WINTER LECTURES
Given the high rates of COVID infections in our region we have decided to revert to having Zoom lectures for the moment. We will consider having face to face indoor meetings in the spring if the situation improves. Please ask if you need help getting set up to participate in these online events.
Wednesday 17th November 2021, 7.30 pm via Zoom
Megan Seymour, Alternative hives and the responsibilities of the new-age beekeeper
Wednesday 15th December 2021, 7.30pm via zoom
Beekeepers question-time and forum, a chance to put beekeeping questions to an expert panel and association questions to the committee
Wednesday 12th January 2022, 7.30pm via zoom
Jon Axe, Varroa, the ever-present threat
Wednesday 23 rd February 2022, 7.30pm
Tim Field, Changing times: Will bees thrive in the evolving North Cotswold farmed landscape?
We are moving into a new generation of agriculture subsidies and private investment. This talk will highlight how farmers are exploring new schemes and management approaches to keep up with new pressures and opportunities. How will this affect honeybees and other bee species? What does an optimal landscape producing food for bees and people look like, and can we do anything to help?
Tim is founder and facilitator of the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster. When not working with the NECFC’s 85 members, covering 30,000 hectares, Tim is also setting up a soil carbon trading business and has consulted on a number of sustainable farming projects following a 14-year tenure at Daylesford that ended in April 2021.
Wednesday 16th March 2022, 7.30pm via zoom webinar
Wally Shaw
Swarming
By kind arrangement with our friends at Shipston Beekeepers we have been invited to join a lecture to Warwickshire Beekeepers Association by Wally Shaw on Swarming. Wally is a very well known speaker and author of several books and pamphlets. He is going to talk about swarming, artificial swarms and pre-emptive controls.
WORKSHOPS
Sunday 20th March 2022, Adlestrop Village Hall
Skep making
We are pleased to announce that we have arranged for Dave & Enid Chubb to run a skep making day on Sunday 20th March 10am to 4pm in Adlestrop Village Hall where you will be able to learn the art of skep making and hopefully make a skep to take home with you.
David has been making bee skeps in the Cotswolds since 1982 and most of you will have seen him in action at Daylesford at our honey show. Although bee skeps have been used for centuries to house bees or collect swarms of bees they can also be used as a feature in the garden, conservatory or home.
The Beeskep Maker is an extremely rare craftsman so it is an ideal opportunity to learn from David how to keep this valuable craft alive. He exports skeps locally and all over the world.
The day will cost £29 for NCBKA members ( £35 non members) and will include refreshments and a light lunch. The cost includes a bundle of straw, a thimble , a cane puller tool and cane to take home with you and Dave and Enid will help you make your skep during the day and provide you with tools to finish it off at home. We last ran this course in 2018 and it was an very enjoyable day
We need to know asap if you would like a place so we can confirm numbers with David as he has to purchase the equipment
Please let me know if you want a place by email and pays bacs Lloyds bank sort code 30 95 75 Account 00721258
Sunday 10th April 2022, Adlestrop Village Hall
Wax, how to extract and refine beeswax and use it to make candles, wraps, polishes and simple cosmetics
APIARY VISITS
As usual, visits will be hosted by members and an experienced demonstrator will go through the hives and discuss a seasonally topical theme. Apiary meetings will start at 2.30pm and be followed by refreshments and chatter. Addresses and directions will be circulated nearer the time.
Sunday 15th May 2022
Doug & Clare Petersen – cancelled
Saturday 11th June 2022
Hosted by Jeff and Anne McMally, Cold Aston
Sunday 10th July 2022
Hoste by Andy and Ruth Lucus, Upper Swell
Sunday 14th August 2022
Hosted by Julia Targett, Broad Marston
Sunday 11th September 2022
Hosted by Mike Hartnell snd Malcolm Hughes, Little Compton