5th June 2019 1.30pm
(Provisional)
Leader: David Ferguson
Exact date and time will be confirmed by email.
Please contact Mandy Tel: 01721 720563 Mob: 07563 185993 beforehand for details so you can be notified of any changes to the schedule due to weather or other circumstances.
Our regular visit to inspect the association colonies.
All welcome, particularly beginners.
Clean beesuits, gloves and footwear are required. Suits are available to borrow on request.
Host: Kate Atchley
9th June 2019 (Cancelled)
Sorry this visit has been cancelled.
Hopefully we can visit Kate another time.
Ranald visited the apiary on the 28th May since the weekend visit was a washout. Here is his report:-
Hive 1: (nearest the sheds)A small amount of activity at the door, I didn’t see any pollen going in.I hefted the hive and it felt quite light.
Hive 2:Lots of activity at the door, pollen going in.Hive feeling heavy.
Hive 3:Lots of activity at the door, pollen going in.Tallest of the hives, didn’t heft it.Screwed metal brackets round back corners of the base,to help stabilize the hive.
Hive 4: (no number on outside)A small amount of activity at the door , didn’t see any pollen going in.Hive quite light
Poly Nuc:Some activity at the door, pollen going in.
26th May 2019 1.30pm
(Provisional)
Leader: Ranald Macgregor
Exact date and time will be confirmed by email.
Please contact Mandy Tel: 01721 720563 Mob: 07563 185993 beforehand for details so you can be notified of any changes to the schedule due to weather or other circumstances.
Our regular visit to inspect the association colonies.
All welcome, particularly beginners.
Clean beesuits, gloves and footwear are required. Suits are available to borrow on request.
15th May 2019 1.30pm
(Provisional)
Leader: Jim Bell
Exact date and time will be confirmed by email.
Please contact Mandy Tel: 01721 720563 Mob: 07563 185993 beforehand for details so you can be notified of any changes to the schedule due to weather or other circumstances.
Our regular visit to inspect the association colonies.
All welcome, particularly beginners.
Clean beesuits, gloves and footwear are required. Suits are available to borrow on request.
Very cold day, too cold to go through the colonies properly, but David Ferguson notes the following:
4 colonies, few flying due to the cold weather of the last 10 days.
Fondant was put on Hives 1 and 2; it would be worth having some fondant handy at the next visit, in case hives 3 and 4 need some. Hive 1 needs an excluder.
Hive 3 was rather grumpy on the previous visit, but seemed OK on 5th May. There were some mouse droppings in Hive 3 (?), but it was noted in the hive record sheet.
All the varroa boards had nice wax cappings over them, some pollen and DF only saw a couple of varroa mites in one hive, which was noted in the record sheet. All the varroa trays were cleaned off, and all 4 hives have one in still.
Sheds: AC
New hive record sheets are in one of the sheds, in a blue plastic folder.
Beware of wasps – you may find them in the empty hives, and there were 3 small binks started in the sheds, these were removed. We should get some draught excluder to cover the edges of the doors, to try to prevent access by wasps and mice. Can anyone suggest a suitable one?
Next visit:
Draught excluder
Fondant (AC has some ready for use)
Queen excluder (and possibly super??) on hive 1
If weather good, dismantle Hive 3 and set it more securely on its base
5th May 2019 1.30pm
Cancelled due to cold weather
The local beekeepers will be meeting in the back bar of the Neidpath Inn Peebles on Wednesday 1st May at 7.30pm.
The recent good weather means that the seasons beekeeping is well and truly underway
It looks like we will need extra help this year with the apiaries and events so if you think you can help out in any way please come along and find out more.
Of course there will be the usual friendly chat, help and advice on offer.
If you are thinking of keeping bees or just want to find out a bit more about this fascinating hobby, you are welcome to come along to our beginners day.
This years course will be held on Saturday 27th April 2019. Meet at 9.30am for 10am start. Finish approximately 4.30pm.
The venue will be at Manor Village Hall, Kirkton Manor, near Peebles. Location Map
There will be presentations, practical demos and, weather permitting, a visit to the association apiary.
The course will cost £35 per person to cover instruction, refreshments, equipment and a years membership of PBKA.
After completing the day course, hives at the association apiary will be available for hands on experience throughout the season with support from experienced local beekeepers.
For enquiries, please contact the association secretary in the first instance.
Mandy Clydesdale Secretary Tel: 01721 720563 Mob: 07563 185993
The local beekeepers will be meeting in the back bar of the Neidpath Inn Peebles on Wednesday 3rd April at 7.30pm.
Bees are flying regularly now. The first blossom trees are flowering and that will bring a welcome source of nectar. It should soon be warm enough to do the first inspections of the season.
We will be deciding on dates for our apiary visits and more plans for the centenary.
Come along for friendly chat, help and advice.