he was the Bee Inspector for Oxfordshire last year. He now covers Hampshire and will entertain us with a talk entitled “Other Peoples Bees”.

Venue tbc

 

 

APIARY SITES /WBC HIVE

A Patricia Hamilton who lives in Hook Norton has an old WBC in her garden.   She would like someone to keep bees in it.  She doesn’t want to keep bees herself, but she does want to keep the hive and have it used if possible. Tel 01608 730358 for anyone interested.

 

D.L. Taylor would like some beehives on his farm near Abingdon – 01865 821172

 

And finally “We have a field that we keep as a wild flower meadow, which might be of interest to one of your members.  We live in Dry Sandford, (OX13 6JP).

 01865 390334 / sophiejamieson@googlemail.com”.

 

OBKA

The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

 

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.

The password to the members section is NUTT.

 

Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel 01865 880288.

Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel 01869 338625.

Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel 01993 774895.

Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel 01491 682645.
Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel 01327 857328 for North Oxfordshire
and Philip Spillane, Tel 01865 396383 for South Oxfordshire.

 

If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane.  77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD.  Tel 01865 396383

 

 

THORNES AGENT

John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment.  Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES.  Tel (01869) 252098.

 

 

 

OBKA NEWS

October 2009


7.30 PM Friday 16th OCTOBER

BEESWAX PROCESSING -MRS JUNE HUNT

Venue: The Gables, Eynsham.

The Committee would like to thank to Jonathan Ferrier for hosting this meeting at his home in Eynsham

 

Now that the nights are closing in again, we are back indoors for the next six months.

June has been keeping bees for nearly 30 years and regularly gives lectures and demonstrations on beeswax at both the BBKA Spring Convention and the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Convention in County Meath. So come along and tip up a few tips for our show in November.

 

 

OBKA Honey Show

The 2009 OBKA Honey Show will take place at 1pm on Sunday 15 November at Cumnor Village Hall.  A schedule and entry form is included with this edition of OBKA News.  Exhibits will be assessed by Bernard Diaper, who is always a popular judge at our Honey Show. 

As is our practice in Oxfordshire, Bernard will give a running commentary as he considers the entries for each class and decides on the winners.  This provides a valuable opportunity for everyone attending the Show to pick up tips on improving the quality and presentation of all honey and wax products.

 

There are two honey classes that are exclusive to novice beekeepers and I would encourage our many new beekeepers to try their hands at entering these classes at least.  The very attractive Paterson Cup is restricted to novice beekeepers and it would be good to see plenty of competition for this cup.

 

The same recipes have been in use for the cake and biscuit classes for very many years and so I have been looking around for alternatives to test the versatility of exhibitors.  I have yet to find a more suitable cake recipe and my search goes on, but the biscuit recipe is different this year.  Another change is the composition of classes for which the Sandford Cup is awarded.

Several Oxfordshire beekeepers were successful in the BBKA Basic Assessment earlier in the year and will be presented with their certificates at this year's Honey Show.

 

Mike Rose

OBKA Honey Show Secretary

 

FUTURE MEETINGS

29th-31October NATIONAL HONEY

The 78th National Honey Show is just weeks away

What's on?

Apart from the world class honey show there will be a full programme of workshops and lectures throughout the event and a wide selection of trade stands with lots of equipment and books to buy.  You can see the line-up and download the show schedule on the NHS website www.honeyshow.co.uk and you will receive all the details in the programme that comes with tickets purchased in advance.  Advance tickets plus the 2009 schedule of classes and show entry application are available now.

How much does it cost?

You can become a member of the National Honey Show for £10 (or £11 via PayPal) and then entry for the duration of the show is free. Admission for non-members is £12 per day.  Accompanied children of 16 years and under are free and additional family members over 16 years living at the same address can come in for £5 each. On Saturday admission after 12 noon is £5 for everyone. You can join by contacting the membership secretary, Mrs Sandra Rickwood, 19 Kenwood Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 5AU.  Alternatively, email srhoneyshow@googlemail.com or telephone 020 33 55 8716 and leave a message. You can also pay on the door but it is better to get an advance ticket and avoid the queue.

The official closing date for show entries is 1st October but late entries will be accepted until 24th October on payment of a £5 late entry fee.

How do I get my entries to the show?

Exhibitors delivering personally to the show must bring their entries on Wednesday 28th October between 2.30pm and 6pm. You hand them over to a steward who will stage them for you. You could use a courier or post. In this case your entry must arrive at St Georges College after 21st October and before noon on 28th October.  Why not persuade one member of your association to bring all the entries from your association to the show. You could split the fuel costs.  Don't forget someone will also need to collect them on Saturday 31st October after the show closes.  Thornes have, once again, kindly agreed to take exhibits to the show on your behalf.  You can drop your entries at any Thornes agent south of the Scottish border.  Jeremy Burbidge of Northern Bee Books has kindly offered the same facility to anyone who can deliver to him. (By Monday 26th October and please call him before you visit.) 

Scout Bottom Farm, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire HX7 5JS

(01422 882751 - jeremy@recordermail.demon.co.uk)

 

Where is the show?

The show is at St Georges College, Woburn Hill, Weybridge, Surrey, KT15 2QS

Opening times: Thursday 29th October   2.00pm to 6pm

                             Friday 30th October         9.30am to 6pm

                             Saturday 31st October     9.30am to 4.45pm

 

How do I get there?

By road: from junction 11 of the M25 (marked Chertsey) follow signs to Weybridge. At the roundabout, take the third exit, A317 to Weybridge. Turn left at the next roundabout into the college.

By rail: Trains leave from Waterloo station to Weybridge. Then, either take a taxi or take a connecting train to Addlestone - the college is five minutes walk from the station. Please make sure in advance that there is a suitable connection. www.nationalrail.co.uk or 08457 48 49 50.

Public transport advice: www.traveline.info or 0871 200 22 33

If you apply for membership before the show you will receive a programme which includes maps and directions.

 

See you there!

 

Sun 15th Nov OBKA Honey Show

Set up of exhibits 1pm, Judging at 2pm.

 

7.30pm Wed 18th Nov

South Chilterns Beekeepers Association would like to invite all OBKA members to hear Norman Carreck of Sussex University speak at their Nov meeting. His talk will be An Update of the Bee Situation.

 

This meeting will be at Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Rd, Oxon, RG7 0QY. Contact Linda Clark on 10491 613329 for more information.

 

APIARY SITES OFFERED

The flood of people offering sites for bees continues.

This month we have:

 

Mark Hordern has 3 acres west of Witney  0141 572 2404

Mrs Lambourne has a big garden with sweet chestnut trees on Boars Hill 01865 735289

Bethane Saunders in the Farringdon area has a garden  01367 240183

 

Danielle Greenspan has a garden in North Oxford Danielle.Greenspan@yahoo.co.uk

 

Susan Bowditch has an orchard in Little Wittenham 01865 407534.

 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

In July we visited Maurice Bichard who gave an excellent talk on managing colonies in Dartington Hives. I think its fair to say that sales of this hive have not gone as well as Robin Dartington had hoped but perhaps this will change now Omlet UK are producing a plastic version, marketed as BeeHaus.

The plus points of the Dartington are plenty of space to manipulate the 14x12 frames, a good working height and an attractive design if you are keeping them in your garden. I actually think they are the most attractive design and prefer the aesthetics to even a WBC.

 

However, the half size supers put me off - although, of course some people will prefer them and they are not easy objects to move about so migratory beekeepers should look elsewhere.

 

 

Editor's Note: It will be interesting to see if sales of the plastic hives take off now this new firm are involved - Looking at their website I get the impression that they know more about marketing than they do about bees! Their starter kits look expensive to me and advising beginners to rely on liquid smoke seems very risky. The "liquid smoke" which is sprayed out of a gardener's mister certainly keeps bees off the topbars but it not very useful for controlling bees when they are flying about in a bad mood.

 

OBKA

The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

 

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.

The password to the members section is NUTT.

 

Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel 01865 880288.

Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel 01869 338625.

Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel 01993 774895.

Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel 01491 682645.
Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel 01327 857328 for North Oxfordshire
and Philip Spillane, Tel 01865 396383 for South Oxfordshire.

 

If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane.  77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD.  Tel 01865 396383.

 

 

THORNES AGENT

John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment.  Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES.  Tel (01869) 252098.

 

 

 

OBKA NEWS

September 2009


Sat 12th September

TEACHING APIARY AUTUMN CLEAN UP

10am Action Day

It would be much appreciated to have some help with a variety of jobs: pruning, weeding, dead-heading flowers, hedge clipping, strimming, raising the canopy of trees, scraping and flaming hive parts. Many hands make light work we hope.

 

Hot soup and hot dogs will be available for everyone from 1.00 pm.

 

2.30pm

One of our Bee Inspectors, Bob Loades will be our guest during the afternoon and he will lead the inspection of the teaching apiary hives. He will also be able to bring us up to date on what's has been happening in the rest of Southern Region and no doubt give us some valuable tips for preparing our bees for winter.

 

We will conclude the meeting as usual with refreshments in the nearby science classroom.

 

Travel Directions: (grid ref. SP 454 169) From the centre of Woodstock take the Shipton Road for approximately quarter of a mile until you pass through Hensington Village. As you leave the village you will notice speed humps on the approach to Marlborough School which is situated on the left. There is ample parking.

 

There is building work going on at the school so the normal route through the school to the apiary may not be available. If not there is a side entrance (past the main entrance) approx 50m on the right hand side.

 

Thursday 17th September

THAME SHOW AND EDUCATION DAY

Entries for the show are now closed but we are very pleased to welcome volunteers to help with the stand.

 

More details from Peter Randall Tel 01844 215658.

 

FARMER KILLED IN ATTACK BY WASPS

A farmer has been stung to death by a swarm of wasps in East Yorkshire, his family has confirmed. Mark Evison, 47, had been cutting grass as he cleared a ditch in Ellerker, near South Cave, on Sunday evening when he disturbed a wasps' nest. Relatives said he had died after suffering a severe allergic reaction despite the efforts of paramedics. Mr Evison's brother Paul, 50, said: "We were very, very close. I feel as though half of myself has died."

He described how he received a phone call from his brother at Croft Garth Farm on Sunday evening. "He said 'The wasps have got me Paul', so I ran round as fast as I could and found him sat in the chair. "He said 'I don't feel very well at all.

 Then he went unconscious and I rang 999 straight away and they were here in less than 10 minutes.

"They did everything they could, injected him with adrenalin, but unfortunately it was fatal." He said his brother had needed hospital treatment two years ago after suffering a reaction to a wasp sting, but he had then made a full recovery.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's pest control team has destroyed the wasp nest.

Latest official figures show there were four deaths in England and Wales in 2007 due to contact with hornets, wasps or bees.

From The BBC News Channel 21/8/09.

Editor's Note: I saw an  anaphylactic relation  first hand this week when during a Bee Unit Inspection the wife of the beekeeper came out into the garden to ask her husband where the car-keys were.

She was, unfortunately stung in the face whereupon she promptly disappeared back into the house. Deciding that going to her assistance would only end up putting more bees near her the beekeeper suggested we came on with the inspection, which we did.

About 30mins later, whilst we were all having a cup of tea in the kitchen the lady complained of feeling unwell and was unable to stand. She also had developed a rash on her arms and back.

Fortunately, the ambulance arrived very quickly and she made a quick recovery.

SILVER SPOON SUGAR AT TRADE PRICES

Members of UK Beekeeping Associations are now welcome to shop at any of Booker's 173 trade-only Cash and Carry stores. Booker's price for granulated sugar is about 60p per kilo.

 

Booker is a trade-only wholesaler, and each member should register individually with their local store. When registering, each member should present their current BBKA membership card if in England, or their current BDI certificate or local BKA membership card in Wales, or a letter from their local BKA secretary or local BKA membership card in Scotland. They will then become registered and able to shop right away. A membership card will be sent by post within 14-21 days.

 

Payment is by cash or debit card when leaving the store. Members can visit www.booker.co.uk to find their nearest Booker store.

 

This new arrangement has been approved by Booker Head Office, Northampton in discussion with Conwy BKA, North Wales.

 

Editor's note I visited the Oxford branch of Bookers and the lady on the front desk didn't really want to register me. But when she called her manager I was signed up straight away and bought a 25kg sack of granulated sugar for £13.99 (that is the equivalent of £1.12 for a 2kg bag. The last batch I bought from Tesco was £1.85 so a considerable saving over the course of a year).

 

FUTURE MEETINGS

7.30pm Friday 16th October.

Mrs June Hughes speaking on Beeswax Processing.

Now that the nights are closing in again, we are back indoors for the next six months.

June has been keeping bees for nearly 30 years and regularly gives lectures and demonstrations on beeswax at both the BBKA Spring Convention and the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Convention in County Meath. So come along and tip up a few tips for our show in November.

 

We are grateful to Jonathan Ferrier for hosting this meeting at his home in Eynsham.

 

Directions next time.

 

BOB PENRICE

We are sorry to announce the death of our former Chairman Bob Penrice aged 91.

 

Bob started keeping bees on the Isle of Man in 1942. On leaving the Isle of Man in 1956 to move to Witney, Oxfordshire he was made a Life Member of the Isle of Man Federation. Immediately he joined the Oxfordshire Beekeepers' Association (OBKA). Bob again became a very active member of the association.  He exhibited with success at local, OBKA, Royal and The National shows.  He was always happy to lecture on bees and beekeeping to other beekeepers, WIs and other social groups and did many practical demonstrations at the Cogges Manor Farm Museum, Witney.  In the 1980s he was Chairman of OBKA and on his retirement he was made an honorary member.  

 

APIARY SITES OFFERED

Hello, I am very interested in taking up beekeeping, but currently do not have a great deal of spare time as I am full-time employed with a young family.  However, by way of an introduction to beekeeping I would like to offer the use of some of my field to the rear of my property for someone to use as an apiary.  All I would ask for in return is to be able to help out when able and generally get involved where I can, with a view to taking up beekeeping in due course.  Do you know of anyone who may be interested in such an arrangement? I live in Upper Wardington, just outside Banbury.

 

Mark Biggadike

markanderika@hotmail.com

Tel 01295 758907  

 

Also,

I would be happy for a beekeeper to have a hive in my garden, if it were thought to be a suitable place:

Gwen Hampshire, 2 Montagu Road, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9AH.

Tel 01865 249537.

 

And,

I live in the Henley area and would welcome a hive on our 3 acres of orchard and pasture so if any of your members would like take up this offer please let me know.  My phone number is 01491 579607

Trevor Crane

trevor.crane@btinternet.com

 

And,

Mrs Stead from the Hamlet of Bainton, about 3 miles north of Bicester has about 4 acres of land and is offering a site for bees.  She and her husband kept bees some time ago and would be willing to keep a watchful eye on the hives if so desired.  She can be contacted on 01869 277855.

 

HIVES WANTED

One or two colonies of bees.

Contact Malcolm Bollard.

01235 529850 (Abingdon)

m.bollard@btinternet.com 

 

OBKA

The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

 

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.

The password to the members section is NUTT.

 

Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel 01865 880288.

Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel 01869 338625.

Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel 01993 774895.

Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel 01491 682645.
Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel 01327 857328 for North Oxfordshire
and Philip Spillane, Tel 01865 396383 for South Oxfordshire.

 

If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane.  77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD.  Tel 01865 396383.

 

THORNES AGENT

John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment.  Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES.  Tel (01869) 252098.

 

 

 

August 2009
A PLEA FROM THE CHAIR
Hello Beekeepers,
My word; hasn't the interest in apiculture increased alarmingly since our honey bee is struggling to survive.

We now have well over 200 members in our association to give them, we hope, a helping hand. Of course lots of beekeepers, or should I say keepers of bees, can have the reverse effect on the bee's survival if we don't know how to look after these fascinating animals. If anybody needs help please use the membership list and talk to your neighbour or talk to any committee member.

We have a well stocked library, which I am sad to say, gets very little use except for the students on the beginners classes, but saying this you may be like myself and have your own library of books, DVD's and videos. This year we have four teachers and 32 students on the beginners classes and at the last count have 40 on the waiting list for next year. We will plan to fit them all in but some may be disappointed.

I am sure some of you would like to get more out of beekeeping than just being a member, you are always welcome to give a hand at the shows we attend each year; why not join us at our well organised monthly meetings where I guarantee you will learn something new each time. We are always short handed on the committee and new members with new ideas are always welcome.

Sally, our Secretary, has reminded me that after 10 years, she gave notice at the 2009 AGM that she would like to step down this coming AGM in March 2010 so here is a chance for one of you to give something back to the association.  It is a very interesting job; you may adopt your own system, the only guideline being the Constitution. I enjoyed my four years so now it is your chance. if interested persons would like more information Sally will be only too pleased to advise.

If we are really keen on beekeeping we soon realize what a well organised and disciplined creatures bees are, working together for one goal- survival. We must do the same. Please give my request some serious thought.

Healthy and happy beekeeping.

Ian James,
Chairman.

14.30 SAT 15th AUGUST
APIARY MEETING with CLIFFORD McLEAN
Clifford started keeping bees in S Africa and is well known to most people in the association as he is our Swarms Liaison Officer.
Clifford has about 20 Langstroth hives,

Directions: directions removed.

National Honey Show - Weybridge, Surrey 29th to 31st October 2009
Are you new to beekeeping? Would you like to see what honey, combs, wax and mead should really look like? The National Honey Show is the 'gold standard' honey show - the equivalent of Wimbledon for tennis players.  There are almost 250 classes and beekeepers come from all over the world to enter so it is truly an international show.

Walking around the displays is an education in itself.  A full programme of workshops and lectures will run during the show and there will be a wide selection of trade stands with lots of equipment and books to buy. If you are in your first year of beekeeping you can get in free! Your association secretary must apply for this on your behalf to the NHS General Secretary before the end of July. Contact the Rev. HF Capener, 1 Baldric Road, Folkestone , CT20 2NR. Email showsec@zbee.com

If you have already had success at your local or county show, why not enter some of the classes? Many counties have their own classes within the show - or you can put yourself up against the experts in the open classes to see how you measure up. As you do your extracting, why not keep that perfect frame aside? A little planning now will give you lots of potential show entries.

The 2009 schedule of classes and entry application is available from the membership secretary, Sandra Rickwood.  Please telephone her for a copy on 020 33 55 8716 and leave your name and address after the recorded message. It will soon be available on the National Honey Show website www.honeyshow.co.uk where you can also find lots of interesting information about the show.
 
The show is at St Georges College, Woburn Hill, Weybridge, Surrey, KT15 2QS (follow the A317 from junction 11 of the M25) on Thursday 29th (2.00pm to 6pm) Friday 30th (9.30am to 6pm) and Saturday 31st October (9.30am to 4.45pm).
Admission for non-members is £12 but you can become a member of the National Honey Show for £10 (or £11 via PayPal) and then entry is free for all three days.  Accompanied children of 16 years and under are free and additional family members over 16 years living at the same address can come in for £5 each. On Saturday admission after 12 noon is £5 for everyone. You can join at the door or by contacting the membership secretary, Mrs Sandra Rickwood, 19 Kenwood Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 5AU.  Alternatively, email srhoneyshow@googlemail.com or telephone 020 33 55 8716 and leave a message.

NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following new members to the Association:
James Harrison           Hailey
Joanna Simpson         Over Norton
Dr. Frances Mortimer  Fawler
Mr C Cadogan            Alvescot
Sally Bogle                Oxford
Mark Taylor               Bletchington

Peter Chaunt
Membership Secretary

FUTURE MEETINGS
Sun 6th Sept Wychwood Fair, Cornbury Park. For more details contact Ian Gourlay 01865 245864.

Sat 12th Sept, Autumn Teaching Apiary Clear Up +BBQ Lunch.

10am start work in the Bee Garden and Teaching Apiary. 1pm Lunch. 2.30pm Inspection of Teaching Apiary hives by Bob Loades SBI for Berkshire.

CHANGE TO THE CALENDAR
Thurs 17th Sept, Thame Show.

People may recall that there has been some confusion over the date of this Years Show but it will be held on its traditional day of the third Thursday of September.
Entries close on the 4th September and there are classes for light, medium, dark and granulated honey as well as for candles and a block of beeswax. 

We are keen to repeat the success of last year's show and would like to encourage everyone to enter as many classes as possible. The full schedule, including the official entry form may be obtained from Peter Randall (telephone 01844 215658) or info@thameshow.co.uk.

 Don't forget exhibitors get free entry and a car park pass to the show which is the largest one day agricultural show in the country.

WANTED
1. If anyone is downsizing their apiary or giving up altogether I would be interested in buying one or two hives/colonies.
I live in Marsh Gibbon, south-east of Bicester and having been attending this year's bee-keeping course at Woodstock.
Clare Barsby - Tel:  07976 400965

2. WANTED  Honey Extractor, must be in good working order.  Please contact Peter Ferens, tel 01869 277398 or email peter.ferens@virgin.net

OBKA
The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.
The password to the members section is NUTT.

Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel 01865 880288.
Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel 01869 338625.
Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel 01993 774895.
Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel 01491 682645.
Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel 01327 857328 for North Oxfordshire and Philip Spillane, Tel 01865 396383 for South Oxfordshire.

If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane.  77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD.  Tel 01865 396383.


THORNES AGENT
John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment.  Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES.  Tel (01869) 252098.



 

OBKA NEWS

July 2009

Sat 11th July STALL AT THE BURFORD FESTIVAL
Instead of our traditional education day at Cotswold Wildlife Park, this year we have a stand in Burford Festival's "Food and Drink" Day. This is expected to be a very well attended event and we are asking for volunteers to help run the stand and sell honey for part of the day.

If anyone could provide an observation hive that would be especially useful. Bring your own honey to sell (10% commission to the Assn). Last year we sold at £4/lb but we are thinking about trying for £4.50 or £5/lb this time.

Our stand is apparently in a very good position within the festival and it should be a very interesting day out. For more information contact Camilla Daukes 01993 823533

2.30pm Sat 25th July APIARY MEETING WITH MAURICE BICHARD.
Maurice keeps all his bees in Dartington hives so it will be a good opportunity for people to see how colonies can be managed with this style of hive.

Directions: Directions removed.

NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following new members to our Association:
Susan Green            Bletchingdon
Nick Attenborough    Yarnton
Trevor Robins           Oxford
James Bolton           Yarnton
George Nash            North Newington
Donald Craigie          Wheatley

Peter Chaunt
Membership Secretary

BEEKEEPERS QUARTERLY

Jeremy Burbridge (the proprietor of Northern Bee Books and www.beedata.com) wishes all beekeepers to know that a free digital Bee keepers Quarterly magazine can be viewed online. The link is http://www.bkq.org.uk

EDITORIAL
The good weather continues and it is shaping up to be a very good honey year indeed.

I still haven't been able to shake off the EFB outbreak in my apiary. Unfortunately it has re-occurred in the colony that was shook-swarmed last month (and I also found a further case) making five in total.

I felt the colony that had already been shaken onto clean foundation were too susceptible to foulbrood to be given another chance so decided to kill them off. After I had put the petrol in I had second thoughts - but of course then it was too late! In Australia they regularly re-queen infected colonies when they are treated so this might have been better.

I have, however, taken some honey off (just under 400 lbs) so am pleased about that. And with the limes, clover and blackberry in full flower hopefully the flow will last another two weeks or so.

There are still plenty of swarms about. Traditionally a swarm in July isn't worth a fly, but if you can get a prime swarm they should be able to draw out some foundation for you. I am getting increasing numbers of phone calls about bumblebees so they seem to be also having a good year.

Phil

FUTURE MEETINGS
2.30pm Sat 15th August APIARY MEETING WITH CLIFFORD McLEAN
Most people will know Clifford (or at least spoken to him over the phone) as he is our Swarms Liaison Officer. We are grateful to him for hosting next month's apiary meeting.
Directions next time.

Sunday 16th August Bridewell Organic Gardens Open Day
The gardens and vineyard will be open from 2pm to 5 pm. refreshment available. For further details 01993 864530 or email info@bridewellorganicgardens.co.uk.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
JUNE -DAVID AND ROS CONNELL
Ours thanks go to David and Roz Connell for hosting last month's meeting

Flaming June lived up to its reputation as we had a gloriously sunny day for our afternoon visit. We started by hiving a swarm that was sitting in one of the hedges. Fortunately it was at a very convenient height and was soon safely in a nucleus box.

We then went on to look at three WBC hives and put clearer boards under several supers of honey

VARROA RESEARCH
Hello,
 I am conducting research into the spread of varroa and the effects on beekeeping nationally, and am contacting you as secretary for a UK beekeeping group to ask if your group would be prepared to assist in this project.
 
This phase of the project asks beekeepers to complete a questionnaire which will enable us to build a comprehensive picture of the situation.
•    as an electronic survey, available at  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=5epFW3jcaifsi6oZ7zcdLg_3d_3d,
I would really appreciate it if as many members of your group as possible would complete the questionnaire. To save resources the electronic version is the preferred format I appreciate that not everyone will have access to a computer so if you would like me to send you a printed copy and an SAE please let me know. The closing date for returns is 1st August 2009.
 
I am grateful for your assistance and time, and hope that the findings will assist in finding a solution to the current difficulties relating to varroa. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
 
Kind regards,
Donna Clark
 
Lecturer in Sustainable Science, Heritage and Development
Moray College
Moray St
Elgin
Moray
IV30 1JJ
Tel 01343 576272
 
APIARY SITES OFFERED
Mr Ian Wenman has a site near Chipping Norton suitable for an apiary and would welcome one of our members making use of it.
"I have a 90 acre farm next to a special site of scientific interest (loads of wild flowers), the hamlet of Lidstone with 15 flower gardens, the 40 acres of ancient meadow plus quarter of a mile of cherry tree lined driveway.
We are just a few miles out of Chipping Norton and 14 miles north of Oxford."
Ian Wenman 01865 292232 or email Ian.Wenman@shawgibbs.com

Similarly, Phyl Woodford of North Leigh writes
"I have a field which could have beehives on it, is there anyone in the area that might be interested?  phone no. 01993 703176.  Email:   yonderwood@TalkTalk.net."

FOR SALE
I am giving up Beekeeping, and have various items of Langstroth equipment for sale, specifically three (3 No.) Jumbo Langstroth hives, with brood frames, with two supers each, with drawn frames, queen excluders, crown boards, roofs, & floors (2 varroa floors only) - £100 each.  Also unused frames, foundation etc.  plus Pratley heated uncapping tray etc., etc.   First come first served.  Discount if you take the lot!

Shaun O'Sullivan (Somerset) 01373 812201 or email shaunosullivan72@btinternet.com.


OBKA
The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.
The password to the members section is NUTT.

Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel 01865 880288.
Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel 01869 338625.
Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel 01993 774895.
Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel 01491 682645.
Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel 01327 857328 for North Oxfordshire and Philip Spillane, Tel 01865 396383 for South Oxfordshire.

If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane.  77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD.  Tel 01865 396383.


THORNES AGENT
John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment.  Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES.  Tel (01869) 252098.

 

 

OBKA NEWS

June 2009

2.30pm Sat 13th June 2009

APIARY MEETING
Roz and David Connell. 
We are grateful to Roz and David Connell for hosting this month's apiary at their home in Little Ickford.

 Directions: Directions Removed.

 NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the following new members to our Association:
Carol Cather - Witney
Judith Grant - Oxford
Alice Munsey -Cumnor
Stuart Dingle -Oxford
Nicola Hillman -Fulbrook
Diana Belli -Oxford
Mr & Mrs Bannell - Oxford
Mr & Mrs Robarts -Ardley
Nathan Allan -Broughton
John Eaton -Stanton Harcourt
Clifford Spolander -Abingdon
Tessa Davidson- Adderbury
Clare Barsby -Marsh Gibbon
Sally Barsby - Buckingham
Maurice & Andrea Leen- Oxford
David Mc Knight - Aston
John Twycross -Wheatley

 Peter Chaunt, Membership Secretary

With this month's OBKA News comes the latest OBKA Membership List. Pete Chaunt, Membership Secretary, points out that we have hit 200 (actually 207)! If your entry is in anyway incorrect could you please let me know.

Martin Seth Smith, Distribution Secretary

 
EDITORIAL

The sunny weather we had in the second half of May resulted in very strong honey flows from oil seed rape. If your colonies haven't swarmed then you should be looking at several supers of honey on your hives. I visited one beekeeper (as part of my SBI duties) that must have had nearly 200lb of honey on one of his monster-sized colonies!

The weather forecast is predicted to be very good for the rest of the summer so we may end up having a very good year.

 I have some honey in my apiary but so far it has been a difficult year for me. I found a third case of EFB (which I shook-swarmed with another SBI) and then decided to shook-swarm all my remaining colonies to try and eliminate the problem once and for all. Unfortunately, three of the queens didn't survive the process and the stocks that did make it have 2-year old queens in them and haven't really developed as I was hoping for. So, I have some bad tempered queenless hives and small colonies with old queens in them.

I will probably end up buying some queens in, to try and put the situation right as I don't want to be moving brood frames about at the moment

 

My apiary is still under standstill so although I can extract the honey I do have (I have to ask another SBI for a licence to move boxes) I have to make sure all the supers go back onto the same hive they came from and that frames don't get mixed up between supers. It's not difficult; it just slows the extraction process down a little. But it's much better than risking spreading disease about.

My SBI work seems to have got off to a good start. I cover most of the Vale and Downland and South Chilterns Associations as well as Oxfordshire Beekeepers and everyone has been really helpful to me.

I haven't seen any AFB yet but am finding cases EFB right across the region.

As part of the new Bee Health Plan the NBU is connecting a major survey to measure the incidence of a range of pests and diseases in managed honeybee colonies in England and Wales. This involves taking samples of adult bees from 5000 apiaries over the next two years. These will be randomly selected from BeeBase and will give us a statistically valid sample.

The Molecular Technology Unit (MTU) and research scientists in FERA will analyze the samples. They will be archived (-20?C) for further screening and analysis if necessary. The data on pest and disease incidence generated will be made available at the end of the project. An individual beekeeper will be able to see the results of the sampling of their apiaries in BeeBase. The data obtained will provide a detailed picture of the distribution of pests and diseases in honeybee colonies in England and Wales. This information will then be used to refine future statutory inspections and surveillance programmes, and inform decisions on priorities for the healthy bees plan. If you have been selected I will be in touch shortly.

We will also be conducting a major exercise later in the summer relating to exotic pests (small hive beetle and tropilaelaps) so that we can take effective action if either of these pests are discovered in the country.

 Phil

 

3 APIARY SITES OFFERED
Since I learned about bees being endangered, I wondered if there is a bee keeper in my area who would like to put a hive in my garden.  I live in Drayton near Abingdon and have a long garden, a large apple tree, cherry and 2 small newly planted apples and a pear tree.  I have herbaceous borders in the garden and am happy to plant whatever is necessary for bees.
Mrs Suzanne Russell. Tel   01235 553786  .

I have a small paddock on the outskirts of small village of Finmere, north of Bicester, south of Stowe, surrounded by arable countryside 360  degrees, with mixed native boundary hedges, we have a small orchard,  large garden, and allotments over the hedge. I would very much like to  offer my site as a home for a hive of bees, initially to see if myself  and my family is compatible with a hive of bees, and to enable me to be encouraged to take on my own hive.
Do you have any body within my area that would be interested in siting a hive at my property, on the above basis?
Pip Wilkins Mob No. 07796308559

Leley Maddock of 20 Ostler Rd, Headington, Oxford would like to offer someone the opportunity to keep two or three hives of bees her back garden. Tel   01865 762615  .

FUTURE MEETINGS

Sat 11th July STALL AT THE BURFORD FESTIVAL

Instead of our traditional education day at Cotswold Wildlife Park, this year we have a stand in Burford Festival's "Food and Drink" Day. This is expected to be a very well attended event and we are asking for volunteers to help run the stand and sell honey for part of the day. If anyone could provide an observation hive that would be especially useful. Bring your own honey to sell (10% commission to the Assn). Last year we sold at £4/lb but we are thinking about trying for £4.50 or £5/lb this time.
Our stand is apparently in a very good position within the festival and it should be a very interesting day out.
For more information contact Camilla Daukes
  01993 823533  .

2.30pm Sat 25th July APIARY MEETING WITH MAURICE BICHARD
Maurice keeps all his bees in Dartington hives so it will be a good opportunity for people to see how colonies can be managed with this style of hive. Travel directions next time.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

MAY -STEVE SHARPE, TIM AND JULIE KIRBY
This was a well attended meeting and despite Steve's initial concerns, his bees behaved very well in the windy conditions.
Firstly, we looked at a top bar hive which had had a swarm installed recently. They had already started to build comb along the top bars. Top bar hives are very popular in the poorer parts of the world as they as simple and cheap to make. The combs are move difficult to handle, especially in hot weather as they don't have the support of a frame all the way round but it is mean the bees can develop the hive in a very natural way.
We then moved on to their more conventional moveable frame hives and where we were treated to hearing some virgin queens piping. It was the first time many of those attending had experienced this behaviour.

 

OBKA
The Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association is a registered charity, number 1005846.

The OBKA website is now on-line. Visit www.oxfordshirebeekeepers.com to see details of future events, links to other useful sites and other relevant information.The password to the members section is NUTT.

 Our Secretary is Sally Moyes, Tel   01865 880288  .

Our Membership Secretary is Peter Chaunt, Tel   01869 338625  .

Our Swarms Liaison Officer is Clifford McLean, Tel   01993 774895  .

Our Spray Contact is Harry Jessup, Tel   01491 682645  .

Our Seasonal Bee Inspector are Margaret Holland, Tel   01327 857328   for North Oxfordshire and Phil Spillane Tel   01865 396383   for South Oxfordshire.

 If you have any articles or information for the Newsletter, items wanted or for sale, or any comments for the editor, contact Phil Spillane. 77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford, OX4 7GD. Tel   01865 396383  .

THORNES AGENT
John Harris is a main agent for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment. Contact John at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES. Tel   (01869) 252098  .