2020 01 08 Pub meeting – summary.
The first pub monthly meeting of the year – a nice warm welcome for us at the Neidpath Inn, Peebles. We usually meet on the first Wednesday of every month.
Native Scottish Honeybee breeding programme
We currently have 3 colonies, thanks to David, Wilma and Linda’s efforts last summer. At Kate Atchley’s suggestion, she, David and a few members from other Associations, are going to meet up in February to see if there is scope to help each other out for this year’s breeding programme.
Beginner’s course
With several enquiries already about a beginner’s course, the dates 18th April is suggested: to be confirmed. Mandy will check that Manor village Hall is available: please contact Mandy or Peter if you can help out in any way, and let us know which date would be most suitable for you.
Beekeeper visitor: 12th/13th April
A beekeeper from Texas is visiting Peebles April 12th/13th, would like to visit an apiary and buy some local honey (preferably 8oz jars). Please contact Mandy if you can help.
Braula
I’ve been asked by an ex-colleague if anyone has found Braula in their colonies: apparently miticides have been successful in wiping out not just varroa but also Braula, which might now be considered at threat! The Natural History Museum lacks any recent specimens in its reference collection. They are more likely to be found in untreated colonies (especially feral): I’d be happy to check out samples if you think you’ve found it.
Candles
Mandy has been donated a number of candle moulds – members are welcome to borrow them.
Observation hive
Bill Jack has been in discussion with Chris Sawer, about setting up an observation hive at St Ronans Wells, Innerleithen: he has offered to look after it, but some other local volunteers would be appreciated, and we’ll try to arrange a mentored session from a member with this particular skill. If you are prepared to help, please contact Mandy or Bill, and we’ll arrange for a mentored session.
Varromed
Peter Stevenson brought along a new miticide, Varromed, which can be used at any time of year, even with supers on, and is acceptable under organic farming rules. However, the £31.50 bottle treats 10 hives (depending on their size) and must be used within a month of opening. It was suggested that the Association could purchase this product, so that beekeepers with fewer than 10 colonies could share a bottle as well as the appropriate proportion of the cost. What do you think?
Nucs needed/for sale
If you need to buy or sell a colony, Mandy is happy to gather names and put people in touch with each other.
Honey tasting
Peter & Helen brought back some local honey to taste from their holiday in Costa Rica – always interesting to taste honeys from wherever our members have been holidaying, they find beekeepers everywhere! Will try and find a speaker next year who can guide us in tasting and describing honeys. (Any suggestions?)
Winter treatments
And last of all – a big thank you to David, who has been carrying out winter treatments on his own hives, Association hives, AND those of several members.