Our last Social Meeting of 2023 is at 7:30pm on Monday 11th December - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH.
As usual, everyone is welcome - experienced Beekeepers, Novices and those considering taking up beekeeping.
Successful overwintering of bees and meeting the Asian Hornet threat
Don't forget our talk on Friday, 24th November, at 7:30 pm, in the meeting room at Alvechurch Marina.
The speaker is Bob Poole who, as a Seasonal Bee Inspector, has recently been a member of the NBU team eradicating Asian Hornet colonies established on the south coast. His talk will cover preparations for inevitable AH incursions and how to preparing colonies for Winter.
As colony losses last winter were higher than for many years and the incidence of Asian Hornets is increasing each year, you and your colonies could benefit greatly from his advice.
The importance of Hive Insulation
Recent research challenges the widespread belief that honeybees naturally insulate their colonies against cold. It underlines the importance of helping the bees by adding insulation to their hives during winter.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-widespread-belief-honeybees-naturally-insulate.html
Thinking about becoming a Beekeeper?
Our 2024 Novice Course will be held in February/March. If you are thinking about becoming a Beekeeper and would like more information about how to start, drop an email to us at neworcsbeekeepers@gmail.com
Social Meeting on Monday
Our next Social Meeting is at 7:30pm on Monday 13th November - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH.
Everyone is welcome - whether you are a member, or would just like to find out more about beekeeping.
Why are Bees important?
Olivia is a visitor to our website and has created a wonderful web page full of interesting links to information about honey bees. Have a look !
Expose the corruption. Protect the hive
Who knew that being a Beekeeper could be so action-packed...... Jason Statham shows us how. Wonder if he uses drones?
Bee Stings vs Wasp Stings
An interesting article in the British Medical Journal explores the differences:
Next Social Meeting
Our next Social Meeting is at 7:30pm on Monday 9th October - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH.
Everyone is welcome - whether you are a member, or would just like to find out more about beekeeping.
Honeybees adapt how they feed
A new study shows how honey bees switch feeding mechanisms as resource conditions vary.
https://phys.org/news/2023-08-video-honey-bees-mechanisms-resource.html
So - Where did Bees come from?
The buzzing of bees was first heard 120 million years ago on the western side of supercontinent Gondwana, scientists have revealed.
https://www.zenger.news/2023/08/28/buzzing-of-bees-first-heard-120-million-years-ago/
Hidden Bee Behaviours
Bee scaffolding and bio heaters: New research reveals hidden beehive behaviours
Where Did Bees Come From?
Ever wondered where Bees originated?
It seems that we now know, according to scientists from the USA.
Swarm Collection
As this year has seen a major increase in the number of swarms and requests for their collection, guidance on their collection has been added to this website in the "For Members" section.
All members are urged to review these Guidance Notes to clarify their responsibilities and minimise the risks involved when collecting swarms.
Windmill Apiary Work Party
Following the call to rescue the Windmill apiary from Spring brambles, a working party assembled on Thursday to do battle. As you may see from the photos below, we won!
Before
After
Before
After
Hard at Work
The Team
Poly Hives at the Eden Project
The Eden Project is known for its environmental credentials, including support for Native bees, so it was interesting to see its use of Poly Hives on a recent visit:
Why you need to be nice to your bees
Ever wondered if your honeybees can feel emotions?
A new study suggests that they are indeed sentient:
Whose Honey Can you Trust?
A recent article in the Guardian highlights that honey adulteration can be both direct and indirect. It seems that the only way to be assured of quality is to buy honey from local sources you know and can trust. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/mar/26/uk-honey-fails-authenticity-test
Next Social Meeting
Our next Social Meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Monday 10th April - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH.
All are welcome - including anyone who would just like to find out more about beekeeping before taking the plunge.
Winter Talk - Pictures
Our thanks go to David Salt and Ken Beddoes from Kidderminster BKA for a very professional and informative talk on how to be successful at Honey Shows. Our Joint Honey Show is in September and those that attended the talk are now primed and ready to win !
Winter Talk - Being Successful at Honey Shows
On Wednesday 15th March David Salt and Ken Beddoes from Kidderminster BKA will be giving a talk on how to exhibit effectively at honey shows (i.e. how to win).
The talk will provide lots of hints and “dos and don’ts” and will cover a wide range of products such as wax, mead, honey cake, etc. If you have been reluctant to enter a honey show previously, this talk will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to go for it!
The talk will take place at 7.30 pm at Alvechurch Marina, Scarfield Wharf, Alvechurch, B48 7SQ.
Next Social Meeting
Don't forget our next Social Meeting at 7:30 on Monday 13th March - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH
All are welcome - including anyone who would just like to find out more about beekeeping before taking the plunge.
Next Winter Talk - Extraction Techniques
All new and newer NEWBKA members may find our next Winter Talk of particular interest.
On Tuesday, 21st February, at 7:30 pm at Aston Fields Social Club, Chris Broad will give a talk on Extraction Techniques - primarily aimed at recent novices and others with little experience.
Next Social Meeting
Don't forget our next Social Meeting on Monday 13th February - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH
These meetings start around 7:30pm and are open and friendly get togethers, where you can talk to other bee keepers, both new and experienced.
All are welcome - including anyone who would just like to find out more about beekeeping before taking the plunge.
Fun with Bees
If you'd like to keep both the younger and older members of your family interested in bees, why not try the "Waggle Dance" board game? It's also a fun way of occupying the frustrated beekeeper during the off-season.
Please note that this is not a paid advert, nor does NEWBKA accept responsibility if your 10 year old beats you every time !
Winter Talk - Mead Making
Please note that we have a new Winter Talk arranged for this month.
Richard Toft (Pershore College and Evesham BKA) will be giving a talk on mead making on
Monday, 23rd January at 7:30 pm in the meeting room at Alvechurch Marina.
All members welcome !
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