The Basingstoke Beekeeper

Winter 2000

[2000]

Apiary Update

Dave Purchase,
Apiary Manager and Seasonal Bee Inspector

All colonies in St. John's Copse have long since been bedded down for the winter. The very poor autumn weather, continuing into winter, does concern me. The wind and rain restricted opportunities for foraging on ivy and late garden flowers. Conversely, the unseasonably mild temperatures might encourage later brood rearing. If so, stores could be in short supply by the turn of the year. We all need to monitor our colonies to avoid the sickening, but avoidable, sight of colonies which have died through starvation. One of the Association colonies was vandalised recently. I found it during one of my routine security checks. The hive was at an angle with the roof off. The bees had been exposed to the elements for anything up to a week since my previous visit. They were alive but clearly chilled. I re-assembled the hive. So far, so good. A large stake lying nearby was clearly the weapon used. I hope that the perpetrators were stung for their efforts, though somehow I doubt it. Part of my job as a Bee Inspector is to conduct Apiary Tours with beekeepers' associations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and parts of Berkshire and Wiltshire. It is three years since our own association had one. The response to that was disappointing. It is time that we had another. The idea is that several members volunteer to have their colonies inspected by me for disease. The inspections would be carried out on a single day with association members present. The aim is to demonstrate how to look for disease and what to look for. As weekends are generally more popular, I suggest Saturday, 9th June.. Any volunteers? Please don't disappoint me! Remember, healthy bees are usually productive bees, and vice versa. Your Committee has decided to introduce a \emph{`drop in'} evening on first Thursday of each month, commencing 1st February. This will be in addition to the meeting traditionally held on third Thursday of each month. The aim is to maximise the potential of the Study Centre for the benefit of members. You are welcome to drop in at any time during the evening (opening time to be announced) for ten minutes or ninety minutes, as the fancy takes you. You can socialise, pick brains, use the microscopes, watch videos, or engage in any other bee-related activity you can think of! Bring an interested friend or relative. Hope to see you there. Furthermore, you may use the Centre at other times by prior arrangement with a Committee member. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you all.

Annual General Meeting

Proposed Subscriptions

The membership subscriptions proposed by the Committee for 2001 are:

Ordinary	£18.90
Concessionary	£14.40
Associate	£7.50
Family Supplement	£1.70

The increases are due mostly to extra capitation due from the first of January 20001 to HBA.