|
|
|
|
| Swarm season has started this week, at least a week later than 2022 due to the poor weather. A couple of hives at the apiary had multiple queen cells last Saturday, including unexpectedly a strong hive so the queen may have deteriorated, so some Queen cells were split off to use elsewhere. Look closely for your Q Cells… see the sneaky hidden Q cell demonstrated by Stewart Spinks (Norfolk Honey Co).
Top Tip : A useful gadget to collect swarms that settle in awkward places is a battery operated ‘katcha spider catcher‘ which sucks insects up the tube. Those bees ensconced behind the trellis were sucked up and placed in an adjacent brood box. Check where the bees are fanning most in the swarm as this is where the Queen is likely to be and gently focus the tube at that location. Once the Queen is in the box with enough bees the rest of the swarm will slowly follow. |
|
| Invitation to Bee Day at the Apiary, 20 May |
|
|
| International Bee day is on 20th May and we shall be celebrating at the apiary. All members are invited. We shall start about 3.30pm after we close up the hives.
Mark the date in your diary so we can all get together for cakes, a toast and a bit of banter ! |
|
| Surbiton Food Festival – sell your honey |
|
|
| Kingston Beekeepers attend two local shows in the year : Surbiton Festival and Claygate Village & Flower Show. Traditionally many of you come along to help on the stand and sell your own honey, plus take a wander around the events. ‘Our’ Keith is getting organised for this year and is looking for volunteers, old and new are welcome.
They are very social, jolly events. If you would like to join in for a couple of hours or all day please email Keith via keithmcmahon@blueyonder.co.uk |
|
|
|
|
|
