Local honey
On 17th Nov. 2008, local beekeeper, Michael Minter gave TTWK a talk on beekeeping and brought along 4 of his local honeys to taste. Michael's talk can be viewed here (pdf, 8 Mb)
At his talk he exhibited 4 honeys:-
Soft Set Lot No. L0809001- A mixture of Spring and Summer honey from Gayton & Holmwood (Barnston)
Medium Clear Lot No. L0801101- A mixture of Spring and Summer honey from Gayton
Dark Clear Lot No. L0801001- A mixture of Spring and Summer honey from Gayton
Jelly Set Lot No. L0800701- A late Summer honey from Gayton. Believed to be a mixture of local Heather, Sea Aster and other nectars.
Local honey is available to buy from Michael. Availability of honey depends on various factors (download more details), but currently he has some Soft Set, Dark Clear and Medium Clear of the above Lot Numbers ready for sale at £4.50 per 454g (1 lb) jar. These honeys will be available to buy at Transition Town events, or by contacting Michael.
He can be contacted through admin[at]transitiontownwestkirby.org.uk
Local Events
28th March 2009
Cheshire Beekeeper's Association AGM, including 1 day convention at Ness Botanic Gardens.
The convention is open to anyone interested in beekeeping but only Cheshire Beekeepers can take an active part in the AGM.
(download more details)
Starting beekeeping
1. Learning
You need to learn about the craft before you start. Books wont tell you all you need to know.
The Wirral Branch of the Cheshire BKA have meetings At Heswall Hall during the winter and at apiaries in the Spring and Summer. At these meeting you can listen to speakers, meet and talk to beekeepers.
Each year the Wirral Branch usually run a Beginners Course at Dale Farm, Oldfield Road, Heswall in March before the season gets busy. Unfortunately all 20 places have just been booked for March 2009.
2. Apiary requirements
You need a garden, field or other site.
The owner, if not you, and the neighbours must be happy. Placate them with a jar of honey each year.
Site your hives so the bees flightpath (beeline) does not interfere with sitting out and similar areas.
Horses and bees dont mix and inquisitive cattle can knock over hives. Badger & woodpeckers may get in and eat the bees, larvae and honey.
3. Swarm problems
Learn swarm control.
Appreciate that bees cannot be left for more than a couple of weeks in the Spring and Summer whilst you are on holiday.
Even more than 8 days is risky if there are signs of swarm preparation.
4. Equipment
You will need:-
a) At least 1 hive consisting of :- Floor, Brood Box, 3 Supers, Quilt (top cover) and a roof.
b) A spare hive to deal with swarms. It should consist of :- Floor, Brood Box, Quilt and a roof.
c) A Bee Suit, gloves and wellington boots.
d) A smoker and hive tool.
e) Fuel for the smoker - hessian, old friable dry wood or untreated corrugated cardboard.
5. Costs
Equipment costs at retail prices are approximately:-
a) National Hive complete £130 to £200
b) Bee Suit (100% cover) £50 to £110
c) Smoker, Hive tool etc £30 to £70
Costs can be reduced by buying secondhand hives and making your own from kits. Also the Wirral Branch of the Cheshire Beekeepers Association makes bulk purchases in the Spring which saves members approximately 10%.
6. Learning
You need to learn about the craft before you start. Books wont tell you all you need to know.
The Wirral Branch of the Cheshire BKA have meetings At Heswall Hall during the winter and at apiaries in the Spring and Summer. At these meeting you can listen to speakers, meet and talk to beekeepers.
Each year the Wirral Branch usually run a Beginners Course at Dale Farm, Oldfield Road, Heswall in March before the season gets busy. Unfortunately all 20 places have just been booked for March 2009.
In April 2009 there is a 3 day event at Stoneleigh (Nr Coventry).
7. Attending meetings etc
Those interested in attending our meetings or receiving information by email should contact our Branch Secretary, Doug Jones at :- Doug[at]bees-r-us.co.uk
If you wish to attend apiary meetings you should contact Doug Jones beforehand. Because of our safety requirements you will require a bee suit and although we do have a few spare they
may have been booked.
Download pdf file of these details
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