Combings Magazine   
Issue No 18 ~ June 2006

The Combings is the Quarterly Newsletter of the York & District Beekeepers Association offering a good source of information for our local Association. 

We welcome contributions.  Please submit your ideas to the Editor, John Fuller, e-mail: japlusja@btinternet.com

First Words from the Editor ...

Writing this in the middle of March, less than a week away from the equinox, there is snow lying on the ground and sub zero night temperatures with a biting easterly wind.  Everything is still dormant.  Yet Look a little closer and trees and shrubs have big buds, birds have paired up and are nest building - the black headed gull has got its breading plumage.    A week of seasonal temperatures and the countryside will burst out in colour.

Our bees will be unable to break their winter cluster, and with a queen that should be laying by now, will be using up stores rapidly – but with larvae to keep warm will not be able to move far for fresh stores. This is the time when we can start losing colonies.

Those of you that are gardeners are asked to supply bee friendly shrubs or cuttings to restock the garden at the pavilion at Murton.  The sheep got in and had a feed of a life time. As a result they stripped the garden.  If you can help, then please contact Sue Hesp or Ken Barron.

Those of you without extractors are reminded that the Association has thee handraulic extractors for their use. They are held by Rob Coleman, Sue Hesp and Jenny Smith.  By the time you receive “Combings” some rape honey will be ready to extract.  Don’t leave it too late or it will set in the combs.  Use these extractors and return them clean as soon as you have finished extracting for others to use as there could be a demand for them.

In last December’s edition of “Combings I told you of an effort I made to drift a swarm out of a double skinned barn.  At the time the new colony appeared strong, but not strong enough to survive the winter.  The nucleus that I had used to drift the colony, I simply put on top of another hive for the winter.  This colony had a high varroa infestation this spring which points to the colony in the barn side succumbing to varroa during the winter.

Adulterating Honey

This article has appeared in the bee press recently. One cannot have any sympathy for the culprits. I think adulterating honey in any way is to be frowned upon.

Beekeepers where found guilty on all 12 charges of obtaining money by deception through their sale of misdescribed honey.

Tons of cheap honey were imported from Argentina and China, then mixed and sold to dozens of small businesses as local Norfolk honey.

It was only after a beekeeper became suspicious about the huge quantity of honey on sale from a producer he had never heard of when the deliberate and dishonest scam of a man and his wife came to light, a Kings Lynn Crown Court was told.

Miles Bennett prosecuting said the couple mixed and supplied 17.7 tons of foreign and English honey in jars labelled “Smith of Norwich”.   The couple made “honey runs” across the county, delivering the product and rustling up new business.

“Unwittingly all the people who sold this honey were themselves committing offences” said Mr Bennett.  It put retailers at risk of prosecution and it undercut genuine producers.  The prosecution say these retailers, be it a post office or butchers would not have paid any money at all for this honey if the couple had indicated it had been mixed.

He said a search of the couple’s home had found “tub upon tub” of Argentinian honey as well as records referring to 10.8 tons from Argentina, 2.9 tons from China and 6.5 tons from else where in Britain.

“It was a deliberate and dishonest scam” said Mr Bennett.   “This was a cottage industry on a rather large scale”.

Editors note: I had a look through Kings Lynn news papers for this case to see what punishment was meted out to this couple, but could not find any reference to it.

Honey Bees Cause Panic

While going through the Kings Lynn newspaper I came across this item under the heading  - “Honey Bees Cause Panic”.   A swarm of 20,000 honey bees caused a helicopter ride at Hunstanton fair ground to shut down for three hours on Saturday after noon.  The bees terrorised holiday makers on the beach before landing on a children’s ride at the Rainbow Amusement Park.

Stalls selling burgers and rock also had to close for ten minutes, but no one was stung.

Mr Joe Smith, who runs the helicopter rides, said “The queen bee landed on one of my rides and the rest followed her. Luckily, there was no one on the ride, but there were hundreds of people about, running around scared”.

Mr Smith rang West Norfolk Council for help, but they could not send any body because it was the weekend!  He then ‘phoned a local beekeeper who came and collected them.

Articles like this are quite common.  People quickly panic when a swarm appears. I think it is up to us as beekeepers to help all we can –  to quell peoples fears more than any thing else.

John Hendrie, the BBKA Examinations Board Secretary has retired. His place has been taken by Val Francis who is the Secretary of Barnsley BKA.

If you are thinking of taking any of the BBKA examinations, then in the first instance you should contact David Aston, whose telephone number and e.mail address appear on the front cover of “Combings”.

Beginners Training Course

The first lesson of this year’s course was given by Colin Hattee on Tuesday 9^th May.

The following have enrolled for the course and are welcomed to the Association:

	Jane Bell from York
	David Bough from Holtby , York
	Laura Bough from Holtby, York
	Emily Bough from Holtby , York
	John Butler from Gilling, East Yorks
	Graham Dykes from York
	Jordan Dykes from York
	Claire Knight from York
	Brenda Gilling from Barmby Moor
	Lucy Legard from Appleton-le-Street
	John Leahy from Thorpe Willoughby
	Mrs MacAlister from Husthwaite
	Roger Sutton from York
	Peter Francis from Spaldington

There is an introductory course for beginners to be held at the Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve with Askham Bryan College and Richmond BKA to be held on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th June.  If you are interested then contact Richmond Secretary Margaret Mc Cord on 01 325 374 524.

Foxglove Covert is on former Ministry of Defence land behind Cambrai Barracks at Catterick.

This short course will be of interest to those of you on the York Beginners Course.

Colin Hattee told me that he collected £1,300 from York Members for Yorkshire BKA’s annual foundation offer.

I have been asked by Colin Hattee to enclose with your “Combings”, this offer on mobile ‘phones. As you can see the Association stands to gain by you changing to Liberty Mobile.  This offer has the approval of the Committee.

During the winter I spent some time transferring York BKA membership lists into my computer.  My earliest is February 1982, then May 1997, April 1998, March 2000, March 2001, January 2002, March 2002, May 2002, March 2003, January 2004, May 2004 and June 2005.

If any of you have other dates to hand I will be happy to copy them and return them to you.

In the past when such lists where labouriously typed out, Secretaries were understandably reluctant to produce them very often, and then store them with the many other pieces of paper associated with running York Beekeepers.

There does not appear to be much archive material on York BKA, so this is my effort to collect some.  So much information can be stored on computers these days with minimal effort.

Going back to my list of 1982, there are twelve names on that list that are still members of York Beekeepers.  They have been the backbone of our Association for over twenty years.

During the dark days of winter I go into my shed and clean up my beekeeping equipment – scraping wax and propolis off frames and boxes and cutting out black brood comb.

Some years ago I started writing the date on the top bars of frames when the frames where fitted and refitted with foundation.  This year I cleaned a brood frame that was first fitted with foundation in 1984, and refitted again in 1994 and 1997 – it will go back into service in the spring.

To those of you that have just started in the Craft and trying to come to terms with the high initial cost, if you look after your equipment you will have it for a long time.

In the March edition of “Combings” Terry Nundy did an item on beestings.  Terry continues this theme.

Anaphylaxis

This is a condition which is a severe reaction in a person allergic to specific protein. It can be produced in an allergic subject by penicillin; peanuts; shellfish; and of particular interest to beekeepers, stings from wasps and bees.

The allergic reaction is often unheralded with no previous history and is severe and potentially lethal medical emergency.

The speed with which the condition develops and worsens following a sting, added to its unexpectedness, produces a risk to the victim, greater in those with a pre existing problem  such as heart disease, hypertension and asthma, and must rapidly and energetically treated.

Most of us when stung experience a local reaction of pain, a white wheal around the sting, followed by swelling and a red flare in the surrounding tissues.  This is known as the triple response and is produced by the release of histamine around the sting.   The reaction gets no worse because the anti bodies in our tissues limit the reaction by inhibiting the production of further histamine.

In the allergic person prone to develop anaphylaxis this protective mechanism breaks down and the normal local reaction rapidly becomes an abnormal generalised reaction.  The victim complaining of general itching, urticaria (ie hives or an allergic rash) and develops swelling in the tissues, especially in the hands and face, rapid heart rate, difficulty in breathing with spasm of the airways, faintness and vomiting followed by collapse due to the falling blood pressure and coma.

Speedy action is required – first call the emergency services and only then employ first aid measures.

The patient should be placed in the recovery position on the left side ideally with head lower than the legs to maintain blood pressure. As in all life threatening situations it is use full to remember a sequence of resuscitation measures – A, B, C, D =

A = Airway
B = Breathing
C = Cardiac Function
D = Drugs

In this order vital functions can be supported in the following ways:

Airways – make sure there is no obstruction to breathing.   Remove any dentures. The lateral recovery position helps to avoid tongue swallowing and prevents vomit being inhaled.

Breathing - check breathing is regular. If respiration becomes very shallow or stops then start mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Cardiac function – check the pulse - if undetectable then external massage should be started.

Drugs – the administration of adrenaline, steroids and oxygen to support the circulation will not concern the first aider except when the victim knows of his anaphylactoid risk from a previous episode and carries adrenaline in the form of an Epi pen injection for self use. This is only available on prescription from a doctor.

It has been said before that first aid should be part of the bee exam curriculum.

The major problem with anaphylactic shock is that it cannot be foreseen in the majority because a minority will have a history of a previous attack.

Therefore as all beekeepers are at risk, what can be bone to improve the situation?

We should ensure that our apiary sites are well known to family and friends, and if remote, a map reference is ideal.  Always carry a mobile phone and inform someone if you are going to your bees.

If a beekeeper develops anaphylaxis he may decide to give up beekeeping.   He should discuss with his GP the possibility of carrying an Epi Pen adrenaline injector with him at all times.

Medic Alert bracelets can be obtained which warn of the allergy in case of subsequent emergency – if the victim is unable to communicate.

It is possible to desensitise allergic subjects by giving gradually increasing doses of venom over a long period.  This must always be carried out in hospital in a specialist clinic where any emergency can be efficiently dealt with.

This course of immunotherapy may render the patient immune to bee stings, but the only certainty is to await the response to the next sting.

This course of treatment is not always readily available on the NHS.

Finally, mention should be made of the practice in alternate medicine of giving bee sting therapy for some ailments.

I believe the current advice from the BBKA is that Beekeepers should refuse to be involved in this treatment.

The possibility of a negligence charge is too great, as are the risks to the patient.

There is no likely hood of insurance cover, and it is likely that even if the patient signed a [prior disclaimer, this would not be upheld in court if something unforeseen happened, such as an anaphylactic reaction.

New Formulation Cuprinol

I was speaking to Paul Waites at our last meeting, when he asked me what I knew of a newly formulated Cuprinol that he uses to treat his hives – my answer was short and sweet – nothing.

Paul’s father Ron noticed that a recent tin of Cuprinol Clear low odour had a different composition and smell, so was a little concerned that this new formulation would not be suitable for beehives. Ronseal have produced a similar low odour product that appears to have a similar formulation.

An enquiry to Ronseal’s help desk said that under no circumstances should Ronseal wood preserver products be used near bees.

A further enquiry to the Cuprinol web site produced this reply:

“The chemicals in this product have changed slightly to fit in with new EU regulations which will be coming into place over the next few years. How ever, it is still suit able for bee hives”.

My thanks to Ron and Paul for this information.  It should be of value to a lot of you.

Drones in Queen Cells

It is now early June and we are at the height of the swarming season.  When you go through a colony and find sealed queen cells it is most likely that the colony has already swarmed.   If you find queen cells that have not been sealed, these are the best ones to use to either make up nuclei or leave alone for the colony to requeen itself.   The argument being that you can see what is in the cell.  To use a sealed cell does not guarantee an imago queen being in side – the cell can even be empty.

Here is another story on the subject supplied by Tom Robinson who rears lots of queens every year.

“I have been raising queen cells and obtaining mated queens for some years. Generally, the ripe queen cells are either put into mini-nucs or 4/5 frame nucs or into colonies where the existing queen needs to be replaced.

In 2004, there was a beautiful long queen cell of about two inches long, which together with a normal cell were placed into two 5 ­frame nuclei, knowing they would emerge in two days time.

After a week, I examined both colonies, the normal queen cell had emerged but the long queen cell had not. When I opened it to examine it, I was surprised to see a drone emerged from it.

I reported this to Professor Francis Ratneiks of Sheffield University who said that this anomaly was well known and documented.

If you see a very long queen cell in any of your colonies, be aware that there could be a drone lurking inside”.

Wax Moth

I received this e.mail from Vera Rider (the original was dated December 2005) who in turn got it from Colin Howes of the Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery.  It later appeared in the YBKA Newsletter.

“Do you know of wax moths in Yorkshire bee hives?  Earlier this year I was contacted by Phil Cunningham of Doncaster BKA, concerning the presence of a wax moth larva in a Doncaster hive.  Later he showed me a stored comb from a hive in Old Denaby which had been well and truly decimated by wax moth larvae.  A discussion with Harry Beaumont (Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Lepidoptera recorder and author of standard volumes on the moths of Yorkshire) revealed that although there was a history of Greater Wax moth (Galleria mellonella) and Lesser Wax moth (Achroia grisella) in Yorkshire going back to the 19^th century, records are few and far between.

In recent years many southern moth species have been expanding their range in northern Britain and an expansion of the population and range of wax moths may well be underway.   Increases in the occurrence of wax moths have been noted elsewhere in England and Wales and a small number of records from south and east Yorkshire since the late 1990’s suggests that things may be on the move in our region.  Although wax moths are very occasionally caught in moth traps run by lepidopterists, they are far more likely to be encountered by beekeepers.

In order to monitor the progress and status of wax moths in Yorkshire, I would be most interested to hear from any members of Beekeeping Associations.  Both positive and negative reports will be of value.

The basic information I require is: - location, date, extent of damage. Specimens – larvae and pupae are not required, but if dead moths or moth wings are available these would help identify which species are involved. (These can be put into an envelope and sent to Doncaster Museum and labelled WAX MOTH)”.

If you can help, then contact Colin Howes, (Environmental Records Section), Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery, Chequer Road, Doncaster.  DN1  2AE.  Telephone 01 302 734 289 or e-mail colin.howes@doncaster.gov.uk.

Editor's Note:

I first reported greater wax moth in “Combings” in March 2002. I had found it in one of my apiaries the previous season.

Greater wax moth larvae are easily identified by their larger size when compared with lesser wax moth.

Wax moth can be a problem with stored comb.  In the autumn when all my supers are at home, I make a stack of them.  Firstly apiece of hard board to keep vermin out, covered with a sheet of newspaper. Onto the newspaper I sprinkle PDB crystals, two more supers, newspaper, PDB crystals and continue thus.  I finish with another piece of newspaper then hardboard and a roof.  Brood boxes have newspaper between each box.

PDB crystals evaporate, so I repeat this after cleaning my equipment.

European Foul Brood

On Monday 15^th  May, after being alerted to it by Tom Robinson, I contacted Ivor Flatman for more details.  Ivor told me that there was an outbreak of EFB around Doncaster.  The bees in question had been moved the previous season to work borage near Howden, and  is thought to be the source.  Ivor has asked that we all be vigilant.

Winter Losses

This is the worst winter for a long time for me regarding winter losses.  I have lost six out of fourteen colonies.  It is many years since I lost even one colony.

Three died out due to dysentery.  All three had collected nectar late on during last autumn and where unable to reduce the water content and seal it.  The weather turned against them and it was the nearest stores to them and they fed on it with predictable results.  As a matter of interest, I have not fed a colony with sugar syrup as winter stores for many years, letting them live off what they had collected.

Another colony was a bit iffy going into winter, another came out queenless and the last one died out with stores all round them.  Looking through my records – this colony had a heavy varroa infestation and was treated with Apiguard.  I suspect that this colony had been left to go into winter with one of the viruses we hear so much about these days.

Apiguard requires temperatures above 15°C to evaporate properly.   We usually put varroa treatment in mid to late September when even day time temperatures do not always reach this figure and therefore will not be fully effective.

Ragwort Poisoning

Every year we hear a plea from horse owners to pull out of the ground any ragwort we see in an attempt to eradicate it.  It is very toxic to horses and cattle and can result in death.

Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is known by several other names, including: St James Wort, (because it is in full flower on St James's day - July 25th); Staggerwort (because of its effect on horses); It is widespread throughout the country, especially favouring dry overgrazed and neglected land.

The plant is usually considered to be a biennial (ie it flowers and dies in its second year after being grown from seed). During its first year it appears as dense rosettes of ragged green leaves close to the ground. Upward growth, and flowering, takes place in the summer of the second year. The plant grows to between one and three feet tall. It has dense, flat-topped clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers. The flower stems die back after producing large numbers of downy seeds. Each flower head produces an average of 55 seeds. Each plant can produce more than 150,000 seeds, which can remain viable for up to 20 years. Over 70% of the seeds can be expected to germinate.

Ragwort alone probably causes more loss to the livestock industry in the UK than all the other poisonous plants put together. Ragwort poisoning takes the form of a slow but certain destruction of the liver. Recovery is impossible once the disease is advanced and signs occur. There is no known treatment that will halt or delay the progression of the disease in the liver.

Ragwort's toxicity is due to substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. All parts of the plant are poisonous, including the seeds. Highest concentrations are found in the flowers and then the leaves.  Although pyrrolizidine alkaloids also occur in other plants, common ragwort presents the greatest risk for animals because of its widespread distribution in poorly maintained pasture and in grassland used for hay production.

Ragwort becomes more palatable following cutting and wilting, and after spraying with herbicides.

Effects on animals

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids are rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. They pass to the liver where they broken down to produce toxic compounds. Horses and cattle are thought to be more susceptible than sheep and goats.

After eating the fresh or dried plant, signs may not be seen for several months. The liver is able maintain normal function until at least two-thirds of the organ has been destroyed. So the ragwort toxins are able to wreak havoc in the liver without being detected. By the time the animal shows signs of liver failure the damage is so extensive that treatment is not possible.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in honey produced by bees foraging in an area infested with common ragwort. The pyrrolizidine concentration was estimated to be 3.0 ppm.

Editors note: I have never seen bees working it but my book "Plants and Beekeeping" by F.N.Howes states that it is always attractive to bees and is a prolific source of nectar and pollen.  He goes on to say "Unfortunately the honey, like the plant, is strong flavoured, almost bitter in fact, and liable to spoil other honey if present in any quantity".

Ragwort is also the main food source for the caterpillar of the cinnabar moth.  Both are easy to distinguish - the caterpillar has black and yellow/orange banding and the moth is a distinctive red and dark green

What you all wanted to know ...

William Herod Hempsall (the autocratic and self opinionated beekeeper from the turn of the 19^th century and editor of “The British Bee Journal” for many years) produced an ointment to cure American Foul Brood.

Past Events

Saturday 25th February

This year’s Annual Dinner was held in the Wheelhouse Restaurant at the Ship Inn, Acaster Malbis.  Thirty seven members, their spouses and friends turned up for the event.  Being laid low with ‘flu I was unable to attend, but all the reports I have heard indicate that it was a good meal.

Wednesday 8th March.  Murton

Below is the contents of an e-mail I received from Colin Hattee:

The first meeting of the Yorkshire Field Day 2007organising group took place at Murton.  It was pleasing to see so many keen volunteers – a total of ten.

Following a brain storming session numerous ideas emerged.  The only decision made was the date of the event – Saturday 9^th June 2007 but I suspect that could change if the venue is not Murton.

The theme will probably be “Bee Health and Bee Products”.

The involvement of the National Bee Unit was considered essential and the practical side will likely be concerned microscopic work, shook swarms, pyrethroid testing, foul brood inspections etc. The bee products section needs further consideration.

The harmonious meeting finished just after 9pm with the agreement that we should reconvene at All Saints School, Nunnery Lane on Thursday 18^th May at 7 pm to view the alternate venue.

Obviously any member is more than welcome to attend the next meeting and is positively encouraged to do so.

Saturday 11th March

Yorkshire BKA  held their Spring Conference at the Buckles Hotel , Tadcaster.  The speaker ws Willie Robson on “The work of the Chain Bridge Honey Farm”.  Nine York Members attended the meeting.

Wednesday 15th March

Our regular monthly meeting at Murton was well attended to hear Norman Carrick speak on Rothampstead Research Station in Hertfordshire, from its very beginnings in 1843 and the start of bee research in 1922.  They run 50 National hives mainly for research with a honey crop being a bonus.

Norman touched on how far bees move pollen (with regards to GM crops).

The decline in the numbers of species of bumble bees. Twenty species a few years ago are reduced to six in some areas. Some species are extinct.   Numbers and species of solitary bees are also declining. This he puts down to changes in agriculture.

I have always assumed that bees memorised the terrain over which they flew. New research has shown that bees tempted to a feeder, caught, and then released some distance away, flew on a reciprocal course for a memorised distance to try and return to its hive. Indicating that bees are able to measure distance accurately.

There where many questions from the floor after Norman had finished speaking.

Saturday 18th March

The inaugural meeting of the queen rearing group took place on Saturday 18^th March at Murton.

Fourteen members attended when the theory and requirements of queen rearing were explained.

A separate apiary site is also required and it is hoped that this can be identified before the next meeting on 1^st April, where those willing to transfer a colony to raise queen cells can move their colonies.  These will be used to raise queen cells as both started and finisher colonies.  A breeder queen and drone colonies also need to be considered.

There should be sufficient time to do this work as there is no point in producing queen cells until there are sufficient drones for them to mate with.   Mid May or early June are the most appropriate times to raise queen and get them properly mated.  Tom Robinson.

Saturday 1st April

The second meeting of the queen rearing group was held at Murton.

It was decided to carry out queen rearing at Rob Coleman’s apiary at Plainville Farm, he will devote three colonies to cell raising.

Rob and Tom will examine colonies to decide on a breeder queen and Rob will use the Cupkit System purchased by the Association.  We will also use the Warnholz mini nuc’s.  These can be purchased by individuals and more can be ordered.   Tom Robinson

Wednesday 12th April

Mike Brown – the top man from CSL at Sand Hutton – spoke to a good crowd of Members at our regular monthly meeting at Murton.  His topic was mainly about bee diseases and viruses and how at CSL they can diagnose all sorts of diseases quickly and accurately, even if there is only the smallest amount in the sample.

Viruses have been around long before varroa came along.  It is the varroa mite that has caused viral outbreaks, giving the virus an entry point into the bees body.  These viruses are not just found in bees, but in wasps and bumble bees as well.

Mike spoke of lateral flow devises that are available for the detection of AFB and EFB.  These devises are very sensitive.  (Thorne’s market these devices at a cost of £7.21 each. They are easy to use in the field).

If you want more information on diseases, then go on line to www.beebase.csl.gov.uk

After Mike Brown’s talk business was discussed.  We have 85 full members, 10 associate members and three junior members.  Both Yorkshire and BBKA have increased their capitation fees – these are being absorbed by the Association.

Sue Hesp reported that twelve prospective beekeepers have already signed up for this years course. One  of them, John Lehey attended the meting and was made welcome.

Saturday 15th April

Ten members of the queen rearing group met at Rob Coleman’s apiary at Wiggington . A colony was selected for cell raising (because it was strong) and another for its queen to use to produce eggs (because the bees where gentle).

Sunday 7th May

The queen rearing group met again at Rob Coleman’s apiary.   They prepared a hive to draw out the larvae they will be given into queen cells.  It will be a strong queenless colony with out any eggs or larvae of its own old enough for them to produce a queen. Instead all their efforts will go into drawing out the larvae introduced to them.

Sunday 14th May

The queen rearing group met once again at Rob Coleman’s apiary. They introduced day old larvae into a strong queenless colony for the worker bees to draw out the queen cells.

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 3rd June – Yorkshire BKA

Spring field day to be hosted by Wharfedale Beekeepers at Bolton Abbey.  Starts at 0930 hrs. Speakers are Bill Cadmore from Leeds BKA, Ceri Collingborn , Apimondia “Honey Queen”. She is not just a pretty face.  She has read biology at Oxford and taught it at Cambridge. She also runs 40 colonies of bees.    Also speaking are Richard Jefferson and Phil Askern.  Phil Askern has spoken to York BKA in the past.  Other attraction are Bolton Abbey itself, Bolton Abbey village, the River Wharfe and the Embsay Steam Railway.  Tickets are £5.00 each plus £3.50 per car.  More information from Allan Thompson on 01 756 753 062.

Tuesday 13th June (1830 hrs)

An apiary meeting at Rob Coleman’s apiary, Plainville Farm, Plainville Lane, Wiggington.   From the North York ring road turn onto the B 1363 sign posted to Helmsley.  After two miles take the first left, then first right – sign posted “no through road/Jacobean pub.  Rob’s is the white farmhouse just past the pub on your left.  Rob can be contacted on 01 904 762 532.

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd June

Lincoln Show at the show ground on the A15 a few miles north of Lincoln.

Wednesday 28th June (1830 hrs)

An apiary visit hosted by Ken Barran and Sue Hesp.  Location not known as yet. Contact Sue on 01 904 489 449 nearer the time for details.

Saturday 1st July (1730 hrs)

Our Annual Summer Barbeque will be held at the home of Colin and Debbie Hattee.

Bring your own meat, sweets and drinks.  All salads, disposable plates,cutlery and glasses will be provided by the Association. Let Colin and Debbie know if you are going to attend by Saturday 24^th June.  In case of inclement weather ring 01 430 860 972.

Saturday 8th July

Thorne’s Open Day at Wragby.  Sale starts 0900 hrs and events and workshops from 1100 hrs.  Free entry.

Tuesday 11th July to Thursday 13th July

The Great Yorkshire Show will be held at the showground at Harrogate.  Yorkshire BKA are wanting assistants to help at the bee tent.

Wednesday 12th July (1830 hrs)

Apiary meeting will be held at Tom Robinson’s apiary.  Meet at the  A19 Café opposite Wright’s Garage, Crocky Hill.

Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd July

Royal Horticultural Society flower show will be held at Tatton Park, Cheshire.  It is expensive to get in at £20.00 per person per day plus £4.00 per car.  The show its self is on a par with the Harrogate flower show.

Wednesday 19th July

Driffield Show. More information call 01 377 257 494.   e-mail: office@driffieldshow.co.uk

Also on the showground is a Farmers Market, held on the first Saturday of every month from 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs.  A list of traders shows two selling honey and hive products.

Wednesday 26th July (1830 hrs)

The last of this summer’s apiary meetings is to be hosted by Steve Hudson. The location of which is not known yet.  Ring Steve on 01 904 430 996 nearer the time for details.  Steve says “wear body armour”.

Saturday 5th August

Tockwith Show.  In the past, York Beekeepers have manned a stall at the show talking to the public about bees and beekeeping.  David Aston has organised this in the past – if you are interested in helping, then give him a call.

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August

Howden Show

Saturday 26th August to Monday 28th August (Bank Holiday Weekend)

Cawood Craft Fair

Wednesday 13th September

Ken Barran will give the first of this winter’s talks.   His topic – “Heather from the hive to the table”.  This will be an interesting talk. Ken is a beekeeper of long standing and knows his subject inside out.

Wednesday 18th  October  (Murton 1930 hrs)

York Beekeepers Annual General Meeting

Thursday 19th to Sunday 21st October

National Honey Show will be held at the RAF Museum, Grahame Parkway, Hendon, North London,  NW9  5LL.  Entry will cost you £7.00 per person per day.

I have seen an article somewhere that stated that only 418 paying visitors attended the National Honey Show in 2005. With that attendance I would think that takings would barely cover costs.

Saturday 11th November

Yorkshire BKA Annual General Meeting will be held at the Buckles Inn on the A64 between York and Tadcaster.  The speaker is to be Clair Waring  and her topic – “Up close and  dangerous”.   It sounds intriguing.

Wednesday 15th November (Murton)

York BKA ‘s Annual Honey Show.  More details later.

Saturday 19th May 2007

York BKA’s auction will be held at Murton.

Saturday 9th June 2007

This date has been set provisionally for York BKA to host the Yorkshire BKA Spring Field Day.

Sunday 9th to Friday 14th September

Apimondia 2007 will be held in Melbourne, Australia. For more information: www.apimondia2007melbourne.com

For Sale

1lb squat honey jars with lids are once again available from Colin Hattee.  The new price will be £29.00 per gross.  (This is the first increase since May 2004.)  Lids on their own are still £4.50 per half gross.   Colin will bring your order to meetings or you can collect them from Colin’s home by prior arrangement.  ‘phone 01 430 860 972.

Tired of always ending up with backache every time you go through your hives , do you have to do your beekeeping on your knees ? Then no more, for I have the solution. Purchase one of our purpose made hive stands capable of carrying two or three hives, made of light weigh metal fully galvanised, strong and robust, will last you a life time and find out the pleasures of easy hive manipulation all for the modest cost of £45. Enquiries to Bob Hirst on York 706111.

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