Newent Branch of Gloucestershire Beekeepers

NBKA Winter Talk #1

The Buckfast Abbey Group presented on
“What the books don’t tell you and why bees change their minds.”

Thursday November 24th at the usual venue:
Newent Community School 7:30pm in the 6th Form College

NBKA Honey Show

Thursday 29th September – at Meredith.

See the Newsletter for details

Bee related products on display for judging

Mike Hunt was our Honey Show Judge for the evening with Marcus Clark judging the mead class. The event was very informative, with lots of hints and tips being passed on by Mike. We were impressed with the number of entries of honey, wax, candles, cakes and much more. A credit to all.
Awards and trophies were handed out to class winners, with some members being extremely successful.
Thank to all who supported the evening and thank you once again to Neil and Rachel for being the hosts.

See you next year!

NBKA at Tibberton Show Saturday 20th August 2pm-5pm

Taynton & Tibberton Village Hall

NBKA had a lovely afternoon at the best village show in West Gloucestershire!

We sold quite a few jars of honey and discussed many aspects of bees and beekeeping with visitors to our stand. The display hive was very popular – especially with younger visitors.

Alternative Pesticides

For use in your garden

As you may know, most pesticides can pose a risk to humans and animals. For this reason, ConsumerNotice.org have published a free guide with organic, homemade, and agricultural alternatives.

Please check out their guide here

NBKA Summer Picnic

Saturday 16th July at 14:00

NBKA had a very sunny afternoon for its Picnic in the lovely setting of Meredith (Tibberton.)

We tried our best with the Bee Quiz but mostly sat back and relaxed chatting about all things bees – and non-bee-related subjects.

Many thanks to Neil and family for being perfect hosts.

This was a members (and families) only event.

Kilcot Apiary – NBKA’s own Bees

Why help and support are needed.

Our hives are there for several purposes:
1) As a resource for training new beekeepers
2) A place for non-beekeeping members to gain experience
3) To provide honey for the landlord as part of our ‘rent’
4) To allow members to try out techniques that may not be appropriate at their own apiaries
5) To allow more experienced beekeepers to practice queen rearing
6) To provide a pleasant location to meet and discuss bee experiences

The Apiary has its own equipment and space for activities and about a dozen hives currently.

We depend on regular attendance during the busy season to conduct the club activities and share the load on inspections, training, queen rearing, swarm prevention measures etc. It is also useful to appreciate the benefit of good record keeping when attendees change from week to week.

In addition there is the regular maintenance of the grounds, hives, equipment, and facilities for which rotas are usually organised to share the load.

Can all club members consider ‘doing their bit’ by attending the practical sessions as regularly as possible, and volunteering for the supporting tasks wherever they can. We really do depend on each other to make the club a success and to continue our role in support of pollinators, beekeepers, and would-be beekeepers (our future membership!). The executive committee will really appreciate any support in this.