Meetings

Its a new year and spring is approaching. Time to think about plans for this years beekeeping.

If you are an old hand, a beginner or just thinking about starting you can swap plans or get advice from the local beekeepers in the comfort of the local pub. All welcome.

This years first meeting will be on Wednesday 7th Feb at 7.30pm in the back bar of the Neidpath Inn in Peebles. Sadly the Neidpath Inn seems to have closed down.

This month we will try the Cross Keys, Northgate, Peebles as our venue – still 7.30pm.

It’s quite a big pub with a few nooks and crannies so I’ll bring some bee paraphernalia and put it on a table so folk can find where we are.

See you there,

Peter.

Don’t forget our Honey Show on  the last Tuesday of the month – judged by Alan Riach.

Schedule and Rules:-

2017 Schedule & Rules

Please get your entries to the Drill Hall by 7pm: volunteers to help with setting out the show and with marking will be very welcome!

And if you can bring something towards the refreshments – even better.

If you have any queries about the Show, please contact the Secretary.

PBKA has a display case for a frame of honey (Class 6): this can be borrowed by members, but please book it in advance.

Also – Saturday 25th the Association has a stall at the High Street food market: if you have any hive products to sell, please contact Mandy or Peter Stevenson.

Guides to preparing items for showing can be found here:

http://www.warleambees.org.uk/honey-show-guide/

http://www.conwybeekeepers.org.uk/honey-shows/how-to-win-prizes-at-the-honey-show/

Pollens through the Season: samples collected in Spring & Summer, analysed and photographed under the microscope, with guidance on making pollen slides.

Kate Atchley has kept bees for more than 20 years and recently led a native bee breeding project in Ardnamurchan. A reluctant late-comer to SBA exams, she became fascinated by microscopy when preparing for that module, and continues to study pollens and the physical characteristics of bees, using microscopes and undertaking wing morphometry. She is a NW Area Representative and trustee of Scottish Beekeepers Association and will soon move to live near Kelso; she is also one of the founders of the SNHBS, and a great supporter of native honey bees.

All meetings start at 7.30pm, in the Community Centre (Drill Hall), Walkershaugh, Peebles, followed by a question and answer session. Then there’s time to chat and catch up afterwards, over refreshments.

Everyone’s welcome at our meetings – you don’t need to be a member. Further details on the website (https://www.peeblesbeekeepers.org.uk/) or contact the Secretary: 01721 720 563 / 07563 185 993.

The main beekeeping season is drawing in – like the nights.

There is still plenty to think about at this time of year – feeding, varroa treatment and honey processing for instance.

If you need advice on these things, or anything else bee related, come along for a chat on Wednesday 6th Sept at 7.30pm in the back bar of the Neidpath Inn in Peebles.

As always everyone is welcome – non-beekeepers, potential beekeepers, beginners and old hands. See you there.

Hopefully swarming is (mostly) over for this year and any newly mated queens are coming into lay. There is good forage around for the bees if the weather holds up.

Time to think about harvesting honey and treating for varroa.

If you need advice on these things, or anything else bee related, come along for a chat on Wednesday 2nd August at 7.30pm in the back bar of the Neidpath Inn in Peebles.