The Basingstoke Beekeeper

Summer 2007

Contents

Apiary Update

Sorry, this has to be a very short report.

Well, the weather has given us all a tough time again.

Although the Association's bees have been bringing in a crop, it's been pretty sparse. Weather precluded some inspections early in the year and, of course, both colonies swarmed despite loads of space and plenty of wax-building to do. One of those colonies came right, the other has a drone layer, probably because the weather stopped her from going out on the town. Hopefully culling her and a frame of "Brood All Stages" will allow them to recover from that.

My own bees have mostly done similar, though as far as I can see, they've come right, with the possible exception of the big, strong, colony that I'm having trouble getting into as they're so pugnatious.

At least I haven't had to feed so far, which is more than some can say. Whether I'll get a crop is quite another question.

Time For A Change

I have been doing numerous things for the Association for coming on twenty years now.

I'm now making some changes in my life, wishing to persue another interest/passion that has been very neglected for many years. I've been trying over the last couple of years to indulge both interests, but this year it has become clear to me that it is really too much for me to manage both interests and hold down a demanding day job, that often sees me working 60+ hours a week.

The consequence is that I plan to reduce my workload and get back some time for myself. That reduction, I'm afraid, will be in my beekeeping. At this moment, I am seriously considering putting almost all of my beekeeping activities on hold, including my own bees.

For the initial future, I will continue helping with the beekeeping theory course, but from the end of this year, I plan to drop out of all other activites if I can.

That means we shall be looking this winter for a new Newsletter editor, a new Apiary Manager, a new Bulk-Buy manager and probably also someone to help with the beekeeping practical course.

None of these roles are really so demanding, but doing them all at once is now getting a bit wearing and tiresome. It's time I handed over to some other people.

I'll remain a member and I'll still be around; just not so much as I have been.

Gordon

Diary

Unless otherwise stated, evening meetings are at 7:30pm in our Study Centre, The Walled Garden, Down Grange, Basingstoke and apiary meetings are 2:30pm at St. John's Copse, Oakley.

Saturday 4th August

Monk Sherborne Show, from 1pm

Sunday 5th August

"Greenways" Open Day 

August 11th

Open Day at Clapper Hill Farm. You must check with John Furzey if you wish to go to this because spaces are limited.

Sunday 19th August

BBQ at the Bothy from 4pm. Please bring your own food, tea coffee will be provided. Salad and puddings can be a bring and share if desired.

Thursday 20th September

Evening meeting at the Bothy, speaker Dr Ryall, wildlife gardening.

Sunday 14th Oct

Natures Harvest, Walled Garde, TBC

Thursday 18th October

RSPB talk on garden birds

Thursday 15th November

HART wildlife sanctuary

Thursday 20th December

Xmas social and handbells

Committee

In at 197 Old Worting Road. Thursday March 1, April 5, Sept 6, October 4, November 1, December 6.

Apiary Meetings

August 4

Apiary Meeting

August 12(18)

Beginner's Course G.S./D.P.

September 1

Apiary Meeting

September 8(9)

Beginner's Course G.S./D.P.