Conwy Beekeepers' Association

                   Cymdeithas Gwenynwyr Conwy

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Application form for membership.

Beekeeping - An Introduction - CALU Technical note 040401 (compiled by CBKA)

Conwy Seed and Honey Fairs, information for stallholders.

News: 

CBKA Honey Show Rules

CSL Advisory Leaflets:

1.  Managing Varroa

2. Foul Brood recognition & control

3. Foul Brood statutory procedures

4. Small Hive Beetle factsheet

Information for new beekeepers.  

What do I need to get started?

·      All in one bee suit, gloves, Wellington boots.  Approx £120.

·      A 5-frame nucleus of bees, approx cost £85.

·      A beehive. We recommend a Thorne’s second quality National hive from Wynne Jones, Ruthin.

·      Smoker and hive tool.  Approx £25.  

·      £250 should get you started.

·      Plus, later... 4-frame stainless or food grade plastic honey extractor, honey settling tank and a second hive.  We do not recommend buying secondhand galvanized or tinplated extractors from auction websites.

Where do I get my bees?

We recommend starting with a 5-frame nucleus of local bees with a young queen, which will develop into a full colony as you gain experience. Conwy BKA members Geoff Critchley, Mold, Tel: 01352 740991, http://honeyhouse.delfryndesign.co.uk/; or Arwyn Davies, Abergele, Tel 01745 826291 are both highly recommended bee breeders.

Equipment:

·      The UK’s main supplier is EH Thorne, Lincoln, Tel: 01673 858555, www.thorne.co.uk Ask for a catalogue.  The best prices are in January during the winter sale.

·      Our local Thorne’s agent is Wynne Jones, Ruthin, Tel: 01978 790279. www.beesupplies.co.uk Wynne Jones is a member of Conwy BKA.

·      Also, ask for a catalogue from National Bee Supplies, Okehampton, Tel: 01837 54084,

www.beekeeping.co.uk

The Association sometimes has secondhand hives and bees for sale.

How do I learn how to keep bees?

·      Conwy BKA evening course.

·      We run hands-on training sessions with the bees at the Association apiary at Tal y Cafn, every third Saturday afternoon, from April to July.  Protective clothing available.

·      We hold evening meetings at St Davids College, Llandudno, from September to April, on the last Monday of the month.

·      South Clwyd BKA weekend course at Coleg Llysfasi, Ruthin,: Friday evening, all day Saturday, three weekends in summer.   Details from secretary.

Beekeeping books:

·      Local libraries, especially Colwyn Bay, have a good selection of bee books, classification 638.1.

·      Northern Bee Books, Tel 01422 882751, http://www.beedata.com/beebooks.htm

Magazines: 

·      Beekeepers’ Quarterly, published by Northern Bee Books.

·      BeeCraft, monthly.  Ask for a free copy.  Tel: 01733 771221, www.bee-craft.com

Consumables:

·      The Association stocks honey jars, beeswax foundation and frames, and varroa treatments.

Protective clothing:

·      We recommend full bee suits from:

Bbwear Tel: 01872 273693, www.bbwear.co.uk        

B.J.Sherriff, Tel: 01872 863304, www.beesuits.com

·      Gloves from Thorne’s.

Local events:

We are at the following shows and we are always keen to meet new beekeepers:

·      Conwy Seed Fair, every 26th March.

·      Conwy Honey Fair, every 13th September.

·      Eglwysbach Show, 2nd Saturday in August.

·      Llanrwst Show, 3rd Saturday in August.

Support for new beekeepers:

·      It is important that new beekeepers attend the apiary meetings at Tal y Cafn, until they are confident to work their bees. We do not want new beekeepers to struggle alone with their bees, and to lose interest.

·      Introduction to Beekeeping Course run by CBKA over ten sessions from September to May each year at Aber., Henfaes Research Centre and Tal y Cafn apiary.

·      Mentoring. We have over 80 members, and we can put you in touch with your nearest beekeeper.

Other information from Conwy Beekeepers' Association:

·      “22 reasons to join Conwy Beekeepers' Association”.

·      “Frequently asked questions”.

Compiled by Peter McFadden, CBKA secretary at peter@honeyfair.freeserve.co.uk