tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180830653261992252024-02-21T14:34:18.831+00:00Yatton Area Bee Project - YABeePYABeeP is attempting to use a sustainable approach to protect and increase the local bee population. Our interest is in honey, bumble and solitary bees. We use bee-friendly methods to our help bees; not exploit them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-5251670873532967932013-06-20T18:21:00.001+01:002013-06-20T18:50:57.438+01:00Why the YABeeP website is no longer updatedYABeeP members will all know that the group continues, as before, meeting the second Saturday of each month, this year we meet in Claverham Village hall - details of dates, time and venue <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/2013-meeting-dates.html" target="_blank">can be found here</a>.<br />
<br />
However, YABeP has a wider following than just our membership with regular visitors from all over the world. This post is to update our distant followers as to the recent changes and why this website is no longer being updated.<br />
<br />
Since its start in 2009, YABeeP has been run, more or less single handedly by Robin. Having taken early retirement he was able to devote time to it. However, last autumn Robin decided he needed to step back from running the group - partly as he felt he was becoming stale - new blood was needed, and partly to spend more time with his severely disabled wife who had become unwell. The running of YABeeP was consequently handed over to our new enthusiastic Chair, Sal Pearson -<a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/from-strenght-to-strength.html" target="_blank"> see this post for more information</a>. A group of members met over the winter to decide how the group should go forward.<br />
<br />
This website was developed by Robin as a resource that members could use and it has been quite successful doing so - basically it was his baby. However, it takes a lot of work and a certain set of skills updating it. The major users of this site are worldwide rather than local members. Robin agreed to continue maintaining the site with the occasional update, though we decided that it would no longer be a priority for YABeeP, we would instead concentrate our activities on our local members - meetings, training, hive building, skep making, etc..<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, in April 2013 Robin's wife, Sarah, sadly died. This has hit Robin very hard, having spent so much time over the past years devoted to her care. It was Sarah who encouraged Robin to start the group and she was his continuing source of support and encouragement. Robin has indicated that he needs some space to manage his grief and has consequently decided to take a sabbatical from YABeeP. We, of course wish him well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqGltQ1NJ_VpfcJ1s9qecF8f5W9tfuYy2Xt1QCwZjkcMUOxqi67WiWeiNVjjBZWC1Ba-_zCI47JJqJlXvampu84fFhqbzkipVjOudVfcjPeF5NdA66I0LpWiF25Vb2A26nJ0J2viF0pMb/s1600/IMGP0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqGltQ1NJ_VpfcJ1s9qecF8f5W9tfuYy2Xt1QCwZjkcMUOxqi67WiWeiNVjjBZWC1Ba-_zCI47JJqJlXvampu84fFhqbzkipVjOudVfcjPeF5NdA66I0LpWiF25Vb2A26nJ0J2viF0pMb/s320/IMGP0752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Perry Morris 1959 - 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Consequently, we have decided to 'park' this website for the time being until either Robin chooses to return or someone with the necessary skills and motivation steps forward to take on the task. It will remain live as a continuing resource for members and our wider audience, but for the time being there will be no further posts or updates.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-86961015991049045342013-03-24T14:33:00.001+00:002013-03-24T15:38:05.789+00:00<i>This email to YABeeP members is being posted on our website as it may be of interest to others who follow this blog:</i><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1. Natural Beekeeping in Schools</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://sacredearthland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/natural-beekeeping.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/" target="_blank">Natural Beekeeping Trust</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">We have been contacted by our friends in the<a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"> Natural Beekeeping Trust</a> about a former student of one of their first beekeeping courses, Vanessa Clarke, who was a BT executive at the time. Vanessa went on to a <a href="http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/whatissteinereducation.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Rudolf Steiner Waldorf</a> Teacher Training course.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Now in her last months of teacher training Vanessa is proposing a project to further natural beekeeping which YABeeP would like to support.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Vanessa reports: <i><span style="color: #990000;">" I am in my last months of study and for my final project, I have chosen to offer UK Steiner Waldorf schools practical ways of incorporating natural beekeeping methods into their curriculum. There has been quite a lot of interest from Steiner Waldorf teachers - if I can make the integration as painless, efficient and economical as possible.</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">My vision is that Steiner Waldorf schools build and manage their own hive/s with the help of a local mentor. If this is not possible, another suggestion is to have school children regularly visit local apiaries, In order to determine the feasibility of such a project, I will be sending out two surveys - one to natural beekeepers and another to Steiner Waldorf teachers."</span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Depending on the results from the pilot, the hope is that the project will be offered to all schools - see attached.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">YABeeP is asking members</span></b> plus any other <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html" target="_blank">Natural Beekeepers</a> whether you would be willing to help Vanessa getting the "evidence" she needs by completing the questionnaire (<a href="https://kwiksurveys.com/app/rendersurvey.asp?sid=i0roim9jbju18jq109550&refer=" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">LINK HERE</a>), and forwarding it to other <b>natural beekeepers</b> who are likely to be interested or might co-operate. This could be significant for future bees.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><b>2. Brilliant Insect TV</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00zst23/Insect_Dissection_How_Insects_Work/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRM9G5OMKA3utlflmsk_rTTPi1jzsHgzzc2AosRMTqvPoJq0MyP8a7xsSJscpbhVra8tFme4V5vMT_CCa5ixZxWxmU6ofMJGTUr601-jCY67zJc9KM3gGSXh3X959R5UtM510Mkv_sIUj/s200/1-Fullscreen+capture+24032013+153058.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00zst23/Insect_Dissection_How_Insects_Work/" target="_blank">Watch them again on BBC iPlayer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">If you have not been watching the excellent series on Insects that the BBC has been running over the past couple of weeks spend a while to catch up on the BBC iPlayer. <i><b>2 must see programmes</b></i> for those interested in bees are:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<ul><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><b>Insect Dissection: How Insects Work</b> - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00zst23/Insect_Dissection_How_Insects_Work/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">available on iPlayer</a> <i>(sorry, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK)</i></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><b>Planet Ant: Life inside the Colony</b> - which is being repeated on BBC HD (Freeview channel 102)<span style="color: red;"> today at 19:00 hours</span> or can be <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00scslp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">viewed on your pc</a>. Ants and bees are very closely related.</li>
</span></ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Don't say we didn't tell you!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">
<div>
<b><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/yatton-area-bee-project-yabeep.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">YABeeP</a></b></div>
<div>
23 March 2013</div>
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-37235745206360925812013-03-17T18:13:00.000+00:002013-03-17T18:18:53.959+00:00Beginners Training Course 2013<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s200/GRJ-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s200/GRJ-Photo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Gareth John<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Gareth John</b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #222222;">, a long-time friend of </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;">, delivers training courses in Natural Beekeeping from his home in West Oxfordshire - </span></span><a href="http://simplebees.wordpress.com/courses/natural-beekeeping-courses-in-west-oxfordshire/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">details here</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. For the last couple of years Gareth has kindly agreed to run some of these for us here in North Somerset. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The next course he will be running in Yatton is below. (Note: this course is a one day version of the two day course run from his home. It omits those parts of the material that relate to hive choice as between horizontal and Warré hives on the basis that </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>YABeeP </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">members use mainly Warré hives.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Who is it for?</u></b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G6rP5oRzZ9X3Idoz4ld091ckwfx782zG6ZB3ES9sQhd6nVO-SFOsEclPWjLQxrxzYXo6lbutb-aR2XwUAojd46LEJoqditxA_wwWYhEdrDyWaO8DqncwgZpHqSoHhmUMwDf4dhMeYgL5/s1600/1-P1030579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G6rP5oRzZ9X3Idoz4ld091ckwfx782zG6ZB3ES9sQhd6nVO-SFOsEclPWjLQxrxzYXo6lbutb-aR2XwUAojd46LEJoqditxA_wwWYhEdrDyWaO8DqncwgZpHqSoHhmUMwDf4dhMeYgL5/s200/1-P1030579.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Primarily designed for those new to keeping honeybees wishing to use bee-centred methods </span>and a holistic approach in Warré hives. You must be a YABeeP member to take part in this discounted offer.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u> Dates</u></b><br />
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday 4th May </span>10:30 am to 4:30pm</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Numbers</u></b><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To maximise the attention given to each attendee, numbers are limited where possible to 8 for each course. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis - see Booking below for how to secure your place. If there is too much demand then a second day may be arranged separately. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Cost</u></b><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The cost will be <b>£35</b> per person for the day. Teas and coffees will be provided but you will need to bring your own lunch.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Course Outline</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">10.15</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Arrival, coffee, biscuits and comfort calls. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>10.30 -11.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The </span>Honeybee Colony: An Organism Like No Other<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>11.30 – 12.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>The Pulse of The Bee: The dynamics of a honeybee colony and its interaction with its environment<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>12.30 – 1.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Lunch Break<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>1.30 – 2.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>The Natural Beekeeping<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Year</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>2.30 – 3.30 <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Practical Demonstration of Warré Hives<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3.30 – 4.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Trusting the Bee</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2x6uyfIAS9xLDHOwgIp-VYFpw0i1ARpYx6X_WX8Jq3odqg8NjI6m0y5tqPYLneG6G9amabRheNkE4ls-FNWLzBNQGsDH8z-IVs-dMGUTX2-GM0vjRfC5yihIV15h4Qzj_vxgnk6oBWZ-/s1600/3-P1030585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2x6uyfIAS9xLDHOwgIp-VYFpw0i1ARpYx6X_WX8Jq3odqg8NjI6m0y5tqPYLneG6G9amabRheNkE4ls-FNWLzBNQGsDH8z-IVs-dMGUTX2-GM0vjRfC5yihIV15h4Qzj_vxgnk6oBWZ-/s200/3-P1030585.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4BDyWxE5HnCK2iHLXStifLa4vG50QhJL4Nplsl_fyI0keBcsRG2ZwY4kqQKs4twKkIteIWr2YhC0cG5LULEqt0HJLneHw6qv6ysyTHPFPQVwZZYWbmaMRSMeXsaICXxfeNfdACf6QiCR/s1600/2-P1030575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4BDyWxE5HnCK2iHLXStifLa4vG50QhJL4Nplsl_fyI0keBcsRG2ZwY4kqQKs4twKkIteIWr2YhC0cG5LULEqt0HJLneHw6qv6ysyTHPFPQVwZZYWbmaMRSMeXsaICXxfeNfdACf6QiCR/s200/2-P1030575.JPG" width="149" /></a><br />
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Booking</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">YABeeP members have been sent an email detailing how to book. This discounted opportunity is only available to </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;">ers.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a great opportunity for us to receive some excellent training </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">at a very reasonable cost from someone who I believe to be one of the best trainers in natural beekeeping in the country. If you want to take advantage of this book early as the spaces are limited.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sal Pearson</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/yatton-area-bee-project-yabeep.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>YABeeP</b></a></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-85359034454897089362013-01-14T20:09:00.002+00:002013-01-15T07:55:06.401+00:00Telegraph article<span style="font-size: large;">Daily Telegraph</span><br />
The Daily Telegraph today published an article on Natural Beekeeping which <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/beekeeping/9790465/Why-natural-beekeeping-could-save-our-honey-making-friends.html#disqus_thread">you can read on-line here</a>. The article was written by Jean Vernon who has been a member of <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/"><b>YABeeP</b></a> since 2009 when we first started. It features Heidi Herman, the Natural Beekeeping Trust and the Sun Hive, all of which <b>YABeeP </b>fully supports. Some of us were lucky enough to attend the conference Heidi arranged last year and meet her and visit the Trusts's wonderful apiary.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xfrsog_l_7HaXivjDCPNDoadsZnBr8rhFD4oD8Scs2QX1gwOxoJ0J4hmAx9LxeIFOuPlocJAATEC2jD_g-GmREYqpdFrdhI45j7GTM7D68Bm9T3QQA0QlbDl8RN83afiQ-QzYoAGQonJ/s1600/1-P1040151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xfrsog_l_7HaXivjDCPNDoadsZnBr8rhFD4oD8Scs2QX1gwOxoJ0J4hmAx9LxeIFOuPlocJAATEC2jD_g-GmREYqpdFrdhI45j7GTM7D68Bm9T3QQA0QlbDl8RN83afiQ-QzYoAGQonJ/s320/1-P1040151.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John & Gareth enjoy Heidi's bees<br />
(yes, that is an occupied Sun Hive)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We expect that there will be several negative comments from some dyed-in-the-wool conventional beek's so I would <b>encourage all natural beekeepers</b> to leave a Comment in support on the Telegraph's webpage. To do this if you don't have a Telegraph account you need to first register by clicking on the 'Register with the Telegraph' link just under the text of the article - it's free.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bees Flying - is it a problem?</span><br />
The recent unseasonal warm weather over and since Christmas has meant our bees have often been out flying. This has been a concern to many who are aware that 'conventional' wisdom suggests it is worrying if the bees have broken winter cluster. This 'worry' however, ignores the fact that bees have been doing this for millions of years; it's not unnatural for some winters to have warm spells.<br />
<br />
I have been advising our members not to worry and leave your colonies well alone; resist the 'conventional' pressure to feed - rest assured that the bees know what they are doing. Even a peep through the window could add stress to the bees at this time of year. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPGl13ulBMh5yZnKee_3WmBq6fav7UIS4hB7Asdj5tc71DF0tE6xXOXW2aYHvAujbuvw1BxOXXZ2b2KdTPC1SAhez8CEBtEoHaMAvXFdRGPsMuw0a-n_25Q4-frV5cP0QTmpKtbISXxB6/s1600/3-P1040158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPGl13ulBMh5yZnKee_3WmBq6fav7UIS4hB7Asdj5tc71DF0tE6xXOXW2aYHvAujbuvw1BxOXXZ2b2KdTPC1SAhez8CEBtEoHaMAvXFdRGPsMuw0a-n_25Q4-frV5cP0QTmpKtbISXxB6/s200/3-P1040158.JPG" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sun Hive with a<br />
supered honey box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Whilst this is easy for me to say I recognise it can be hard to do, especially for those under pressure from others who are shovelling sugar in their hives by the Kilo. For a little reassurance <a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/blog/what-will-new-year-bring-what-may-we-hope">see this post</a> by Heidi on the <b>Natural Beekeeping Trust</b>'s website. I love her approach that we "can only hope and trust that the bees, unlike us, know what they are doing ". <br />
<br />
After all, are we such experts in bee behaviour? I'm certainly not. We must abandon our human instinct to worry and think that we should be interfering; our 'we know best' attitude. I agree with Heidi, we must learn to trust our bees!<br />
<br />
Hopefully see you at our <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/2013-meeting-dates.html">9th February meeting</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Robin Morris</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YABeeP</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2cdfR-R0aV0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-57381694562221172202013-01-11T19:18:00.002+00:002013-01-11T19:48:00.072+00:00Tolstoy<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">I also belong to Jonathan Powell's Frome & Bruton area natural beekeeping forum and saw this excellent post there last night. It was so good I imediately asked Jonathan & Emma's permission to share it here whuch they kindly granted. Emma is also a member of <b>YABeeP</b>. Enjoy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Robin Morris</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">YABeeP Web Editor:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">_________________________</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Bees and Tolstoy</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br />
Just reading '<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Honey-Dust-Travels-Search-Sweetness/dp/0747579679" target="_blank">Honey and Dust</a>' by Piers Moore-Ede and was struck by this quote from Tolstoy (an avid beekeeper):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTHrTRzsCQHFMYXV5B1ZqHCvKte8EHH881OUGlhe-cgXSBlRFUTSj8-1KpKNoS_a7UZ6gVjQm8myLwRDc2R2ucQ9cnitls003OFes9-V6ug87r5ywObt7aMmJesjISDuUiBYw_mFl8G9F/s1600/1-Tolstoy_by_Repin_1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTHrTRzsCQHFMYXV5B1ZqHCvKte8EHH881OUGlhe-cgXSBlRFUTSj8-1KpKNoS_a7UZ6gVjQm8myLwRDc2R2ucQ9cnitls003OFes9-V6ug87r5ywObt7aMmJesjISDuUiBYw_mFl8G9F/s320/1-Tolstoy_by_Repin_1901.jpg" width="116" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Tolstoy by Repin 1901<br />
(picture Wikipedia)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">"A bee settling on a flower has stung a child. And the child is afraid of bees and declares that bees exist to sting people. A poet admires the bee sucking from the chalice of a flower, and says it exists to suck the fragrance of flowers. A bee-keeper, seeing the bee collect pollen from flowers and carry it to the hive, says that it exists to gather honey. Another bee-keeper who has studied the life of the hive more closely, says that the bee gathers pollen-dust to feed the young bees and rear a queen, and that it exists to perpetuate its race. A botanist notices that the bee flying with the pollen of a male flower to a pistil fertilizes the latter, and sees in this the purpose of the bees existence. Another, observing the migration of plants, notices that the bee helps in this work, and may say that in this lies the purpose of the bee. But the ultimate purpose of the bee is not exhausted by the first, the second, or any of the processes the human mind can discern. The higher the human intellect rises in the discovery of these purposes, the more obvious it becomes that the ultimate purpose is beyond our comprehension. All that is accessible to man is the relation of the life of the bee to other manifestations of life."</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i>Tolstoy in War and Peace (First Epilogue ch. 1)</i><br />
<br />
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.<br />
<br />
Emma</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: small;">_________________</span></div>
Jonathan's response:<br />
<br />
<div>
Emma <br />
<br />
That is a great quote. While writing the course I have been thinking very hard about what is natural beekeeping? It seems very clear to me that it is when we are supportive of the bee <b>bien</b><sup>#1</sup> (here I use the<br />
German word which covers the undividable bee organism which includes the three castes, comb, shelter, micro bacteria local flower environment etc). So natural beekeeping requires us to understand what that is first before we can be supportive.<br />
<br />
Your quote reminds me that humans can see something and have so many different views of the same thing, and true insight on what the bien is probably requires years of not only study (because we are not<br />
bees!) but also reflection on what our motives are and how that might colour our views.<br />
<br />
So, if we say that bees are not greedy (they share their food equally and all die together when they run out, they feed the drones and heater bees, they fly to exhaustion in summer) then if we take honey we should remember that the bien is not greedy.<br />
<br />
If we say the bien is without delusion (they will eat their own brood when there is no food, they supercede the queen when she starts to fail, they kick out drones when they are of no further use, they dump sick bees away from the hive) then perhaps we should not try reverse situations which are beyond hope and not be afraid of the bold decisions for the good of the bien.<br />
<br />
Do we support the bee environment with our shopping choices? Do we use weed killers?<br />
<br />
Is what I am doing best done by the bien - after all they have been doing this stuff for 20 million years ?<br />
<br />
The bien has no hierarchy - so is bee KEEPER the correct approach?<br />
<br />
There are so many aspects we could consider and apply that to what we do. <br />
<br />
I think we can slip in and out of being a natural beekeeper depending on our understanding of the bien. When I take a flight, I'm not being a natural beekeeper as I'm not supportive of the environment - it's a<br />
choice I have made. I personally think that following the bee bien is very good for humans - it gives us great insight. For others they may think that its just an insect that gives us honey. Going back to your quote - it depends on your view point.<br />
<br />
Jonathan </div>
<div>
____________________________</div>
<div>
<i>Editor's comment:</i><br />
Contact details of the Frome & Bruton natural beekeeping group can be found under "Other local natural beekeeping groups:" in the right hand column.<br />
<br />
Dare I suggest that the second beekeeper in Tolstoy's quote describes a natural beekeeper?<br />
<br /></div>
<sup>#1</sup>Bien is a German word (pronounced bean) meaning the whole being of the colony - <a href="http://76.12.155.86/~gaiabees/" target="_blank">see this page</a> from Gaia Bees for a fuller explanation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-13964300285865912152012-12-02T20:37:00.000+00:002012-12-02T20:52:41.546+00:00From Strength to StrengthIn October Robin announced that, due to a change in his personal circumstances, he was having to relinquish some, or possibly all, of his responsibilities in running <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>. Having organised the group more or less single handedly since its creation in 2009 it was time for a change; was there to be a future for this group or was it time to call it a day?<br />
<br />
In the event several members equally passionate about natural beekeeping came forward and talks have been going behind the scenes to take things forward. A steering group has been established and following a couple of meetings Sal, the new Chair, today announced to the membership the shape of things to come. Her message follows:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Message from the new Chair:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD0iRp7WnsOR-U3s14v_8VHIMGw7B2Y6eB8sBX63ZBQtbM_5iRWHK3b0C51_ExFa5_07bE1fhOhlqozlded4TzU6sJi_rw0GJIZ27z58YhkQLa-cL0t8ZVfvvIvfI-lKE2qYHtopapuBc/s1600/santa-reading283746234.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDD0iRp7WnsOR-U3s14v_8VHIMGw7B2Y6eB8sBX63ZBQtbM_5iRWHK3b0C51_ExFa5_07bE1fhOhlqozlded4TzU6sJi_rw0GJIZ27z58YhkQLa-cL0t8ZVfvvIvfI-lKE2qYHtopapuBc/s200/santa-reading283746234.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
Hailing all Natural Beekeepers of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> <br />
<br />
Yohoho. Firstly, a reminder of the Christmas gathering at Robin & Sarah’s on Saturday, Dec 8th at 10.30a.m. onwards. See you there, tinsel, tasty bits an’all.<br />
<br />
Also some reassurance that <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP </span></b>will continue with few changes, apart from the “Chair” & venue for the meetings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4isQJ21g17r5YS1KPw8H1VkcBF4wGJ2jewP5DaOeQFcC0aKQ3juQH_fv4jqTzilUxASH2pRyGoxlh7WLNtvP0aXtX2xwxe3hi4Tl4xA8740S1m1uivULN8JR0rcKTDFnlvOnbVVEFaKXD/s1600/Sal+Pearson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4isQJ21g17r5YS1KPw8H1VkcBF4wGJ2jewP5DaOeQFcC0aKQ3juQH_fv4jqTzilUxASH2pRyGoxlh7WLNtvP0aXtX2xwxe3hi4Tl4xA8740S1m1uivULN8JR0rcKTDFnlvOnbVVEFaKXD/s200/Sal+Pearson.JPG" width="162" /></a></div>
As the new Chair, I would like to introduce myself to you all: <b> Sal Pearson</b> from Claverham. I am new to beekeeping/hosting but rest assured that Robin remains in the group & we also have James who has oodles of years’ experience of beekeeping.<br />
<br />
I may be fresh to this beekeeping malarkey but have rapidly become totally immersed with the bees in my garden (in truth, probably a bit of a bee-bore, but hey, can’t bee helped!!) & as a consequence have become aware of much wider & more pressing issues surrounding this delightful occupation: environment change, weather, pesticides & politics to name but a few. Perhaps they are issues for the group….time will tell. If you want to know about neonicotinoids however (& how to spell it!!) I’m your gal.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The venue:</u></b> in 2013 the group will meet in <b>Claverham village hall</b> (<a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=203669544094149058911.0004cf3e90200a5abb7a2&msa=0&ll=51.391102,-2.793754&spn=0.000979,0.001725" target="_blank">map</a>) in the conservatory, every second Saturday of the month, beginning February 9th 10.30a.m. The conservatory is next to the bar, which won’t be open till later (sorry folks) but will hopefully be warm & comfortable. Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available. There will be a meeting door fee of £2.00 per person (excepting children) to cover costs such as room hire & refreshments. This means we can drop the annual £5.00 donation request.<br />
<br />
YABeeP will be supported by a steering group of Viv, Mark & Sue, James, Robin & myself all doing a variety of tasks to keep us all going…..thanks to all. If you have any enquiries about any of this <a href="mailto:YABeeP@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">contact me</a> and I will try to answer as best I can.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Coming up:</u></b> there will be a couple of days hive-building. Places are limited to 6 per session due to space, so let me know if you are interested as it will be a case of 1st come, 1st served.<br />
<br />
There will also be a day of skep-building to be confirmed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTjNqoo87tpTFc95Fkc9WAJd9tgAoP83wkQgoLY2FQEsnXrBZLfJH5gNmug02s_PtssHTGCng43R0CgcBRedIXvvYP4n5nfgp9_OigUz7NRs94HNSxLiiNf0zUP3nd3EOSuugDrtwBfXp/s1600/holly_corner_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTjNqoo87tpTFc95Fkc9WAJd9tgAoP83wkQgoLY2FQEsnXrBZLfJH5gNmug02s_PtssHTGCng43R0CgcBRedIXvvYP4n5nfgp9_OigUz7NRs94HNSxLiiNf0zUP3nd3EOSuugDrtwBfXp/s200/holly_corner_large.png" width="200" /></a>I look forward to seeing you all on <b>Feb 9th 2013</b> at 10.30 a.m in Claverham village hall. The full list of dates for 2013 have been agreed & are published on our website (<a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/2013-meeting-dates.html" target="_blank">link</a>) ….get them in your diary!<br />
<br />
See you there.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>Sal </i></span> </b><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-70146864097435092232012-11-24T15:14:00.001+00:002013-03-01T21:37:28.428+00:002013 Meeting DatesYABeeP aims <i>to
provide peer support to individuals and families who want to
encourage both wild and honey bees and maybe keep bees themselves. We
advocate using bee-friendly </i><i><b>natural bee-keeping methods</b></i><i>.
Where our members keep honeybees they do so primarily for the benefit
of the bees themselves, not in order to exploit them for forced honey
production or personal profit</i><sup><i>1</i></sup>.<br />
<h1 class="western">
2013 Meeting dates:</h1>
<ul>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>February
9</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;">
- Meeting</span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> - this month's topic "<b>Types of Bees</b>" - Ali Twigg</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>March
9</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span></span><br />
- this month's topic "<b>Understanding 'Natural Beekeeping'</b>" - Robin Morris</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>April
13</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span></span><br />
- this month's topic "<b>Getting Your Bees</b>" - Robin Morris</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>May
11</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span></span> - this month's topic "<b>Planting for Bees & pollinators</b>" - Simon Johnson. Simon is back by popular demand. Having trained and studied as a Parasitologist Simon's enthusiasm and love of his subject genuinely had us enthralled at his 2011 talk, especially his horror tales about Alien and vampire insects. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>June
8</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span> </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>July
13</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span> </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>August
10</b></span><span style="color: blue;"><sup><b>th</b></sup></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>
</b></span><span style="color: blue;">- Meeting</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>September
14</b><sup><b>th</b></sup><b> </b>- Meeting</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>October
12</b><sup><b>th</b></sup><b> </b>– Meeting</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>November
9</b><sup><b>th</b></sup><b> </b>– Meeting</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>December
14</b><sup><b>th</b></sup><b> </b>- Meeting</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
Place & time</h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For 2013 our programme starts in February running through the year. We will
continue to hold our meetings on the
second Saturday of each month starting at <b>10:30am</b>. This year we will
meet in <b>The Conservatory,</b> <b>Claverham Village Hall</b> –
<a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=203669544094149058911.0004cf3e90200a5abb7a2&msa=0&ll=51.386673,-2.798939&spn=0.031335,0.055189">click
here for map</a>. Meetings last around 2 hours and, weather permitting,
includes a chance to see bees in action.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
Why do we meet?</h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Meetings allow us to:</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
welcome new
members to learn about our aims and principles and decide whether
they wish to join us;</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
provide an
environment to network with each other to expand our knowledge, ask
questions and share new ideas and thoughts on helping bees;</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
provide an
opportunity to get hands on with bees (dependant on weather of
course) and see a working hive/bee box;</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
meet socially and
enjoy the occasional BBQ, picnic, etc., after all life’s not all
about bees.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="western">
Meeting format</h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
YABeeP believes in
holding informal meetings; we don't instruct our members or provide
formal training courses but use a 'learning through doing with
support' philosophy. Meetings are used to provide peer support and
help for those new to bees as well as share experiences and learning
amongst those who already keep them. We also often have short themed
talks at our meetings, mostly given by our own members (volunteers
always needed!) but occasionally bringing in a local(ish) expert.
Weather permitting, we provide an opportunity to let members get up
close and personal with bees and experience the workings of the
various bee homes we use following the formal meetings.</div>
<h1 class="western">
Workshops</h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In addition to our
monthly meetings we also arrange practical hive building workshops. These tend to all day affairs which allow
members to build their own hives for honey bees or homes for bumbles
and solitary bees. As well as being highly productive – you should
expect to complete your project within the day - the workshops held
to date have all been great social events!
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="background-color: yellow;"><blink>New for 2013</blink></b> we are also
running two skep building days for members.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
These workshops are only open to YABeeP members who are notified of the dates privately. They will not be published on this website in advance.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you wish to join one of our meetings we'd love to see you, just come along!</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Sal Pearson</b><br />
Chair, <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP</b></span> Steering Group</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
~~~~~~~~
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<sup>1</sup>For a
fuller explanation of what we mean by bee-freindly 'natural
beekeeping' <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html">see
this page</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-80826581292733042432012-07-20T10:19:00.001+01:002012-07-20T12:20:49.957+01:00Brunel's BeesYou never know where you are going to end up when taking swarm calls. Also, you have no idea how difficult it will be to gather the bees. Well, t<span style="background-color: white;">oday's call proved to be both the most spectacular in terms of location and also one of the most challenging deciding how best to recover the bees.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The swarm in question had chosen to settled on the ster</span>n of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's historic ship, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Great_Britain" target="_blank"><b>S.S. Great Britain</b></a>. Well, you can't turn down a call like that, can you, so it was off to Bristol to see what awaited.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QQqTKSVN3xd_-Bqslkx7kF8BwAR47o6z-QXrPKbmSN2TTE8irwmwnE2ZOW5M9Rd_1iYCDyRi3DhLp4fk0nP2BVX2W0ObweYcjDM_tNqVOPm0br-pzp2CzhnpaH-QBfHLWUoPQFDBxms_/s1600/1-P1040023-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QQqTKSVN3xd_-Bqslkx7kF8BwAR47o6z-QXrPKbmSN2TTE8irwmwnE2ZOW5M9Rd_1iYCDyRi3DhLp4fk0nP2BVX2W0ObweYcjDM_tNqVOPm0br-pzp2CzhnpaH-QBfHLWUoPQFDBxms_/s400/1-P1040023-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a place to gather; right above the unicorn's horn<br />
<i>(click any picture to enlarge)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On arrival I met with the manager, Gary Musson, who explained "You can't miss them, they are above the first unicorn"; was I in some sort of a fairy tale? Sure enough, the bees had swarmed in earlier that afternoon and settled on the stern of the ship. Originally the majority were on board the edge of the deck, but by the time I had arrived they had moved aft, out of the wind, to spill over <span style="background-color: white;">the rear gunwale and park just below the stern railings</span><span style="background-color: white;">. This presented a problem in that they were very difficult to reach. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKp7Yz87rxQlHpbGe9ppCrCXy0NeiHoLSmAFe2vnUmizM-Nys1JyGBJ3Csn0D9vXIUyM6QiXoLCdI70-cjw97QWBaLfyeIwJTl6n42AuMGQUqJEyEVK3NO8FICwJyukiFGKqb6hCBvYso/s1600/10-P1040045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKp7Yz87rxQlHpbGe9ppCrCXy0NeiHoLSmAFe2vnUmizM-Nys1JyGBJ3Csn0D9vXIUyM6QiXoLCdI70-cjw97QWBaLfyeIwJTl6n42AuMGQUqJEyEVK3NO8FICwJyukiFGKqb6hCBvYso/s200/10-P1040045.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drop to the water below!<br />
<i>(click any picture to enlarge)
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>A challenge</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">To catch them from below was difficult as they were about 15 feet above the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SS_Great_Britain_showing_air_seal_for_hull.jpg" target="_blank">glass bottom moat</a> that </span><span style="background-color: white;">surrounds</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the ship. My swarm pole would just reach them but collecting them this way would mean that any fanning bees were a long way from those that remained on the stern plus there was a real danger of drowning any bees that fell outside the swarm pole bucket. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKno0de-je9N2P1_uI8lVl7yYmjG3AtUsfWDyDffyAxSU0TlVK_RbL8eVKvKOwlLerVSEnUUcnB6gIQFc22bCU8dxNp_LlNK9tHcS65-VXY_t9Vjm8104_BeGXDjSZZ3zpAaUYGTvTAwL/s1600/1-P1040022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKno0de-je9N2P1_uI8lVl7yYmjG3AtUsfWDyDffyAxSU0TlVK_RbL8eVKvKOwlLerVSEnUUcnB6gIQFc22bCU8dxNp_LlNK9tHcS65-VXY_t9Vjm8104_BeGXDjSZZ3zpAaUYGTvTAwL/s200/1-P1040022.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A row of heads looking up as if to say <br />
"catch us if you can!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">To gather them from the deck was compromised by the stern railings and netting which prevented me from reaching to hold a box below them - again any dropped bees would certainly drown. Unfortunately I didn't have my climbing harness with me, although I suspect that my hanging off the rear of the ship bee box in hand might have caused issues with their their Health & Safety policy! </span><span style="background-color: white;">There consequently followed three quarters of an hour problem-solving how best to gather the bees.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">In the end a Heath Robinson catching box was made from a cardboard box, some sticky tape and wooden slats - a Blue Peter badge should be awarded for its construction! It is right when they say that the planning is the hard part for, once made, the resulting catch was easy and straight forward.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Within a few moments the bees were scooped off the hull and poured into a Warré box - job done!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> - see the video below to see how quick it was once planned.
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zbza7jGffOQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Use the YouTube 'full screen button - bottom RH corner)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYxcegHSE_JZ-y00zmy49D-XnY_uUYOfqn4K4DVGnc_4QleceSjmwNvgJ8u8p0Sv0Use1Yf1IwFaGNFYmQdeTQarGGmJrtBPJsMtCxhRKUD83GJfV5E_esnvASxqUNcEzoaWFGUqCuxwk/s1600/03-P1040028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYxcegHSE_JZ-y00zmy49D-XnY_uUYOfqn4K4DVGnc_4QleceSjmwNvgJ8u8p0Sv0Use1Yf1IwFaGNFYmQdeTQarGGmJrtBPJsMtCxhRKUD83GJfV5E_esnvASxqUNcEzoaWFGUqCuxwk/s200/03-P1040028.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction fun with sticky tape!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As if to oblige and to give their seal of approval the bees were soon to be seen fanning in their new home's entrance calling the strays to join them. All that remained then was to cordon off the immediate area around the hive box as there was a private function just starting and leave the hive for collection around dusk when all the strays and returning scout bees had returned. <i>A housed swarm fan a pheromone into the air to tell the flying bees where they are so they can join them. This will also attract returning scout bees who will have been out house-hunting for this new colony not knowing that a home had already been provided.</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz9d2dBS3GuJEqLp6_AiER98E3gnHI10-Ry67H81tfmpWNfIQbBl-HaeYa3f5qOr6SUCKfuR5ah9vBZhl1jO1KCDq683SZWtht7tc7abUulndsG3Qrpx6jgbvFyvYb5oGxKEHUhzl5Hc3/s1600/01-P1040033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz9d2dBS3GuJEqLp6_AiER98E3gnHI10-Ry67H81tfmpWNfIQbBl-HaeYa3f5qOr6SUCKfuR5ah9vBZhl1jO1KCDq683SZWtht7tc7abUulndsG3Qrpx6jgbvFyvYb5oGxKEHUhzl5Hc3/s320/01-P1040033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary & Arwyn watch the newly housed swarm settle.<br />
Our Heath Robinson invention is to the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">The hive will be collected tonight by Gareth & Dianne, the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> members who will now care for and cherish this new colony.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">My special thanks go to Gary and Arwyn who so bravely helped with the catch despite my having only one bee suit between the three of us. I even sensed some disappointment from them when we came up with the Heath Robinson box answer,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> as under an earlier plan they were looking forward to hanging off the railings helping hold the box while I scooped in the bees - sorry guys! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">My thanks also to Ian Thomas of <a href="http://www.bristolpestcontrol.com/" target="_blank">Chew Valley Pest Control</a> who referred SS Great Britain's distress call to me. Bees are not pests and most reputable companies refer bee calls on to local beekeepers to collect. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It's been about 15 years since I last visited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunel" target="_blank">IKB's</a> historic ship. She has a special place in my heart as she returned to Bristol when I first moved here. I can only thank the bees for bringing me back to see what a great job they have made of her restoration, I'll certainly be back for a full investigation. <a href="http://www.ssgreatbritain.org/" target="_blank">Visitor centre details here</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Robin Morris</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">19 July 2012</span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
More photos......</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeX60YJtgowuePDtsjWZxyltzdcsO2NLOvrptvLhkZ5HsB3U6OIMHIWyz6Cv_57iQA83dAQVb5lRYU5serQXgA51q3UGCyLd12xDdplnwClT5F0mhhmTokdNA8IhNq81bg9anSuC-heaM/s1600/02-P1040025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeX60YJtgowuePDtsjWZxyltzdcsO2NLOvrptvLhkZ5HsB3U6OIMHIWyz6Cv_57iQA83dAQVb5lRYU5serQXgA51q3UGCyLd12xDdplnwClT5F0mhhmTokdNA8IhNq81bg9anSuC-heaM/s320/02-P1040025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swarm catcher extrordinaire!<br />
Though I don't know why he's smiling as <span style="background-color: white;">at this point</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">he had no idea how he was going to recover the bees</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qtLzU6Abowp9lWat6G9rWdwc8H6FRhYhAh5ZUAhezabuPHzvJiZxLCnSTaxyd4CDYOX5yIK-gsiBNTxcBQEB51tnul4D7DMx2-kTIIj-N61BsFSXQtJYY8SyUlTwMZu66M6a8fRrx8bL/s1600/08-P1040039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qtLzU6Abowp9lWat6G9rWdwc8H6FRhYhAh5ZUAhezabuPHzvJiZxLCnSTaxyd4CDYOX5yIK-gsiBNTxcBQEB51tnul4D7DMx2-kTIIj-N61BsFSXQtJYY8SyUlTwMZu66M6a8fRrx8bL/s320/08-P1040039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Job done! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP50Nb86nIK9ZnxVWYuZ7J7Dfri5jHaazA6gHttRBf71A7vf5u1ntjh-ID0y3-_JifmbA9YaPoNhZbvTf_24KNXoUnoy5tHFxMabmlaudmhLDkGCDrEnKzKG2J4sKAIff0I36D2SKzNFdZ/s1600/06-P1040035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP50Nb86nIK9ZnxVWYuZ7J7Dfri5jHaazA6gHttRBf71A7vf5u1ntjh-ID0y3-_JifmbA9YaPoNhZbvTf_24KNXoUnoy5tHFxMabmlaudmhLDkGCDrEnKzKG2J4sKAIff0I36D2SKzNFdZ/s320/06-P1040035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scooping up the stragglers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRZQhrx5TV4Z_IOrTHYVLNYhvlTCwqCLufiH-ZE883T4hhCzkjnDCZyHoPFxD3BbaEiGOeshlcsjnENQnk-uWT7xICB6U5WBqsgUSgrIjzqwxNSNtEgtwRPKNgZZwjeC5zGxq0QgXV5Wy/s1600/09-P1040041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRZQhrx5TV4Z_IOrTHYVLNYhvlTCwqCLufiH-ZE883T4hhCzkjnDCZyHoPFxD3BbaEiGOeshlcsjnENQnk-uWT7xICB6U5WBqsgUSgrIjzqwxNSNtEgtwRPKNgZZwjeC5zGxq0QgXV5Wy/s320/09-P1040041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hive can bes seen at the rear of the deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu2V5LlKVLHtOYJFgk7phCiK85vhCs0u_GTrH0RK4P3wRtMXqkQCJ49799j-cYhDVV3jo9_V1lgg6luX7j5NuR1oQtY9gAzfsXo4Aw1D_ycIhnmQFz4I6TJW3aulQFh6v7YDXn8ZmAoMv/s1600/1-P1040027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu2V5LlKVLHtOYJFgk7phCiK85vhCs0u_GTrH0RK4P3wRtMXqkQCJ49799j-cYhDVV3jo9_V1lgg6luX7j5NuR1oQtY9gAzfsXo4Aw1D_ycIhnmQFz4I6TJW3aulQFh6v7YDXn8ZmAoMv/s320/1-P1040027.JPG" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well even a swarm catcher can have a laugh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEntEK4B8HBtTJVocC30sZUxhvBSo37qM4tlBc6q3SBZCyQ3t1Elqk8jHo4rScdqBAbJ99GaSMMVU52o1phT2aECZOS7pYnwea3EVcJ0OYxqfzrapeEnpHeOhW9JWj8VtQfiqheXSl9cB/s1600/11-P1040047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEntEK4B8HBtTJVocC30sZUxhvBSo37qM4tlBc6q3SBZCyQ3t1Elqk8jHo4rScdqBAbJ99GaSMMVU52o1phT2aECZOS7pYnwea3EVcJ0OYxqfzrapeEnpHeOhW9JWj8VtQfiqheXSl9cB/s320/11-P1040047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-45773967638304737152012-05-30T09:21:00.002+01:002012-07-27T19:34:25.580+01:002012 Swarms<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6j6Bk052_ep1yH80hJZrthFw41HFXGgdIV28ge8gU9sZyU9mBGs1e07b941E9VYzZo9JnTWx9wzN8WC_DYKMB9FGOwfWtoc7YeW5MN-fJTmUy2dCR_zIkpH_Ys_IaAmRZWbQgK6IVvI0/s1600/1-P1030561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6j6Bk052_ep1yH80hJZrthFw41HFXGgdIV28ge8gU9sZyU9mBGs1e07b941E9VYzZo9JnTWx9wzN8WC_DYKMB9FGOwfWtoc7YeW5MN-fJTmUy2dCR_zIkpH_Ys_IaAmRZWbQgK6IVvI0/s200/1-P1030561.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary's swarm<br />
-click any photo to enlarge-</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following a peculiar start to the spring with regards to the weather, unusually hot followed by prolonged cold and wet, the recent hot weather has allowed the bees to get their act together. The swarming season has consequently started.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is a swarm?</span><br />
To the uninitiated a swarm of honeybees in flight can look and sound terrifying, but in fact they are not. They are just an excited group of between ten and thirty thousand insects just looking for a new home; this is how honeybee colonies reproduce.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DCGfeq8SuCJkOepki0A_ZKku1xPZg9mac03JA3JTNlI-n9BxdPa44M_OXaEbRwjIaIWMUIpmR4mLc_8F8vUVcoHx1dQXzV76RaoyqHPILntRNjxfGIpgUKPoOIIqwoWBUgM0HchQ1NJd/s1600/3-P1030560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DCGfeq8SuCJkOepki0A_ZKku1xPZg9mac03JA3JTNlI-n9BxdPa44M_OXaEbRwjIaIWMUIpmR4mLc_8F8vUVcoHx1dQXzV76RaoyqHPILntRNjxfGIpgUKPoOIIqwoWBUgM0HchQ1NJd/s200/3-P1030560.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a long way up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They usually swarm in 2 stages. First they issue from their home colony and set up camp on a tree, shrub or other structure where, once they have settled, they just look like a ball of brown and often go unnoticed. This solid clump of bees then sends out scout bees looking for a new home - this can take from just a few hours to several days. Once identified, the swarm then ups sticks and moves on to their chosen home.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some stories</span><br />
To illustrate this here are a couple of our 2012 swarm stories:<br />
<br />
<b>1. St Mary's Church bees</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO9bmZ-HkABHYGfiaK6UcApcT4TNs-tXiHtbR6jtQ_3S0B-rZsRJ_6BsnckO1WJ-futTZxX_wo1S_lNctgi7H5TLMiYhgR14TZn1hKTye0J7PYoxnM3vJTQBWTd7mp0P1UIiOx81suoNl/s1600/4-P1030567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO9bmZ-HkABHYGfiaK6UcApcT4TNs-tXiHtbR6jtQ_3S0B-rZsRJ_6BsnckO1WJ-futTZxX_wo1S_lNctgi7H5TLMiYhgR14TZn1hKTye0J7PYoxnM3vJTQBWTd7mp0P1UIiOx81suoNl/s200/4-P1030567.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary's bees calling their<br />
sisters to their new home<br />
(they fan a homing pheromone)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At around 8:00pm on Friday 18th May I was alerted to a swarm on the local church which they were worried may swarm during a wedding the following day. Being near to YABeeP HQ it was easy, with help from the church youth group, to get a set of ladders on site.<br />
<br />
Using these, plus my long reach swarm catching pole I was easily able to box the bees. By 9:30 95% of the bees were in a Warré box and safely removed and are going to YABeeP members Cathy & Paul for safe keeping. <i>NB: We would usually capture all bees but the high wind an height of original swarm meant about 200 bees were left behind on this occasion.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><b>Robin</b></i><br />
<i>~~~~~~</i><br />
<b>2. Andrew P and Sacha's bees</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii8WjpN4kc6Yj1xo1UUm86WlmdDV2NF_LBkybRa4YbElXnbsVZPZIAIHNfITlRTSgK7JJmwmxzvtr3AFm2jpKJvesvijqlISqELVF8x4V3JjYIuwRb2wvo1UMSiqECJkpNbqKqDal5kQ4/s1600/1-Andrew&Sacha-Photo-0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii8WjpN4kc6Yj1xo1UUm86WlmdDV2NF_LBkybRa4YbElXnbsVZPZIAIHNfITlRTSgK7JJmwmxzvtr3AFm2jpKJvesvijqlISqELVF8x4V3JjYIuwRb2wvo1UMSiqECJkpNbqKqDal5kQ4/s200/1-Andrew&Sacha-Photo-0052.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now just one snip here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While attending the <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/beginners-training-courses.html" target="_blank">course run by Gareth John</a> this weekend we heard about a local swarm in Worle that needed a home. Later in the afternoon we went over with Robin and Sarah armed with a box from our Warré hive and Robin’s expertise!<br />
<br />
The bees were in a small rosebush in a front garden; the owners of the house had tried ringing several people from the Yellow Pages before contacting YABeeP and so were glad to see us. Robin carefully trimmed the branches of the bush to get access to the main stem supporting the swarm. He then cut this and shook the swarm into the top box of the Warré hive before carefully turning it over onto the specially adapted floor. This left a small gap for the remaining bees to enter the box.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6BGpKuvr_jnVh2hUil6hUrYxQamimXPc0b0Eu94JmExmACVEzUKrgr60WDiV570iSs-ZuALIWgUftdSJFX4hvfnqqDYQN9JwGlm8Zv1IXNvcNbtk6zicdY2WlhJCpSvtWRezOt5UleSb/s1600/2-P1030596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6BGpKuvr_jnVh2hUil6hUrYxQamimXPc0b0Eu94JmExmACVEzUKrgr60WDiV570iSs-ZuALIWgUftdSJFX4hvfnqqDYQN9JwGlm8Zv1IXNvcNbtk6zicdY2WlhJCpSvtWRezOt5UleSb/s200/2-P1030596.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fanning to call the sisters<br />
- click & zoom to see their<br />
bums in the air -</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At this point many bees were flying yet not at all aggressive and we were able to stand amongst them and watch those on the box waft pheromones to attract the remainder in. An amazing experience to have been part of, having never even seen a swarm before! We left the bees to settle for a couple of hours and also to allow scout bees to return.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBj34oNIFFE6KpFrfHXLQW4nmWi9ziH43VW4ifIgDFI-XgjrNNrCjV_3M_pNL5z9cNa4UnU0e33_12fypRUuWtwSH3t64KARvJdxHsK5gy94hsTXAkKwnZNRxBDWESa5nY48HyTZu5Ct/s1600/1-P1030603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBj34oNIFFE6KpFrfHXLQW4nmWi9ziH43VW4ifIgDFI-XgjrNNrCjV_3M_pNL5z9cNa4UnU0e33_12fypRUuWtwSH3t64KARvJdxHsK5gy94hsTXAkKwnZNRxBDWESa5nY48HyTZu5Ct/s200/1-P1030603.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proud parents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We returned at dusk to collect them and found all but three bees were inside. We shut up the box safely and Andy had the precious cargo on his lap home to Yatton. By the time we got back it was nearly dark, so having let them settle for 15 minutes we carefully assembled the hive to include our newly full top box. We found a few bees on the floor which we shook onto a ramp by the hive entrance.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWr5W3pJcDygEmcqTjxo5k7caOLix0-Lhh1CGlAi6BKvgy_Nxm_iCZEMgyTNNQWhtytNKOyPJUMmQiMQoXKi5Nz5aVD7EnjnEEYnFWE25qLhR6DgIkTbZN_IkI_tLrYO6DEa76nNd8FK/s1600/2-Andrew&Sacha-28.05+(64).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWr5W3pJcDygEmcqTjxo5k7caOLix0-Lhh1CGlAi6BKvgy_Nxm_iCZEMgyTNNQWhtytNKOyPJUMmQiMQoXKi5Nz5aVD7EnjnEEYnFWE25qLhR6DgIkTbZN_IkI_tLrYO6DEa76nNd8FK/s200/2-Andrew&Sacha-28.05+(64).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their new home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The following morning they were already flying and closely inspecting the hive and their surroundings. We hung up a sheet to protect them from direct sunlight for a few days (the hive gets some direct sun between 10am and 12 noon). We have noticed that the bees have aggregated into a small ball inside the hive and are making lots of flights, returning with pollen on their legs. Many thanks to Robin and Sarah for coming with us. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Sacha</b></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gGPGqGrnKhjfaAP-5iU2ZhiofGD_iWU4E9RXRBO_Mj3meBUw0mEq9A9eflvlWQUmt-cRPf49AjbO6lTwJj4o6k2c4bZ9mu7uj_l46KWBXZMHkflojZtb9gowrEO9YWOWiYbZ2qumQAIV/s1600/7-2012-05-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gGPGqGrnKhjfaAP-5iU2ZhiofGD_iWU4E9RXRBO_Mj3meBUw0mEq9A9eflvlWQUmt-cRPf49AjbO6lTwJj4o6k2c4bZ9mu7uj_l46KWBXZMHkflojZtb9gowrEO9YWOWiYbZ2qumQAIV/s400/7-2012-05-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They go in quickly - Just after
boxing / 20 mins after / 30 mins after </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7Q6FPrkkf_U/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Q6FPrkkf_U?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Q6FPrkkf_U?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Video of Andrew & Sacha's bee install</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(to watch full screen click the YouTube icon in bottom RH corner)</div>
~~~~~~<br />
<b>3. One of Emma's swarms</b><br />
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/23xqhkvcaql4p0p/8erOXaIyAt/Swarm%20June%202012" target="_blank">Click here for a great photo set</a> of one of Emma's swarms caught in a skep<br />
<br />
~~~~~~<br />
<b>4. Jeremy's bees</b><br />
<br />
"Gently put your finger into the swarm, like this, can you feel how warm it is?" said Robin......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_vuf8txbFIUy8hNpgH1XAdlk9Yhw0p7agw7AwdtiKKC5ZIqdp1IaE_6c4Yq_kMOsbkjEGfuyd3zI-V0wkeEVH3ECn7U4iZnJ2psWivx61gTfAyc0-UqlvRlPbShKWFfSVM6LHyryuZOo/s1600/1-P1030662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_vuf8txbFIUy8hNpgH1XAdlk9Yhw0p7agw7AwdtiKKC5ZIqdp1IaE_6c4Yq_kMOsbkjEGfuyd3zI-V0wkeEVH3ECn7U4iZnJ2psWivx61gTfAyc0-UqlvRlPbShKWFfSVM6LHyryuZOo/s200/1-P1030662.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a virgin swarm apparently, with a young queen hatched this year, found conveniently at head height in a small conifer in a front garden in Nailsea. Robin shook them into the box first time and then we stood watching, surrounded by bees as they gradually homed in on the box, guided by a pheromone they release to broadcast their location.<br />
<br />
By the time I returned at dusk they were all safely inside the box and after the short car journey home they were installed in their new hive without incident.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NRlCd8j0TeAIL2_CNupxv5TB4OitkieY0ICs6N7PkLl52uMWRogmQxUc0VMni6df5MmLdNXFYJhmdpC1BOb0rrJxa7kAGFldDYqGAJR606EkYdOA870OWoxQP43rx8pO1Un7vyqs0o6e/s1600/1-P1030666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NRlCd8j0TeAIL2_CNupxv5TB4OitkieY0ICs6N7PkLl52uMWRogmQxUc0VMni6df5MmLdNXFYJhmdpC1BOb0rrJxa7kAGFldDYqGAJR606EkYdOA870OWoxQP43rx8pO1Un7vyqs0o6e/s200/1-P1030666.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I spent the next couple of days transfixed as they busied themselves with reconnaissance flights round and round the hive, and then eventually some began returning laden with pollen. By day 3 a small section of pale comb was just visible and there was something very comforting about seeing the privet hedge at the end of our street, in full flower and covered with what must have been my bees. Fingers crossed for some warmer weather so queenie can fly out and do her stuff with the boys.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUw5ICa-fKqjLG-DSekil2rbL2HlSeYu4TA9p3jgEs6IGgMjfuKBl7iYUKzW97goEQbWf3abyzQca9PeLeyPKjfCs1hpHEUGsWD6sMzwKHsrF8UmJ7U5pZjJrE09FB0qladS8DthlT_N8/s1600/1-Downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUw5ICa-fKqjLG-DSekil2rbL2HlSeYu4TA9p3jgEs6IGgMjfuKBl7iYUKzW97goEQbWf3abyzQca9PeLeyPKjfCs1hpHEUGsWD6sMzwKHsrF8UmJ7U5pZjJrE09FB0qladS8DthlT_N8/s400/1-Downloads.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy's bees new home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jeremy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FFA_FVnvalM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FFA_FVnvalM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FFA_FVnvalM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Video of Jeremy's bees being boxed in Quarry Road, Nailsea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>5. Sarah M's bees - this shows that baiting hives does work!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to show you a swarm arriving at my Horizontal Top Bar Hive this afternoon! My original colony had dwindled to near extinction and then some bees arrived. Robbers? Scouts? They bumped off the remaining bees and seemed to be hanging around and guarding, though there were only a few.Then this afternoon, I was talking to neighbour when the sky went dark with bees heading for my hive. It took about 3 hours for them all to squeeze in (I had not got round to enlarging the opening from a quarter cork). So, voila! It seems I have two colonies now, a small cast swarm of placid stripeys in my Warré and what seems to be a big swarm of small, dark bees in my horizontal.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV4RJc1NYOgwJnzb9zpq_DDP_PLm72E6CFCv39gCEqzZuZztKA_MNgJfou9_RTAYZl3u6uQdsshZQxhQrlNMdlfPw54QwZ7xlEgqpGAMqDtlYmXva-9QAllZHxCi78v4Mb3gJC0vDorRf/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV4RJc1NYOgwJnzb9zpq_DDP_PLm72E6CFCv39gCEqzZuZztKA_MNgJfou9_RTAYZl3u6uQdsshZQxhQrlNMdlfPw54QwZ7xlEgqpGAMqDtlYmXva-9QAllZHxCi78v4Mb3gJC0vDorRf/s320/Sarah+Malone_DSC00133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's swarm <i>moves in</i> - the most 'natural' way to get bees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cDXQngub8uDIGMSU2isag6OybJGbDhBryo3_6PxoE13OfmrHMUYbbFkTPOHLxrviBmWAtXMznMNk6fb3MV_gJf0faSPRyjrWO2rmEvpVgw48f2Sy0oq3e2BKABlj2I-_vI6NsD4sA9Id/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cDXQngub8uDIGMSU2isag6OybJGbDhBryo3_6PxoE13OfmrHMUYbbFkTPOHLxrviBmWAtXMznMNk6fb3MV_gJf0faSPRyjrWO2rmEvpVgw48f2Sy0oq3e2BKABlj2I-_vI6NsD4sA9Id/s320/Sarah+Malone_DSC00135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Best wishes,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sarah</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b>6. Fiona's Warré bees</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just had to add this video from Fiona showing the swarm we collected for her. Bearing in mind it was a colder damp day not a bad job. Excellent video Fiona, just a shame the chap in the clip wouldn't shut up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ohnscutQg0Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[Click the Full Screen icon bottom right of video screen]</div>
</div>
</div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-48358293255958280732012-05-20T23:25:00.000+01:002012-05-20T23:29:10.288+01:00Sue's swarm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3eUKZ_UkAbZ1RqVHvatQDrLa_8n0eztFVzaK7WCCtOk6uRmzUVc2i0P8CmZ4QR3emxAkLk4T4AJX3qMx1CDJ4j5KAcqnjO0_LvLtvpClrfLxCGZ8CcdsxsPldx6FJuQ8cwFqxVEru6BC/s1600/1-Swarm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3eUKZ_UkAbZ1RqVHvatQDrLa_8n0eztFVzaK7WCCtOk6uRmzUVc2i0P8CmZ4QR3emxAkLk4T4AJX3qMx1CDJ4j5KAcqnjO0_LvLtvpClrfLxCGZ8CcdsxsPldx6FJuQ8cwFqxVEru6BC/s200/1-Swarm1.JPG" width="200" /></a>The swarming season has certainly started now. A few members have reported that their hives have swarmed or that they have managed to get a swarm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Mo6h8KkbRZAm0NKkZgS56-oOxkkagCzhXI718bDrxZJIAMRc-EA7TyW_kgGU3wV1pVaan_he3DcaqyXtDUflExM0iF6GydPT8QpnjOUhaLNMzlE85-U_xycY6Favdo1lOrAairNLfK7/s1600/2-swarm2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1Mo6h8KkbRZAm0NKkZgS56-oOxkkagCzhXI718bDrxZJIAMRc-EA7TyW_kgGU3wV1pVaan_he3DcaqyXtDUflExM0iF6GydPT8QpnjOUhaLNMzlE85-U_xycY6Favdo1lOrAairNLfK7/s200/2-swarm2.JPG" width="150" /></a>Fortunately, Sue H' emailed me a short story and some pictures of her experience yesterday. Well done Sue, especially as it was your first swarm catch. Great news that you caught them and that, as a result, Wendy is now in business with some natural bees. We look forward to updates and more pictures please Sue and Wendy.<br />
<br />
<b>A reminder to others:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJWm4zSTeQcNFnn94o2T7Gs00fWdgxXYO9eAttesIXdiPWH37y9FHTaUjX0H7SypdkTRFx10y0q_gUhRzhuj2T1l_tjhEL96GBX6vpJDLJdYxclASggjnQPfxVB1Pe00oaoJkMzAejuLE/s1600/1-swarm5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJWm4zSTeQcNFnn94o2T7Gs00fWdgxXYO9eAttesIXdiPWH37y9FHTaUjX0H7SypdkTRFx10y0q_gUhRzhuj2T1l_tjhEL96GBX6vpJDLJdYxclASggjnQPfxVB1Pe00oaoJkMzAejuLE/s200/1-swarm5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Remember that a digital camera is one of your best bee tools. Taking photos of your exploits not only gives you an enjoyable permanent record, it also allows you to blow up the pictures after the event and study your bees for signs of health, etc..<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sue's story</span><br />
<br />
I had been watching them over the last fortnight showing signs of swarming. When I had looked at the hive around 10:00 in the morning there were very few flying so I didn't expect them to be leaving today, as the weather was not that bright.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNBeGdVjLicG8u9q-D5omu6d7dBwCxLOXmHWGluLPcSN-ziKX32JS8QD4ucYYrnWh7k18XKd3_piTflFF_DL8OK9MNglu4wIflEF5cSI4VPpA4csuyXX_E49Hd2FJTwvspttXynR0y9Pr/s1600/6-swarm3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNBeGdVjLicG8u9q-D5omu6d7dBwCxLOXmHWGluLPcSN-ziKX32JS8QD4ucYYrnWh7k18XKd3_piTflFF_DL8OK9MNglu4wIflEF5cSI4VPpA4csuyXX_E49Hd2FJTwvspttXynR0y9Pr/s200/6-swarm3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't see the swarm leave my hive, but noticed them buzzing around the back wall of the garden around 2:15 in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
They spent about 15-20 minutes flying around the back wall before all went quiet again. I didn't see them fly off so I went into the field below my garden and found them in two separate clusters about 2-3 feet above the ground on a bramble bush. I was surprised by this as advice was to put bait hives 15 feet from the ground. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhbQiAttwGsK3P9IdJE7MbwG8I61HVb1hs-BZtmlyoWZCaQf6AYrBsV1E9Yf7JS68kAjo6eDOQrRbhSIKE8axKnfT8Wn70e5tpvapVbpkAxXY5G1ND6awm6i2cIdO9QpLlTlUvo9RMaCR/s1600/5-swarm6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhbQiAttwGsK3P9IdJE7MbwG8I61HVb1hs-BZtmlyoWZCaQf6AYrBsV1E9Yf7JS68kAjo6eDOQrRbhSIKE8axKnfT8Wn70e5tpvapVbpkAxXY5G1ND6awm6i2cIdO9QpLlTlUvo9RMaCR/s200/5-swarm6.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
By the time I had got together my kit, a cardboard box, Wendy for moral support and returned to the field they had move into one mass closer to the ground and in more accessible position. We cut the brambles away around the swarm then cut and picked up the main stem to shake into the box. We didn't get many the first time around as some clung to the surrounding bushes, but bit by bit we added more bees to the box. By this time there were a few on the outside of the box. The box had a hole in the side as I had it on the roof for a bait hive, but the bees decided they wanted to go the edge of the opening on the top of the box.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj768wXZO2icoUO-AfHwxaHqLlamz77VUDDcudDMY6E1NoRU3qPp6C9lYV7TaakQLAt9_OuQONlm_Uh9CN9E6d-eKB84hpkukDKof7_42_ta81dyXN9sJJBQ1wu1kHVVxcPRCnI25gfcjQZ/s1600/3-swarm4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj768wXZO2icoUO-AfHwxaHqLlamz77VUDDcudDMY6E1NoRU3qPp6C9lYV7TaakQLAt9_OuQONlm_Uh9CN9E6d-eKB84hpkukDKof7_42_ta81dyXN9sJJBQ1wu1kHVVxcPRCnI25gfcjQZ/s200/3-swarm4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We left the box in the field until dusk and could see no more bees going in. Then we passed them back over the hedge and tipped them into Wendy's hive.<br />
<br />
SueUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-76328793507584219152012-05-14T18:11:00.001+01:002012-05-20T22:37:39.269+01:00Martins Grove feral bee tree removal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A call for help</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQYdMNLPcCvnB0mRNjZKVKu5RLTQtOy5vuJx8ODgl82pKVMmXc0YTM6zWK-Bx0fsCuVQhMh9QJCGJfE9yVDnYyqcOuiTZRkIArsiKGGM4LFhQ6_wuvA4MXuh7wRiVNoiB6Z15UMVrqyyo/s1600/1-P1030331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQYdMNLPcCvnB0mRNjZKVKu5RLTQtOy5vuJx8ODgl82pKVMmXc0YTM6zWK-Bx0fsCuVQhMh9QJCGJfE9yVDnYyqcOuiTZRkIArsiKGGM4LFhQ6_wuvA4MXuh7wRiVNoiB6Z15UMVrqyyo/s200/1-P1030331.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill who has played host to the bees<br />
*** <b>click any photo to enlarge</b> ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last Thursday I took a swarm call from a member of the public who had a feral colony in their garden in a tree which had blown over in the gales the week before. Removing an established colony is nearly always a 'no no', but having established that they were probably honeybees I thought I'd have a 'look see' just in case.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9a0KZsnIBDaMO-4gZSXUZmuMPWg0desifrAds1rCMCkHm9p_CBdezJafrY3nRZAawsHBLh_8foW0GL8nNvYSKRXzoBCRZXYCU-cJEHY1VU4HtFQalLWg4MC0fY-e_sCcI0p2eTlvAM19/s1600/2-P1030324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9a0KZsnIBDaMO-4gZSXUZmuMPWg0desifrAds1rCMCkHm9p_CBdezJafrY3nRZAawsHBLh_8foW0GL8nNvYSKRXzoBCRZXYCU-cJEHY1VU4HtFQalLWg4MC0fY-e_sCcI0p2eTlvAM19/s200/2-P1030324.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comb visible at the base<br />
of the severed trunk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sure enough, it was a healthy colony. It had probably been there for at least 2 years and it seemed that it just might be possible to cut the trunk and move it to a member's garden for safe keeping and to carry on living as a healthy colony. Wouldn't swarms from that be worth having?!!! The tree was blocking the lawn and needed to be removed - though I am glad to report that owner agreed that rather than kill the bees he was happy that we prop up the trunk and leave the colony in situ, had it proved too difficult to shift.<br />
<br />
As luck would have it the next <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/2012-meeting-dates.html" target="_blank">YABeeP meeting</a> was in two days time so I agreed with the householders that I'd see if we could arrange a posse of beekeepers and return that Sunday. Recruiting volunteers was easy as several came forward realising that it was an experience not to be missed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp4sXDKARWc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video of bees happily flying</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's do it</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IkK_Q1wjR53LHiMi7r4gSlJkWWUl5DRlt5Tz7DJFAPlqq4OBKpM_3FuE2d6BKxEUqoiXlWxuLh1fRhdwHmkK6vTRKTpbUxq2JOWPgZlXfCb5X1DiZpnKrRu2Hu-X-RyvRCxTpUkgO5p2/s1600/1-P1030427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IkK_Q1wjR53LHiMi7r4gSlJkWWUl5DRlt5Tz7DJFAPlqq4OBKpM_3FuE2d6BKxEUqoiXlWxuLh1fRhdwHmkK6vTRKTpbUxq2JOWPgZlXfCb5X1DiZpnKrRu2Hu-X-RyvRCxTpUkgO5p2/s200/1-P1030427.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the gang assemble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having agreed a convenient time for all involved, a motley crew of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>ers assembled on site yesterday in glorious sunshine looking like we meant business! The bees were happily active, having clearly recovered from their trauma of a week or so ago when the tree fell. Little did they know what was about to befall them as their Sunday afternoon peace was shattered by a chain-saw wielding group of beekeepers.<br />
<br />
The situation was assessed, a strategy was agreed, bee suits were donned and 2 chain saws were started - that tranquil garden setting suddenly became a flurry of activity, noise and purpose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkQF2MlgWtIZ3MDrSlgapQZSKP7a87Bx7oQW23zcgyBrnepYWK9o7YPDuWHsaSt7JRP24WYFTEdMXoHEFMDAB41VqByq1TS1TCpyTcV481vpJ6etIxtbwbvtXbZxMcNFI-7yqxEeGXTtB/s1600/3-IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkQF2MlgWtIZ3MDrSlgapQZSKP7a87Bx7oQW23zcgyBrnepYWK9o7YPDuWHsaSt7JRP24WYFTEdMXoHEFMDAB41VqByq1TS1TCpyTcV481vpJ6etIxtbwbvtXbZxMcNFI-7yqxEeGXTtB/s200/3-IMG_1043.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The offending <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laburnum" target="_blank">laburnum</a> tree had probably stood up to fifteen feet high. The c.15" diameter trunk rose about 5 feet from the ground where it split into 3 large branches with the rest of the tree branching off above that. The centre of these 3 main branches provided the entrance for the bees who were living in the main trunk below. The tree had suffered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canker" target="_blank">canker</a> for the last few years and clearly had severe rot in a few places including the trunk which the bees were occupying. We had no clue as to the extent of the rot other than it was large enough to support a colony of bees over the years and that comb could be seen at the base where the tree had been severed at ground level by the gale. No bees were flying from the base. Had it been solid wood we could not have contemplated lifting it, but our hope was that it was hollow enough to have removed a substantial portion of the weight.<br />
<br />
Operations started by removing the 3 main branches. We chose not to block off the bee entrance as so many were flying in the afternoon sun that it would have created as many problems as it solved. Amazingly the noise and vibration from the saws caused little concern to the bees and most of us quickly removed veils as working in bee suits ain't 'alf 'ot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2cJsJNqFt08?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The first branch goes</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr4gLtfum64woEVWPV5HkA0AzHctS8Pp25GAjMA2hzuntkw12WpJ7dtpkC_5ao2bDPNP4MfmRSdia9nLwh-zfd55TnUUx6A9j9spjY2Q21KArJ7m3PZV2p6PXr1nmrrjQlRTthz__QMGB/s1600/2-P1030444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr4gLtfum64woEVWPV5HkA0AzHctS8Pp25GAjMA2hzuntkw12WpJ7dtpkC_5ao2bDPNP4MfmRSdia9nLwh-zfd55TnUUx6A9j9spjY2Q21KArJ7m3PZV2p6PXr1nmrrjQlRTthz__QMGB/s200/2-P1030444.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's get digging!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had hoped that once the top was removed we could drag the trunk onto the lawn and strap it ready for lifting, but there turned out to be a large root holding it which was unfortunately right under the fallen tree! There was no alternative but to remove the bottom section so there followed about an hour of mining under the tree to provide clear access for Fiona to swing her chain saw. Eventually, after much hard work and a sterlingly nifty bit of chain-work by Fiona it was free, though we had unfortunately had to cut off the bottom 4" of comb in order to clearing the root. Fiona was eventually able to save this once the main trunk was strapped and lifted out of the way. <br />
<br />
All that remained now was to clear up and return at dusk, once all the bees had returned, to move it to Yatton.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AJgY6AkzvrXvgHqs-m9yr_D21ol9G_d4nBd-_AhkV68ODeuYFvQRsHMZeMl76mLa6cUQHtwUmQRPYIGH8d0aSvIVmlDGG8zOCOupxu55n-pKydDsulBprAqmgodGHhVSXwSF1KQg1L2/s1600/2-IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AJgY6AkzvrXvgHqs-m9yr_D21ol9G_d4nBd-_AhkV68ODeuYFvQRsHMZeMl76mLa6cUQHtwUmQRPYIGH8d0aSvIVmlDGG8zOCOupxu55n-pKydDsulBprAqmgodGHhVSXwSF1KQg1L2/s200/2-IMG_1054.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strapped and ready to shit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Amazingly, during our two and a half hours of sawing, chopping, digging and hauling the bees had remained gentle and calm throughout, not one sting was taken, despite most of us being unveiled throughout the majority of the operations. Two onlookers got bees in their hair but both were freed without incident.These are a gentle temperament dark bee - what beauties!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Removal</span><br />
At 9pm a party reassembled on site to get the trunk into the 'custard cab' for the journey home as we felt being inside the car between the axels would provide the bees with a gentler journey than bouncing around on a trailer. Moving the trunk was made more easy following Ali's epiphany to strap it to a sack barrow and wheelbarrow it along - beauty and brains, eh - dangerous!<br />
<br />
By 10:30 pm they were settled in Yatton, on Ali's rockery awaiting their inaugural Yatton flight once day broke. As Ali lives just around the corner from where we meet for <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>, she has agreed to show any interested members the bees.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniGVRQBkEzEKbTCFP-HDYM2MGxpnpr3K19Mm3dBmkkTQRYp5VA5pCx3Ki4xLrMas-gBrtwUAKSWaimh2kAi4-MtwhNblNsibNL2iG5mzNYKWfvSdKVX0FShjIUBJSAP_oB8OBPXSkMwPu/s1600/3-P1030483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniGVRQBkEzEKbTCFP-HDYM2MGxpnpr3K19Mm3dBmkkTQRYp5VA5pCx3Ki4xLrMas-gBrtwUAKSWaimh2kAi4-MtwhNblNsibNL2iG5mzNYKWfvSdKVX0FShjIUBJSAP_oB8OBPXSkMwPu/s400/3-P1030483.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safely back in their new home the following day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Afterthought</span><br />
As Fiona so beautifully commented after we had done all the work, this exercise had not only provided us all with much valuable insight and experience into feral bees but it had also shown how a bunch of bee-friendly amateurs could so willingly come together to give their time and effort to save bees - she suggested<b> this truly embodied the spirit of <span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> - well said Fiona!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Mention must go to the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>ers Ali, Fiona, Mark, Andrew, Ray, Sarah and your's truly who turned out work so hard on this project. </li>
<li>Thanks also to Martin, Mark's and my boys who provided assisting muscle for getting the trunk into and out of the 'custard cab' for the journey.</li>
<li>Finally our thanks go to the householders, especially Richard the assisting chain-sawer and Bill who had loved and nurtured the bees.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Robin Morris</b></div>
<div>
14 May 2012</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">More pictures & videos (click to enlarge photos) :-</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfPvv4-38idRoqpj6f4bZuNNjAfEx9lc6uNbAS_wcEQHrUEbnsIJgVvBcI223I3eyWEWfhTIeE7Zy5YGz2dKEwO3_xW-9U7fZCYT4DKAZuFPEaiyVyHCHL9u-M4XcVZpKpPphHJhdK6WO/s1600/09-P1030451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfPvv4-38idRoqpj6f4bZuNNjAfEx9lc6uNbAS_wcEQHrUEbnsIJgVvBcI223I3eyWEWfhTIeE7Zy5YGz2dKEwO3_xW-9U7fZCYT4DKAZuFPEaiyVyHCHL9u-M4XcVZpKpPphHJhdK6WO/s400/09-P1030451.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees fanning during the disturbances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bLgTVn3ZQ-E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The second branch bites the dust</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DiNiFhl3MG4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Time for the big one - yet the bees fly undisturbed!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWth1qPpN4YHZoyyQXXO_udo9FczdKITDrVoPjMsuToD9okCWBahv-mUTnp3FXnKSep4AhvvVr6L2kUIf9p549ICqxwQsxuEKm54oCROfBlD21uSeS_ALnpAEqXkbGy-bPq5G6CMIXqvLa/s1600/10-P1030450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWth1qPpN4YHZoyyQXXO_udo9FczdKITDrVoPjMsuToD9okCWBahv-mUTnp3FXnKSep4AhvvVr6L2kUIf9p549ICqxwQsxuEKm54oCROfBlD21uSeS_ALnpAEqXkbGy-bPq5G6CMIXqvLa/s400/10-P1030450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing a branch exposes a new entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2PNKr-93QcDuF8HOcifbJ9rsq__ornKPOA3bkpF3pDveD1Xr_-trVVPjy883r5VaB2Ce7NY7wrHY9akscGwBGFjf33bb6boQ87ztHJKw0Igvmh-EeD-d0XasDojaDaCrZW20hK-4E6ON/s1600/01-P1030439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2PNKr-93QcDuF8HOcifbJ9rsq__ornKPOA3bkpF3pDveD1Xr_-trVVPjy883r5VaB2Ce7NY7wrHY9akscGwBGFjf33bb6boQ87ztHJKw0Igvmh-EeD-d0XasDojaDaCrZW20hK-4E6ON/s400/01-P1030439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top done; now let's sort the bottom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGInUkqYyS0rF2051NXDi7RCrWnlg9qzBE6d1GMHzp4cGpNOUnP-2JZwNoR7yGbm3M7X77kqxh1-XJBGYt5fdi701R08BuV2QvyAa_GumDEIUuBQrsZDdZWa_Zg22IIBbSXaKE7HLWhEfh/s1600/11-P1030447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGInUkqYyS0rF2051NXDi7RCrWnlg9qzBE6d1GMHzp4cGpNOUnP-2JZwNoR7yGbm3M7X77kqxh1-XJBGYt5fdi701R08BuV2QvyAa_GumDEIUuBQrsZDdZWa_Zg22IIBbSXaKE7HLWhEfh/s400/11-P1030447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona gets stuck in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRtydtnS48AiR16MhEyMn0YRh6yWDujQ1wDGJnmUP8Cngik9-HKtRSwuZa2G9wZ5lrQT0J6BU42429hzLZD87QQBz1lAUbyK2mKrVIIwa_xn5Zsk1R2RQ9zqt2DSU93x2GuHdeKhrx0jf/s1600/2-IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRtydtnS48AiR16MhEyMn0YRh6yWDujQ1wDGJnmUP8Cngik9-HKtRSwuZa2G9wZ5lrQT0J6BU42429hzLZD87QQBz1lAUbyK2mKrVIIwa_xn5Zsk1R2RQ9zqt2DSU93x2GuHdeKhrx0jf/s400/2-IMG_1054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAE2yvEk4_xq02AEmGUqL_QOmQJcAfzEBHssucE0FgebYkbRI8gx5gZA2zDxojdf7Sae4N1LskEWp9-OpyrC6EI2FKoNjNbsK4ZnfpISbpVdCt_KxPInVcQ-YqsvJMaiVJXEeD8JJjvjB/s1600/08-P1030454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAE2yvEk4_xq02AEmGUqL_QOmQJcAfzEBHssucE0FgebYkbRI8gx5gZA2zDxojdf7Sae4N1LskEWp9-OpyrC6EI2FKoNjNbsK4ZnfpISbpVdCt_KxPInVcQ-YqsvJMaiVJXEeD8JJjvjB/s400/08-P1030454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for the first lift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNKVD3kE6iZperG6ZKOPtkvmG2G9kQjUUTT07vSlI7FZOYqtv4d1DAMQS2B20F_pSChB28Is1CpZ7p9YoQ9I4bGIWMBNLC33JW6B4nC1zTjdUUC8wfoLrklgaKEGtJZumZkgekOQUz5th/s1600/1-IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNKVD3kE6iZperG6ZKOPtkvmG2G9kQjUUTT07vSlI7FZOYqtv4d1DAMQS2B20F_pSChB28Is1CpZ7p9YoQ9I4bGIWMBNLC33JW6B4nC1zTjdUUC8wfoLrklgaKEGtJZumZkgekOQUz5th/s400/1-IMG_1055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The root meant we had to loose the bottom 4" of comb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rKx4_auu5J0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rKx4_auu5J0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rKx4_auu5J0?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's well known that you can 'drum' bees to make them climb out of a bee box. Here the same effect is seen when Fiona vibrates the trunk with her chain-saw while she cuts off the bottom to save the bottom 4" of comb. The vibration makes the bees climb to the top of what they are on - a useful trick to get them out of a harvested honey box. Drumming with your fingers has the same effect but will probably take a good 10 minutes - kinder when honey harvesting than using a chain saw!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN3kgYE3kI1wlFFJcMo1s7acFBnJzZ2Dqm8kFXa5zHKMkDRwRbWk-ZjVXQi-9JYeMtzx0l5oOR8CPfgRbIzt3cENJAx2-bIdVK1yHTkUkl04edts92Db9apX73XeoEMoTrlsAEWHJYlqP/s1600/04-P1030469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN3kgYE3kI1wlFFJcMo1s7acFBnJzZ2Dqm8kFXa5zHKMkDRwRbWk-ZjVXQi-9JYeMtzx0l5oOR8CPfgRbIzt3cENJAx2-bIdVK1yHTkUkl04edts92Db9apX73XeoEMoTrlsAEWHJYlqP/s400/04-P1030469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A queen cell is found in the bottom comb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7v4qbtNFxbitHyi0Uyg23uu0QoCBATFpN4lmsr1wrzRClSdqvH1yZrqSzMCqxk6dK0BzKEp0GgZEXpFApZZaQXDi7ygSoWjyjKY2AqIf8fNsYNWE3RFMiyR9I9tHSUsy2-JUigDj3xCR/s1600/03-P1030468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7v4qbtNFxbitHyi0Uyg23uu0QoCBATFpN4lmsr1wrzRClSdqvH1yZrqSzMCqxk6dK0BzKEp0GgZEXpFApZZaQXDi7ygSoWjyjKY2AqIf8fNsYNWE3RFMiyR9I9tHSUsy2-JUigDj3xCR/s400/03-P1030468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bottom cut is propped up to allow the bees to go home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp_VmyrKE4ArgFlI_I3Df_GRF4h8wSgZ03cYlR0ai2-dUZK8_EWJd9V_hxLKL144gw_X2Dr8VS1ehBqSL8TV90eADFy-81d4951EPa0i-9VW1PrAqadmDsPQ4WTIosEkOu9ALDfvIwCEx/s1600/07-P1030473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp_VmyrKE4ArgFlI_I3Df_GRF4h8wSgZ03cYlR0ai2-dUZK8_EWJd9V_hxLKL144gw_X2Dr8VS1ehBqSL8TV90eADFy-81d4951EPa0i-9VW1PrAqadmDsPQ4WTIosEkOu9ALDfvIwCEx/s400/07-P1030473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job done, bees removed.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNnbjGQsd3Ct5m96rFO3yfkkWnGM2twjQ1L7zTOjRhtoY86VJ3hg8-IMznrKZoOW-FY-FmdvUnF7JL72X3d6C9xeja8z35_rAOxEOCl_BaWVZUh0gmaYfcSXxWSypeJqGc0QxfLz0oIi/s1600/1-IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNnbjGQsd3Ct5m96rFO3yfkkWnGM2twjQ1L7zTOjRhtoY86VJ3hg8-IMznrKZoOW-FY-FmdvUnF7JL72X3d6C9xeja8z35_rAOxEOCl_BaWVZUh0gmaYfcSXxWSypeJqGc0QxfLz0oIi/s400/1-IMG_1063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....except for a few stragglers that need scooping and placing by the entrance </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndGloCthavyLWr6uap5c9TJMLNpp51N1-_HrGoKuzfa3LctukPyDF7_FnNt391rqJ0T3OC3JEQ8RpuWL0bukc6iMZWrO25cn8bnevHodPqHYBO9P_0VuFzVh0E0lIW5WwJZ8UJXP7wV-a/s1600/1-P1030436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndGloCthavyLWr6uap5c9TJMLNpp51N1-_HrGoKuzfa3LctukPyDF7_FnNt391rqJ0T3OC3JEQ8RpuWL0bukc6iMZWrO25cn8bnevHodPqHYBO9P_0VuFzVh0E0lIW5WwJZ8UJXP7wV-a/s320/1-P1030436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not missing this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF_8lyERfE-X3cEamWV7gFzEZ4QhmtCHr5h8ARwVduh0HQdVHowBAEdwzLIOwkZmKdstAVXzyxWI11-dFa3zeuw9zMtMP10jeysWxqb8G5uTe1jZrMaKVCmbCu36alnuivEgl0qp3T1V4/s1600/1-P1030426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF_8lyERfE-X3cEamWV7gFzEZ4QhmtCHr5h8ARwVduh0HQdVHowBAEdwzLIOwkZmKdstAVXzyxWI11-dFa3zeuw9zMtMP10jeysWxqb8G5uTe1jZrMaKVCmbCu36alnuivEgl0qp3T1V4/s320/1-P1030426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Nor am I, though I was in such a rush I put my veil on backwards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_YhdZdu0Zkacm4LZcDX0-AMMy87HtncKZ2HHA4G3REaptA2igk4ulPOlCE7jIRS89fU_2iaU_e7JQTNQ5zIA7VwdCT8wzqT9DxdNIB94bZTAIVGNCGYbzHF0MCt6EtBT_ksbjFDVcM4c/s1600/06-P1030471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_YhdZdu0Zkacm4LZcDX0-AMMy87HtncKZ2HHA4G3REaptA2igk4ulPOlCE7jIRS89fU_2iaU_e7JQTNQ5zIA7VwdCT8wzqT9DxdNIB94bZTAIVGNCGYbzHF0MCt6EtBT_ksbjFDVcM4c/s400/06-P1030471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't we do well?.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fnygqQ18u8agjnjniPlp7PqyIwxuziW6T3mI3RfjT1EXG0ioZVG1JuDehDBVZEeUBtRTvb52K0IobR3ufWFFMCmqB3kdOLdTZvXD5tnw5EOFr-NJIlKF7U_2cVoA8cqaM3pu8u7XEMJb/s1600/02-P1030441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fnygqQ18u8agjnjniPlp7PqyIwxuziW6T3mI3RfjT1EXG0ioZVG1JuDehDBVZEeUBtRTvb52K0IobR3ufWFFMCmqB3kdOLdTZvXD5tnw5EOFr-NJIlKF7U_2cVoA8cqaM3pu8u7XEMJb/s400/02-P1030441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark entertains the family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQPVb0eZ9LdL4AyWfGtYIOVprzo49SGIN-z02_nRcHOnLzTxr8uFZaHHKuVF1mxwCDsda9NJn6d2A640y6PmQ2UaGYUlAqCRVEnKuQOA7X3t1KSveYGTdy5WKIAb_eVQLDxEwRbpi-iDO/s1600/1-2012-a+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQPVb0eZ9LdL4AyWfGtYIOVprzo49SGIN-z02_nRcHOnLzTxr8uFZaHHKuVF1mxwCDsda9NJn6d2A640y6PmQ2UaGYUlAqCRVEnKuQOA7X3t1KSveYGTdy5WKIAb_eVQLDxEwRbpi-iDO/s400/1-2012-a+(19).JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strapped to wheels and ready to roll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju_xF_pn2vmN1QqWEFVmOvgKCX_mXPzl_j_QuobTst11RVWSqYgqccrnubgG7bn4T-K2YJDNtVZCCZLS6ZGrVvGQsEwDdW8u-recgfhAk7iyATBn1V992v5pnBP24Pyvg0kB-eJHn9xmA/s1600/4-2012-a+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju_xF_pn2vmN1QqWEFVmOvgKCX_mXPzl_j_QuobTst11RVWSqYgqccrnubgG7bn4T-K2YJDNtVZCCZLS6ZGrVvGQsEwDdW8u-recgfhAk7iyATBn1V992v5pnBP24Pyvg0kB-eJHn9xmA/s400/4-2012-a+(23).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for loading</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt7NDDETmZhmDlAULVwry6YD2Uhd15ZN1oa0hEcsZH4ujHs1KoJHJ6x8hhFSpAyGv7gF7QJcSMw4IvBgh9BV8xovCv8sEzXrr9zQQ0nS_CX6Hb1xhgU3_txgHu98ge-Qu8-MJfPGrBcsX/s1600/5-2012-a+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt7NDDETmZhmDlAULVwry6YD2Uhd15ZN1oa0hEcsZH4ujHs1KoJHJ6x8hhFSpAyGv7gF7QJcSMw4IvBgh9BV8xovCv8sEzXrr9zQQ0nS_CX6Hb1xhgU3_txgHu98ge-Qu8-MJfPGrBcsX/s400/5-2012-a+(25).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safely in the 'custard cab' ready for the journey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Stea01Mcdmp17UMu04Tm5TiDuOnL7HQvPeikUmbjuzf9L54V9nBcRysCfafqxFw82ckoNuyOs5S6or9weL8OGNcz-YB1kQVbIuXgrdGJiNLo4SM1hnqyU5oO_aoYq754GacpxFLq1zIq/s1600/1-P1030486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Stea01Mcdmp17UMu04Tm5TiDuOnL7HQvPeikUmbjuzf9L54V9nBcRysCfafqxFw82ckoNuyOs5S6or9weL8OGNcz-YB1kQVbIuXgrdGJiNLo4SM1hnqyU5oO_aoYq754GacpxFLq1zIq/s400/1-P1030486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and they lived Happily Ever After. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-43013755704315791552012-05-14T14:53:00.000+01:002012-06-07T21:53:24.385+01:00Member's hives<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while since we last posted pictures of member's hives so I am creating this page to allow us to do so. <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/members-hives.html" target="_blank">Here's our last page from 2010</a>.<br />
<br />
Following the <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/completing-your-hive-2012.html" target="_blank">Hive Building Day</a> 3 weeks ago there should be another 20 hives being completed about now so lets see your photos of these as soon as they are finished and placed in situ ready for bees. However, this page is not just for those who built their hives at the workshop - I also invite <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>ers to send me your pictures of your hives built independently this year or last - let's show what we've been up to.<br />
<br />
Who knows, maybe we could give a prize to the best looking hive?!!!<br />
<br />
<b>Robin</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>*** Remember, click any photo to enlarge ***</b></div>
<br />
And the first entry is......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKK7Gn_dBdvsJUJGZIBBcjDuho7fUf5tONNkabngvKbqbJxw1T-qy990TW4rjKDV6gAQC55SfdAPBZIJn9s1ihgd5ERActPxyR0pjpCJK5ixbaFzFT7dkKrySnY2-Y97dYe7BQvOlgQm8/s1600/1-Andrew+Przewieslik+PICT0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKK7Gn_dBdvsJUJGZIBBcjDuho7fUf5tONNkabngvKbqbJxw1T-qy990TW4rjKDV6gAQC55SfdAPBZIJn9s1ihgd5ERActPxyR0pjpCJK5ixbaFzFT7dkKrySnY2-Y97dYe7BQvOlgQm8/s400/1-Andrew+Przewieslik+PICT0001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew P's newly completed Warré
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I0Xhe-t05szj89U0WSlEaR_53on81a2qna6UMDqg_suprd0tYIFyCN28iIk_SHVrCNkv1vIgT-4TXYpkyQmTclt5p6VVlrfpWstPQt3YYfRsPE3_O39ydECAx6VtFTuAGQU-VAFr9KrE/s1600/2-Andrew+Przewieslik+PICT0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I0Xhe-t05szj89U0WSlEaR_53on81a2qna6UMDqg_suprd0tYIFyCN28iIk_SHVrCNkv1vIgT-4TXYpkyQmTclt5p6VVlrfpWstPQt3YYfRsPE3_O39ydECAx6VtFTuAGQU-VAFr9KrE/s400/2-Andrew+Przewieslik+PICT0004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew P's hive from showing viewing windows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OTiqB4AtmlwyrA9yLHqDGtFM9bP-TuRcxiADKqcr-I847WFS6pzmnFd7O0N4rXAO_cxGzRup_7STTR1TeBDWFvdpBtDLL7lKx_1SgOjz-fGhzSqcHV4zOkFvs-RF2uiU2sUUtS6_MWC/s1600/1-skephouse+Emma+donovan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OTiqB4AtmlwyrA9yLHqDGtFM9bP-TuRcxiADKqcr-I847WFS6pzmnFd7O0N4rXAO_cxGzRup_7STTR1TeBDWFvdpBtDLL7lKx_1SgOjz-fGhzSqcHV4zOkFvs-RF2uiU2sUUtS6_MWC/s400/1-skephouse+Emma+donovan.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma & Dave's skep & skep house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXInNyju0DbifY3Ha0Wzx2GD5D7DX0j0MsmQkRhqx7mCDo-WMquQo5hHNAcpMBY5b1C8NEY-SpuPswWeRdLHD4oFJ67H6u5XB_5yURL3y988JzBVtkEQZ2T0EiSfSxNs6j5TrTzX6lKIum/s1600/P1030347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXInNyju0DbifY3Ha0Wzx2GD5D7DX0j0MsmQkRhqx7mCDo-WMquQo5hHNAcpMBY5b1C8NEY-SpuPswWeRdLHD4oFJ67H6u5XB_5yURL3y988JzBVtkEQZ2T0EiSfSxNs6j5TrTzX6lKIum/s400/P1030347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin & Sarah's new observation hive,<br />
though I can't take any credit for the build - <a href="http://naturalobservationhive.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">read the full story here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ2uFeJFLwE5KTvCDqak6flFy0hfaWPs4MNB348HLlUEufq40k_-ta350tHTaCyNmhGCwhHQdQsBUn8Ht841lg24hIuTiq8tcYwSGc5x6ORDHVBwAKBpW9JqbRbx8KfOHiqpPVzgT0ww4/s1600/Fionas+hive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ2uFeJFLwE5KTvCDqak6flFy0hfaWPs4MNB348HLlUEufq40k_-ta350tHTaCyNmhGCwhHQdQsBUn8Ht841lg24hIuTiq8tcYwSGc5x6ORDHVBwAKBpW9JqbRbx8KfOHiqpPVzgT0ww4/s400/Fionas+hive.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona's rooftop model<br />
with one box on loan housing Bryony's swarm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>~~~~~~~~</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Gary & Kieran's hive ~ </b>they have included some helpful descriptions:</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWuz95Ft4cpUf4IyoXytkLXLB2q1mfk3EKxr5SSKt0WwVbU-VvLmQPVaLyjSBWovzGDS-FnB-0fGRMPhhlwnHFGpqJCYEXRznaPTtsJTeL6w2MEcc8XqjGO3pBCDdpSDaS0mx7t4cottv/s1600/4-Main_hive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWuz95Ft4cpUf4IyoXytkLXLB2q1mfk3EKxr5SSKt0WwVbU-VvLmQPVaLyjSBWovzGDS-FnB-0fGRMPhhlwnHFGpqJCYEXRznaPTtsJTeL6w2MEcc8XqjGO3pBCDdpSDaS0mx7t4cottv/s400/4-Main_hive.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The completed main hive, set up with two of the three brood boxes. It's elevated in a stool at the moment as its in a wild part of the garden with very long grass in front of it. I need to tie the whole lot down to a paving slab before any strong winds....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-47Kxmi186LcBvoQIhdy4i4zlxiyOUBOWWwXUsQDuU4uJ23LSCM3GZLSXZNLTsxEvhtdfJXJZ9GhPfrug59zbOR3xvZTr9YX31LH1D5RRtf8aiax_fYo9HTn7OGVU31mIQvVb0x3b3qai/s1600/2-Main_hive_in_garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-47Kxmi186LcBvoQIhdy4i4zlxiyOUBOWWwXUsQDuU4uJ23LSCM3GZLSXZNLTsxEvhtdfJXJZ9GhPfrug59zbOR3xvZTr9YX31LH1D5RRtf8aiax_fYo9HTn7OGVU31mIQvVb0x3b3qai/s400/2-Main_hive_in_garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> ...the same, but showing where the hive has been situated in a quiet spot away from the house, with the entrance SE facing. It gets shade for part of the day from the summer house behind the camera.</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNl4zpl4Sij115QVrMRFmuPuN3WKop8e5Us4SG4F0_ibVWRPRx20-0Crvw1ZdydbpkEu622LKZNXZ2B4hMp-2uP0kjCAejHGoOaMh3r7nhEudyj6s_pUkzd63EQI-LbTGUhO9icBEV4so/s1600/1-bait_hive_from_third_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNl4zpl4Sij115QVrMRFmuPuN3WKop8e5Us4SG4F0_ibVWRPRx20-0Crvw1ZdydbpkEu622LKZNXZ2B4hMp-2uP0kjCAejHGoOaMh3r7nhEudyj6s_pUkzd63EQI-LbTGUhO9icBEV4so/s400/1-bait_hive_from_third_box.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Gary & Kieran built another roof and base from scrap wood to turn our third brood box into an extra bait hive. This is up on the garage roof to make it a more ideal height for the scouts. Its also SE facing.</span></span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCJO1yFTtkfLYt6u1F1jzJ_Cpd8XiQYSDbGBuMB3S2b1Isf4LtOlWfPzTo4YKP4xqzaxbbq3PuHJ53f6DxW-EIjCepEs28Z2ljU3kASuQSIYu3mZYTaON_7l1cX5ZwbWhKpgXe_ABGaL/s1600/1-bait_hive_from_old_crate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCJO1yFTtkfLYt6u1F1jzJ_Cpd8XiQYSDbGBuMB3S2b1Isf4LtOlWfPzTo4YKP4xqzaxbbq3PuHJ53f6DxW-EIjCepEs28Z2ljU3kASuQSIYu3mZYTaON_7l1cX5ZwbWhKpgXe_ABGaL/s320/1-bait_hive_from_old_crate.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">After the "getting your bees" meeting, we were inspired to go home and turn this old wooden crate into another bait hive: just painted it in eco paint and pinned a plastic sack on the top to make a waterproof roof then drilled an entrance hole in the base. This one is on a small shed roof at the end of the garden. The entrance only gets evening sun, but I couldn't resist this spot nestled amongst the trees as it seemed such a natural bee home!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2hVSmZ9wtPoNrjDRG93VqmiQw2Zcr0uDbE6BNn5_DqPnJTpA_Z85gDGVPiXA93ANKku4EXjX9ApttHmpkl7d5xhIa6dll3LOV56oto65y0mYjMIWxQhc3wgioEayPapFNNm41uNpN-gE/s1600/1-Picture++++++phone+from+2009+to+2011+393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2hVSmZ9wtPoNrjDRG93VqmiQw2Zcr0uDbE6BNn5_DqPnJTpA_Z85gDGVPiXA93ANKku4EXjX9ApttHmpkl7d5xhIa6dll3LOV56oto65y0mYjMIWxQhc3wgioEayPapFNNm41uNpN-gE/s400/1-Picture++++++phone+from+2009+to+2011+393.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger's hive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZgiJolPaCDdP1ifo-UyhDAJ5in9aBSBLuqKtwoWbIt8aEGYtlJ4JDTTZQJs8TQRsQPUW60RmBudEDBbb2lQGfYWEUgBZ1Pcey55K1LTJb3iwPkL0DayjDwmIbEPfwxyCZDQQcZkfLHZl/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZgiJolPaCDdP1ifo-UyhDAJ5in9aBSBLuqKtwoWbIt8aEGYtlJ4JDTTZQJs8TQRsQPUW60RmBudEDBbb2lQGfYWEUgBZ1Pcey55K1LTJb3iwPkL0DayjDwmIbEPfwxyCZDQQcZkfLHZl/s400/Sarah+Malone_DSC00115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Mal's magnificent horizontal...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmWX3eqGUho5OOOrIiUfvjx4i50jjIbah8Zih2MhVg7xHhUNkvYqW0MBPBcM1PDFaCIE_I1PwITumzr__I19mRVupMjnp4CKwmYw0mCNQB3OXcQF29o67DIf0sJZqM9vpsqKmlyZm-WWD/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmWX3eqGUho5OOOrIiUfvjx4i50jjIbah8Zih2MhVg7xHhUNkvYqW0MBPBcM1PDFaCIE_I1PwITumzr__I19mRVupMjnp4CKwmYw0mCNQB3OXcQF29o67DIf0sJZqM9vpsqKmlyZm-WWD/s400/Sarah+Malone_DSC00121.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the same in its place of honour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaIGxcP3B7KsT9kvzI9kCoRpkYfNYxKWTLIUgqKRxaKXjgUKSd1U7dnVx0oF2CrglnMtZjhGZj1mvZf6iPXLFm9cX2u96nht_PgnoUGkHpEt56EKEZvH9l_7BzZOvxr-6W4K5WxUlGdCb/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaIGxcP3B7KsT9kvzI9kCoRpkYfNYxKWTLIUgqKRxaKXjgUKSd1U7dnVx0oF2CrglnMtZjhGZj1mvZf6iPXLFm9cX2u96nht_PgnoUGkHpEt56EKEZvH9l_7BzZOvxr-6W4K5WxUlGdCb/s400/Sarah+Malone_DSC00116.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....Sarah Mal's Warré...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IFTQQoZQUBXKwPaiyKoPMItYQjICMz9Mi29-UoTgIS8kK3hGlufP2UgpcinK32Fx6yUIjHZJJkwo_VdQDvzKT8zNMMoEhyDqe0wFwXNxm8SguHmj6G_KacWiJ8WUxAx2489LTk_GDR5w/s1600/Sarah+Malone_DSC00114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IFTQQoZQUBXKwPaiyKoPMItYQjICMz9Mi29-UoTgIS8kK3hGlufP2UgpcinK32Fx6yUIjHZJJkwo_VdQDvzKT8zNMMoEhyDqe0wFwXNxm8SguHmj6G_KacWiJ8WUxAx2489LTk_GDR5w/s400/Sarah+Malone_DSC00114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and her bait hive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Bronwen's bees</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_xDEbCLrkGG-q8DkETYxqveu1U9tFiOMNBe-jiCnBiEpej0zBrYzRqXEOgVAZJKyyhcxUPPVRtCQv29V2GAvax-RP-4CknogLxqcKM0hFLe1knp8RV3-Wos8JBkn2U5MM_UwT1oaBnDV/s1600/Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_xDEbCLrkGG-q8DkETYxqveu1U9tFiOMNBe-jiCnBiEpej0zBrYzRqXEOgVAZJKyyhcxUPPVRtCQv29V2GAvax-RP-4CknogLxqcKM0hFLe1knp8RV3-Wos8JBkn2U5MM_UwT1oaBnDV/s400/Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Bronwen & helper shaking a swarm into her horizontal hive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #4c1130;">NB: These bees subsequently absconded. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQg9jJ7QnNE&list=UUIXj_pnYDcajBWvrGcmXh7w&index=6&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Walking bees in</a> may be a better option than shaking them in . There is some wise opinions that suggests that if they walk in they claim ownership of their box as they do so - this makes sense as bees in nature always walk into their colony - shaking them in by-passes this stage and may be a factor in absconding behaviour.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #4c1130;">The strange 2012 early season weather seems to have effected many swarms as there are many reports of a high incidence of absconding. I had one swarm abscond 3 times myself. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL8IPInbMMU2TefxoL5ECIlwwEeRpOZ2Sfi1c9OUoUOgQNjybUsQvj9W7eNIB7hwPAbZnPcSWOpMFY9r2wsX3n2ZLskQMdspHx7WKYyup4vmIq853rR302lYtwL1hRlTHiL5l957Hl5xo/s1600/1-Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL8IPInbMMU2TefxoL5ECIlwwEeRpOZ2Sfi1c9OUoUOgQNjybUsQvj9W7eNIB7hwPAbZnPcSWOpMFY9r2wsX3n2ZLskQMdspHx7WKYyup4vmIq853rR302lYtwL1hRlTHiL5l957Hl5xo/s320/1-Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1615.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronwyn - walking in her second swarm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTnUvVLC3JQerG5pvEGgj1RSogKjiF-jQuCjakPFrNxBRMGQZ5EZ547jjfKX7u6jjUGfqe4Ue4pyXZ8SoSV5hTAcBo3bhGhIWC7YwW4VixKfMod0SDNO4E0QPlNCKIz14bhWdjbA2U5Qw/s1600/3-Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1616-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTnUvVLC3JQerG5pvEGgj1RSogKjiF-jQuCjakPFrNxBRMGQZ5EZ547jjfKX7u6jjUGfqe4Ue4pyXZ8SoSV5hTAcBo3bhGhIWC7YwW4VixKfMod0SDNO4E0QPlNCKIz14bhWdjbA2U5Qw/s320/3-Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1616-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVBTymx7DvkdSO39aFyqvu10ozLUljkEOnCS-xq4JmW8eO397xWUC1oXfb86cGTPiLINcOyB7b2_rRT7_xBRXRUzQ6LILFflDeHkGPG2IVSVvqAi9cynSoa2MXJs1TPOqbI6T7zzR1I8_/s1600/Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVBTymx7DvkdSO39aFyqvu10ozLUljkEOnCS-xq4JmW8eO397xWUC1oXfb86cGTPiLINcOyB7b2_rRT7_xBRXRUzQ6LILFflDeHkGPG2IVSVvqAi9cynSoa2MXJs1TPOqbI6T7zzR1I8_/s320/Bronwen+Campbell_CIMG1602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronwen's bees congregate on her pergola where they stayed for a couple of hours after absconding. She reports "I was just getting ready to collect them and try again when I had the experience of watching them fly over my house. I attemted to follow them but without success so sadly I am beeless once more." Bad luck Bronwen, no fault on your part so better luck next time. :-(<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Gareth W's Warré</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnoC_zJtyvTVeHk7MEyJfALJz3g6HdWJSwdshLdBvTO9yuHl9WDCveNfpb_M9X7Z_y0PQdFlVIoZAM7BcmMFncpFx-AAzHDweYMThEqtaNxHS0pjDzGfv4hx1TuKhdui7QBGzg8uvf4DF/s1600/Gareth+Williams_IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnoC_zJtyvTVeHk7MEyJfALJz3g6HdWJSwdshLdBvTO9yuHl9WDCveNfpb_M9X7Z_y0PQdFlVIoZAM7BcmMFncpFx-AAzHDweYMThEqtaNxHS0pjDzGfv4hx1TuKhdui7QBGzg8uvf4DF/s320/Gareth+Williams_IMG_0216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0zLqxvgVW01Vk_ZtQOieLySYPulWHF0WFlW3lCMQzgNCUAKYctLmdcVzNbcFq3REB-IxLrBApHr9xbS52sZwfF6qJoLfLIMt4OOGBSZI94m61rvZWV8AVZ2duZBVIealrQeiVcOYcNXT/s1600/Gareth+Williams_IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0zLqxvgVW01Vk_ZtQOieLySYPulWHF0WFlW3lCMQzgNCUAKYctLmdcVzNbcFq3REB-IxLrBApHr9xbS52sZwfF6qJoLfLIMt4OOGBSZI94m61rvZWV8AVZ2duZBVIealrQeiVcOYcNXT/s320/Gareth+Williams_IMG_0215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>~~~~~~~~</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Mike A's Warré</b></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhJIecSwiWyKvrEBvekf3eiuS2105oEW3E0iwtiUPKDiqaLV-3RjwPNmxyWjcqCaQfGIvUMxeHgUg2GBG8X5d9VwRXXw6P6xtv7f00KD6LRgXwSubV2WMibztaKX5aegVRCPKDDoON9hB/s1600/3-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhJIecSwiWyKvrEBvekf3eiuS2105oEW3E0iwtiUPKDiqaLV-3RjwPNmxyWjcqCaQfGIvUMxeHgUg2GBG8X5d9VwRXXw6P6xtv7f00KD6LRgXwSubV2WMibztaKX5aegVRCPKDDoON9hB/s320/3-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorqDhvx1TqVw3EEcjZ3NUX1WxB1jf4Zd-wMcxm1my3cBx_Dm3fZUUZ9gupm00owpDah40NdCmSCCTsNDr5mAsibaIwEB0SwFtJ1Vk73H-CE3FBSkoP3e5Ydmz2Ypq8OmAuDIKJj3Y_13o/s1600/2-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorqDhvx1TqVw3EEcjZ3NUX1WxB1jf4Zd-wMcxm1my3cBx_Dm3fZUUZ9gupm00owpDah40NdCmSCCTsNDr5mAsibaIwEB0SwFtJ1Vk73H-CE3FBSkoP3e5Ydmz2Ypq8OmAuDIKJj3Y_13o/s320/2-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEJREgUWh0zxEeF7xnnCW32Ak8QYNj7iGZ14BMLla3Nj08KZkJhfSAo7jjDmklyb2JdqW6f4ZKXkFeyy0o6NLbTkgZk-nASTzppT1C_N7MQHeQUatE0gaHdgj6qTj0VbUV9xaNu6JijGI/s1600/1-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEJREgUWh0zxEeF7xnnCW32Ak8QYNj7iGZ14BMLla3Nj08KZkJhfSAo7jjDmklyb2JdqW6f4ZKXkFeyy0o6NLbTkgZk-nASTzppT1C_N7MQHeQUatE0gaHdgj6qTj0VbUV9xaNu6JijGI/s320/1-Mike+Aylward_IMG_0628.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-18466925294895300432012-04-29T14:13:00.002+01:002012-05-31T06:26:22.609+01:00Completing your Warré hive 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLIge-NVN7A067if3udQ2M5jWKmDr9m2qMbUF30KYpm57vVXBfbjdAfJ2a0LDEi9BGoYxbjDrO2NnCO3X8J0MJ6mBvZuxSBx1uL_4324O3Ey9Xxb6zeYZZU6k0VBG9IfOzYB6lkJcswxw/s1600/1-P1030235-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLIge-NVN7A067if3udQ2M5jWKmDr9m2qMbUF30KYpm57vVXBfbjdAfJ2a0LDEi9BGoYxbjDrO2NnCO3X8J0MJ6mBvZuxSBx1uL_4324O3Ey9Xxb6zeYZZU6k0VBG9IfOzYB6lkJcswxw/s400/1-P1030235-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Bunnies! - click to enlarge<br />
- more pictures at foot of page -</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a fantastic day we all had yesterday with our 4th annual <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/yabeep-hive-building-day-2012.html" target="_blank">Hive Building Day</a>! Each year this proves to be a really fun event but yesterday surpassed even the others. When mopping up afterwards Peter concluded that we had built <b>20 x 3 box Warré hives</b> - what a feat! Our heartfelt thanks go to Pete for all the hard work he put in preparing the flat packs - didn't he do well? Now all we need are 20 prime swarms! <img goomoji="35F" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/35F" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
Having woken this morning to howling gales and torrential rain - were't we lucky with the weather? Granted it was a bit parky yesterday, but had it have been warmer I'm sure there would have been more slaking and less work - at least everyone kept busy to stay warm! <img goomoji="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /><img goomoji="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /><img goomoji="360" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/360" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
<br />
Now it's over to you to........<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">....complete your Warré hive</span><br />
<h4>
1. Treating the OUTSIDE of your hive</h4>
<div>
Your hive has been made from untreated pine. This is good as it means the bees have an uncontaminated surface - most wood is treated with anti-insect chemicals to mitigate against wood boring beetle and fungal growth. The down side is that it will need to be treated externally to prevent it soaking up the rain, rotting and warping.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some natural beek's use a linseed oil and bees wax mix. This makes a fine bee-friendly coating, but is difficult to source and mix, hard to apply & dry and needs re-coating annually. The wrong type of linseed oil can also result in issues. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The easy option therefore is to use a 'plant/insect friendly' wood treatment. The best is possibly <a href="http://lifetimewoodtreatment.com/" target="_blank">Life Time Wood Treatment</a>, though given it's the outside of a hive and you don't have bees yet a better quality fence treatment fits the bill as do some good exterior emulsions. Although the latter often contain fungal inhibitors I have not found them to cause problems - after all you are only using then to coat the <b>outside </b>of the hive. The important thing for you now is to get a couple of coats on before placing the hive outside <i>then</i> you should place it outside to 'weather' i.e. allow any chemicals and scents to leech off and dry out. I'd recommend that you do this job first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why not even consider <a href="http://www.beeginnerbeekeeper.com/beekeeping-hives/" target="_blank">decorating your hive</a>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
2. Treating the INSIDE of your hive</h4>
As said above your hive has been made from new untreated timber - most beek's would leave the inside of their hives untreated. I too recommend this.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For completeness I should point out, however, that there is a developing school of thought that the inside <i>can </i>be coated with a natural tree resin mix. The main advantage of this being to attract swarms to a brand new hive as bees prefer a cavity that's been used before and this mix is thought to replicate the bees natural propolis wall coating. Details can be found here, but I would suggest that as this is 'experimental' you run with the tried and tested method of leaving it untreated and play once you get some more experience.<br />
<h4>
3. Adding the Entrance</h4>
The only digression we made from Warré's original plans was to add a <b>sump floor</b>. This has several advantages over his original design, though, in fairness to him, we must not forget that in the era he developed this hive (c.1920) bees were not under the intense pressure that our 21st century bees now suffer. The sump floor has the following advantages:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>it better replicates a natural tree cavity where the entrance is low down in the cavity but not on the floor - it's the way a tree rots when a branch dies,</li>
<li>it allows us to create a sawdust floor to encourage a microbial/insect ecosystem in balance with and complimenting the bees,</li>
<li>It provides easy access for for bottom feeder tray should you need to feed your bees back some of their honey should in the future you find you have cropped too much,</li>
<li>it allows you to insert a varroa screen and tray should you wish to monitor the varroa drop.</li>
</ol>
<div>
The sump floor had no entrance cut, it is <i>your </i>choice whether you have a Warré style oblong entrance slot or a circular hole. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKGJL3X0-FTw3Zw5jS8SiT60dEfisxNLsGYn5pmAyS9SInpIm-rr_q9DEgsMr1bz2wakTOXs-GgybnsqxZe4mnH7P40MVhJnr1Jz6z0Xa2H2LoNPwFfijKSK97aSxnf4O82oXIQQpGrBR/s1600/1-P1020048-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKGJL3X0-FTw3Zw5jS8SiT60dEfisxNLsGYn5pmAyS9SInpIm-rr_q9DEgsMr1bz2wakTOXs-GgybnsqxZe4mnH7P40MVhJnr1Jz6z0Xa2H2LoNPwFfijKSK97aSxnf4O82oXIQQpGrBR/s200/1-P1020048-002.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click image to enlarge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><u>To cut a Warré slot</u> use a jig saw to cut a 120mm wide by 10mm deep slot in the top centre of your sump floor at the top. When the bee box is added above this gives you a rectangular letterbox entrance.</li>
<li><u>To add a circular entrance</u> use a 25mm hole cutter to make a hole, again in the centre towards the top of the box - see photo aside. For those of you with no opinion as to which entrance to use I personally favour the round entrance
hole as, again, it better replicates a natural tree cavity - the honeybees evolutionary home. A 25mm entrance is a large space for a new colony to defend so I cut a 20mm hole in a small piece of wood and screw this over my 25mm hole - see photo. The resulting conical entrance provides a better space for guard bees to defend. </li>
<li>Should you not have a jig saw or hole cutter please feel free to bring your entrance back <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/2012-meeting-dates.html" target="_blank">at a future meeting</a> as I have the requisite tools and will gladly assist.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
4. Adding the landing board</h4>
</div>
<div>
Pete supplied a landing board pre-cut to shape to allow rain to drain off - make sure you add it the right way around! Please be clear that a landing board is <i>not necessary for the bees</i>, they are quite happy flying straight in or landing on the side wall. However, if you add one it will be used by the bees and it makes a perfect backcloth for viewing of photographing them, especially if painted a light colour. It also helps show the health of your colony as it makes it easier to see dysentery droppings and other detritus the bees throw out of their hive. In fact I would also recommend adding a stone or paving slab in front of your hive to further assist this. If you have more than one hive in close proximity you can also paint their entrances different colours to help the bees identify <i>their </i>hive as they do use colours and patterns to home in on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>To add the landing board</b> drill 1 or 2 holes the length of the landing board (front to back) and screw it to the hive<b> from the outside </b>- see photo above. Don't glue it. This way it can easily be removed to repaint it when it inevitably gets grubby. Repainting in situ will result in your guard bees getting covered in paint and probably dying when they come out to find out what's going on!<img goomoji="344" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/344" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
5. Waxing your top bars</h4>
<div>
With a Warré hive it is not critically important to the beekeeper that the bees build straight comb (unlike in a horizontal Top Bar Hive!) though it's helpful if you get a disease visit from your regional <a href="https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?sectionid=43" target="_blank">bee inspector</a>. It is not therefore absolutely necessary wax the bars - i.e. add a line of reliably sourced bees wax to the bars to encourage them to build straight.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, Bernhard, a German Warré beekeeper whose opinion I very much respect suggests that we add 4mm deep waxed strips to maximise the usable brood comb in a box (further details <a href="http://www.biobees.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=74635&highlight=#74635" target="_blank">here</a>) so I suggest you do this if you can source the wax. An easy way to achieve this is to collect the wooden coffee stirers from coffee shops and stick these to the <b>underside </b>centre of your bars - see photo. Buy a block of bees wax from a reliable source (I personally trust the local commercial beek' who has a stall in the farmer's market held in the village hall next door to us on <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP </span></b>meeting days) and rub this on the shims you stuck on.</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqgYViFoyljBsm3rOJEvzAmZOi46ykuAVvd7JT9sSqVVikLMSwjXi8MqHi6NVgg_2EiY0nhIzV4pCd9oTO1LutfQdHV8yTv3JyxaoYwnSwxUdhDpVfn_KIJrduKPDneE6vB1-T2rgbwrB/s1600/1-P1030247-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqgYViFoyljBsm3rOJEvzAmZOi46ykuAVvd7JT9sSqVVikLMSwjXi8MqHi6NVgg_2EiY0nhIzV4pCd9oTO1LutfQdHV8yTv3JyxaoYwnSwxUdhDpVfn_KIJrduKPDneE6vB1-T2rgbwrB/s400/1-P1030247-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wax starters, courtesy of Starbucks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
6. Adding the bee-proof barrier </h4>
<div>
A bee-barrier needs to be placed in your hive between the bee area and the quilt box to stop the bees nibbling their way upwards and showering the hive with sawdust - not a pretty sight and a problenm for the bees! This barrier is made from hessian cloth and a flour/water mix - remember making papier-mâché as a kid? <img goomoji="349" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/349" style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To do this take<b> just one of your bee boxes with the top bars in place</b>, this will become your top box. Cut a single sheet of hessian cloth to fit the top of the box plus about a 1" overlap . Paint a flour/water paste onto the top bars and top sides of the box. Place the cut hessian sheet which you have already soaked in this flour/water mix on top of the box and bars then brush it down with more paste. Set it aside to thoroughly dry, preferably in the sun. When dry it will become like hard cardboard. Trim off the excess around the top of the box and you're done.<br />
<br />
Locally <a href="http://www.tincknellcountrystore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tinknells Country Store</a> with branches around the region sells empty hessian sand bags for filling at £0.85 each. Perfect for 2 Warré hives. <b>Please make sure</b> that you thoroughly wash any hessian you use as it's often coated with poisons to stop mice and moth eating through to the contents. I'd even do this with new hessian.</div>
<h4>
7. Adding the quilt floor</h4>
<div>
You also need to add a hessian cloth floor to the quilt box - I'm not sure why it's called a 'box' as it's got no top and bottom; it's really a frame or tray. To make this it is just a simple matter of pulling a sheet of hessian taut over the quilt frame you built, neatly folding it up the outside and attaching it with staples, tacks or glue - <a href="http://thebeespace.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/finished-quilt.jpg?w=450" target="_blank">see photo in this link</a>. You need to do a neat job of the corner folds, hospital corners being recommended, as it needs to fit under your roof a' untidy folds will catch. You do not need to flour/water paste this as the bees are prevented from reaching this by the bee-proof barrier below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGvBJA6UAcWijJcS3OtmqOe9WYtY2qHCxOUlMHEI4-1DL-WU6DfHtV8BSrMoi_iaXmYGp4AyU8LxsWLPzFwtOQuijlC5DWqqw4y8x4FkfSPlDIFYVmEs1MLHD7BkJP_gKJUl1Q7E8E_C4/s1600/dscn6621s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGvBJA6UAcWijJcS3OtmqOe9WYtY2qHCxOUlMHEI4-1DL-WU6DfHtV8BSrMoi_iaXmYGp4AyU8LxsWLPzFwtOQuijlC5DWqqw4y8x4FkfSPlDIFYVmEs1MLHD7BkJP_gKJUl1Q7E8E_C4/s200/dscn6621s.JPG" width="98" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tie the<br />
boxes together as one unit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now fill the resulting 'tray' with sawdust, leaves, wool or other clean <i>natural </i>material to act as the quilt for your hive. <b>Take great care</b> that whatever you use for filling is pesticide and chemical free. I know of cases where impregnated materials have been used and consequently killed the colony, eg wool where the sheep had been 'dipped' prior to sheering, eco-friendly chicken bedding with anit-mite additive, etc. Take great care as you don't want to kill your brand new bees! I personally recommend animal grade sawdust - <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>ers are welcome to collect some from me which I use as chicken bedding.</div>
<h4>
8. Securing your hive</h4>
<div>
You can use a ratchet strap to tie the boxes together as one unit. That way, if it does get knocked over it should not fall apart - see photo. I would recommend that you don't use the really cheap pound shop straps as the webbing on these rots in just a few months making them useless.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegfnPzWHMNTJ3a05JAflm6mqTPbKB16pmSBA_uLQS-EmlAJiS6XmD72NIPM2-BpG5AzIRJw5hOOlFQCS-DUJ4G7zP7CNwy-qIm0sJZ1T9UheGXx2VHtqtK1yKBkFR20ILga-kWrZIqnUm/s1600/1-P1020049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegfnPzWHMNTJ3a05JAflm6mqTPbKB16pmSBA_uLQS-EmlAJiS6XmD72NIPM2-BpG5AzIRJw5hOOlFQCS-DUJ4G7zP7CNwy-qIm0sJZ1T9UheGXx2VHtqtK1yKBkFR20ILga-kWrZIqnUm/s320/1-P1020049.JPG" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Rock-steady security - wider<br />
foot-print plus strapped to a heavy slab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For extra security, especially if the hive might get knocked or subject to high wind, you can place it on a paving slab and tie the ratchet strap around that as well so the slab acts as a base weight. Alternatively use a couple of steaks in the ground either side (you can use the<br />
corkscrew dog anchors - see photo below) and strap the hive to those.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For rock-steady security you can additionally widen the footprint by screwing the base of the sump box to a wider piece of wood or two planks - see photo.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_CpdkoRM5IknoWwrbi0CJPwML4qckIRRQReXbkPJFTDRm9jR0TZaSCAMTRMtr_PIv1_lmZwdXbIBRhiQbjIzcpN3-Xa94sLjD4-qMRa-N3UKsdv1cXBY9HKrCYHQudDOUomLhLeL7m74/s200/P1000764+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_CpdkoRM5IknoWwrbi0CJPwML4qckIRRQReXbkPJFTDRm9jR0TZaSCAMTRMtr_PIv1_lmZwdXbIBRhiQbjIzcpN3-Xa94sLjD4-qMRa-N3UKsdv1cXBY9HKrCYHQudDOUomLhLeL7m74/s200/P1000764+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a cheaper option tie it <br />
down to dog lead anchors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
9. Siting your hive - the correct location</h4>
Bees evolved living in deciduous woodlands so are accustomed to dappled shade. Modern beekeepers often place them in full sun to force them to work harder; they will fly earlier and retire later if in direct sun, but you have to ask yourself if this is good for them? <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/shade-or-sun.html" target="_blank">See this page for a discussion on this</a>.<br />
<br />
Place your hive where you will have access all around it. When you have to lift it in the spring or do your autumn manipulations you will need room to move. You may also need to fit a hive lift behind it and/or accommodate a helper as a hive full of honey and stores is very heavy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
If it is in a garden which will have other human traffic then face the entrance towards a hedge, fence or similar about 1 or 2 meters away from it. The bees will then be forced up over head level by the barrier. Bee traffic behind the hive is very minimal so unsuited passers by can happily move too an frow behind the hive.<br />
<br />
Do not place your hive where cattle (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) can reach it as they will knock it over - to them it makes an excellent scratching post! If in a field with animals ensure that you securely fence it off. Similarly, make sure that your hive is away from public view. You'd be amazed what a great target it makes for stone-throwing vandals. Similarly, many members of the public (and your neighbours!) may be irrationally scared of bees. 'Out of sight, out of mind' is always a healthy bee keeping policy.<br />
<br />
If you have further questions please ask your assigned mentor or raise the issue at a <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> meeting.<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Happy Beekeeping!</span><br />
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;">Robin Morris</b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><br />
<br />
PS: Don't forget that my recommended reading for all Warré beek's is:<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"></b><br />
<ul><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">
<li style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>'Beekeeping for All'</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (book/web) - written by Abbé Emile Warré himself . This book, translated into English by Patricia and David Heaf, can either be bought as a published print edition (</span><a href="http://warre.biobees.com/bfa.htm" style="color: #666699; font-weight: normal;">link</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">) or downloaded as a </span><a href="http://www.users.callnetuk.com/~heaf/beekeeping_for_all.pdf" style="color: #666699; font-weight: normal;">free pdf download</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (8,660 KB).</span></span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">The Buzz about Bees: Biology of a Superorganism</b> (book) by Jürgen Tautz. An absolutely brilliant book about bees, not beekeeping. Both informative and great photos<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Buzz-about-Bees-Superorganism/dp/3540787275" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Amazon link</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"><b>The Bee-Friendly Beekeeper</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><b>- Dr. David Heaf</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (book) available from bookshops or </span><a href="http://www.bee-friendly.co.uk/" style="color: #666699;">direct from the publisher here</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></li>
</span></ul>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div>
Photo's from yesterday's party! Click photos to enlarge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7cTUY5TZHQL0AmiXUeL8-MKhyphenhyphen3Iuw-4b0tjQMy4sIUa7Kibhzj-wmd0yQDusP5JJB4M1SbMnTlBhH6qTE2h-7UhGAEWMf_Vdb5doPGbCgF0IMLq_C3lAVc6JUbHo8wBWWlIGl0J-jByG/s1600/14-P1030220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7cTUY5TZHQL0AmiXUeL8-MKhyphenhyphen3Iuw-4b0tjQMy4sIUa7Kibhzj-wmd0yQDusP5JJB4M1SbMnTlBhH6qTE2h-7UhGAEWMf_Vdb5doPGbCgF0IMLq_C3lAVc6JUbHo8wBWWlIGl0J-jByG/s400/14-P1030220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete gets 'em going!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARlFORrfuOP5iBnTH7brctVghS1J7DXTsADeCWPDhcM-azvHNSanx6eZyEe76OGapM3o4hNOiqXfClpHC7Ot1B1e5cy5QG4krRr5FdUIr1QZhQHgG2seR_V34DaN5YAuNMWxsw1HU1N2c/s1600/15-P1030219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARlFORrfuOP5iBnTH7brctVghS1J7DXTsADeCWPDhcM-azvHNSanx6eZyEe76OGapM3o4hNOiqXfClpHC7Ot1B1e5cy5QG4krRr5FdUIr1QZhQHgG2seR_V34DaN5YAuNMWxsw1HU1N2c/s400/15-P1030219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop smiling and get on with your work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GYzVpUJwcbqsbG4Cf_-k7xKLPhb-SYit-lK3Ew10nP16ivyWdg3lrorBOGI-oIuWbZ7U3AgK9vSVpqdRj5K26gOBxwMurgVXXeTCXhVux_pvRNa4kGrUroMQZcO02NTj0596CSnhmmFb/s1600/1-P1030218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GYzVpUJwcbqsbG4Cf_-k7xKLPhb-SYit-lK3Ew10nP16ivyWdg3lrorBOGI-oIuWbZ7U3AgK9vSVpqdRj5K26gOBxwMurgVXXeTCXhVux_pvRNa4kGrUroMQZcO02NTj0596CSnhmmFb/s400/1-P1030218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDOukeOwStbTOgESxXzQ66i-3QnJkpxN60ONnQUpvtXUrERJXsP-rYD7q4UbcuBOsYd2C3A6FJXxPBciD3wRNAz4wzDoV8s6agxmwzPHA4A8eDQ9ql_wkSeYEluofCiTnm7HVPyXMqBC_/s1600/11-P1030225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDOukeOwStbTOgESxXzQ66i-3QnJkpxN60ONnQUpvtXUrERJXsP-rYD7q4UbcuBOsYd2C3A6FJXxPBciD3wRNAz4wzDoV8s6agxmwzPHA4A8eDQ9ql_wkSeYEluofCiTnm7HVPyXMqBC_/s400/11-P1030225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cHnjgVhfRLpMpm8zH6ok7gXfaxR1DXS0f00569-_nkmDBKXtTiYMxP3KR_KPlS_yxEQJDk_rs2bAz2rkrJvuVS9Li7rUvO_QOWJNe4LgWGrxw-AcyzZD1oDMG8ssd9mvrGddHE3rJewy/s1600/12-P1030224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cHnjgVhfRLpMpm8zH6ok7gXfaxR1DXS0f00569-_nkmDBKXtTiYMxP3KR_KPlS_yxEQJDk_rs2bAz2rkrJvuVS9Li7rUvO_QOWJNe4LgWGrxw-AcyzZD1oDMG8ssd9mvrGddHE3rJewy/s400/12-P1030224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj6D-tLrz-UWoiOhrgBdEWscngitS9aSv18y_Zx9ECqRW5r6twKRA5GTYOMFCJ1KNe-DOPBej5uTNGjgz-nD-rVKhapX6XjpCc4lDifxwuZHxi4KUwQX12KzHj7Cxol_upz6bbtDYVpA2/s1600/10-P1030226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj6D-tLrz-UWoiOhrgBdEWscngitS9aSv18y_Zx9ECqRW5r6twKRA5GTYOMFCJ1KNe-DOPBej5uTNGjgz-nD-rVKhapX6XjpCc4lDifxwuZHxi4KUwQX12KzHj7Cxol_upz6bbtDYVpA2/s400/10-P1030226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy some dodgy deals taking place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-0eJyL9RrIlDGK8rf3VFPBSIj9O31Ufs-65-BbxnlPOkjOAuNIO7kze5DrQ1QFVW7SWW5K-8RZyQ_Hb0tXYsYjY9XcF1ozGetyuKy2K_sOFHyRK_dUk1YrYet4C6m4aXmlIzbHovoObe/s1600/1-P1030234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-0eJyL9RrIlDGK8rf3VFPBSIj9O31Ufs-65-BbxnlPOkjOAuNIO7kze5DrQ1QFVW7SWW5K-8RZyQ_Hb0tXYsYjY9XcF1ozGetyuKy2K_sOFHyRK_dUk1YrYet4C6m4aXmlIzbHovoObe/s320/1-P1030234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you expect when knocked-off goods are sold from the back of a van?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt1oXiT9xryJHE_ECyQqlF0jloCSe_nDoZISAnSyMuqngFe9GfSziGloU3-C49KIYJiPZwoDtrTPxPktjd2kEiMDnfQQHYr_EoNeh8GBGlbiSuvB6k4cz4BHlwCbOEJhq6p0_RhHIBUBu/s1600/09-P1030228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt1oXiT9xryJHE_ECyQqlF0jloCSe_nDoZISAnSyMuqngFe9GfSziGloU3-C49KIYJiPZwoDtrTPxPktjd2kEiMDnfQQHYr_EoNeh8GBGlbiSuvB6k4cz4BHlwCbOEJhq6p0_RhHIBUBu/s400/09-P1030228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdRTeixWVMuN3z4izwzpvPmY0j_O_9VAydcOzz8eqbw0OmBtlwA9Li1hILuIi5RDm5UcFZGT6WfRk30A_Aa2XkhxOKiBqoYDLXn2Wo562bJHQTcnMCQ_L1B0VPAXCMvhV8S24qplqdBl6/s1600/05-P1030232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdRTeixWVMuN3z4izwzpvPmY0j_O_9VAydcOzz8eqbw0OmBtlwA9Li1hILuIi5RDm5UcFZGT6WfRk30A_Aa2XkhxOKiBqoYDLXn2Wo562bJHQTcnMCQ_L1B0VPAXCMvhV8S24qplqdBl6/s400/05-P1030232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught in the act</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOYo-c6wDiI7NL6ryQrOORvNnFEg0uC2RmC5CxqidI_jIIMV-S5mIyIAmjq5flAC7stCm2v_sQPKPWKx_fbyqGzQxQ0Jfd_0nKKW9evn5I212Fp_HHSGwfffNMEiSNvP0Y41KwcwdDp8H/s1600/04-P1030238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOYo-c6wDiI7NL6ryQrOORvNnFEg0uC2RmC5CxqidI_jIIMV-S5mIyIAmjq5flAC7stCm2v_sQPKPWKx_fbyqGzQxQ0Jfd_0nKKW9evn5I212Fp_HHSGwfffNMEiSNvP0Y41KwcwdDp8H/s400/04-P1030238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqbG_nD5PRq9CL5eIrTgWsKl0pMRlw1zrL9wKcTD6as2hjZrVJJG33smgzXK14i-LxM7FCjrSOlLE1Er9heaMlGXRPlNBbEivI5b8tu57mYA4AceQ0Kk5QKvIHi-IFFiEjp1HJF47G6db/s1600/02-P1030239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqbG_nD5PRq9CL5eIrTgWsKl0pMRlw1zrL9wKcTD6as2hjZrVJJG33smgzXK14i-LxM7FCjrSOlLE1Er9heaMlGXRPlNBbEivI5b8tu57mYA4AceQ0Kk5QKvIHi-IFFiEjp1HJF47G6db/s400/02-P1030239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWcO3trGFPilxmK5me9F6G9WC9EIKOCfoG7nSHTT3O95VthRi53-rqi50N1Wc1SOt_V0xN2cOSfOUxdivV0n6mGRoQvkc4WbYFHwibAt-CzC4_IlGSG7kF7wf_udSBqJF41h9bmpWAZ1J/s1600/03-P1030240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWcO3trGFPilxmK5me9F6G9WC9EIKOCfoG7nSHTT3O95VthRi53-rqi50N1Wc1SOt_V0xN2cOSfOUxdivV0n6mGRoQvkc4WbYFHwibAt-CzC4_IlGSG7kF7wf_udSBqJF41h9bmpWAZ1J/s400/03-P1030240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil change sir?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51Ck5YhWlsuqqeno6hE_xoBiVC8ebq2XhCZa7TwKH0vaXXbo3sf06UZoHGqtTU8-U2iBVafU61tqPvKJjbmXwiF6t7T2CxkKjKUlOmumEvpZfFvEjxTvdkJ4nxlfgW-QgF9bIUmzuBmNi/s1600/01-P1030242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51Ck5YhWlsuqqeno6hE_xoBiVC8ebq2XhCZa7TwKH0vaXXbo3sf06UZoHGqtTU8-U2iBVafU61tqPvKJjbmXwiF6t7T2CxkKjKUlOmumEvpZfFvEjxTvdkJ4nxlfgW-QgF9bIUmzuBmNi/s400/01-P1030242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, that one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTBoBP8ZNkWuVoM10-CP9GtzepDaarejGNYDyUioXMGkdjRlLd3-kW29iVgvnuNzQ9wwtytForRKPAfrBj3xbo1PkMqw3lJdcBsL_I5Ty7ocmfWhYRmtJ9gvEfXUN-oiUfQ9US5-Zz2dU/s1600/07-P1030230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTBoBP8ZNkWuVoM10-CP9GtzepDaarejGNYDyUioXMGkdjRlLd3-kW29iVgvnuNzQ9wwtytForRKPAfrBj3xbo1PkMqw3lJdcBsL_I5Ty7ocmfWhYRmtJ9gvEfXUN-oiUfQ9US5-Zz2dU/s400/07-P1030230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray, the banger man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6SkOQuiVQvqzobxsZWTWf7n4C4ORqmJEiM3r3NpILsB53NltJluvEJWhczOL21HewjE4Nj_J8E4zniddQ2P0evwAeAHz25NEO4I-aTGNt-_vVcfZU1idpL0izhrQaCCFIbAyOhceflS/s1600/13-P1030221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR6SkOQuiVQvqzobxsZWTWf7n4C4ORqmJEiM3r3NpILsB53NltJluvEJWhczOL21HewjE4Nj_J8E4zniddQ2P0evwAeAHz25NEO4I-aTGNt-_vVcfZU1idpL0izhrQaCCFIbAyOhceflS/s400/13-P1030221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've heard of a bugger's muddle; well here's a bugger's huddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00-azK8M7p5c1DNUEYT0LH8Z8WJlVmoh7ol8jJJhSEYnozuMQ0g4u3sXSYYfH66elCewJyk-cko4DxbFjxDHHX9NT-J0YT6e027bHDPcZNb8yLjX94-9F06Ukr272sJVQtttI2n6Hje7-/s1600/1-P1030222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00-azK8M7p5c1DNUEYT0LH8Z8WJlVmoh7ol8jJJhSEYnozuMQ0g4u3sXSYYfH66elCewJyk-cko4DxbFjxDHHX9NT-J0YT6e027bHDPcZNb8yLjX94-9F06Ukr272sJVQtttI2n6Hje7-/s400/1-P1030222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfszQNx5rD2cW_4TxlW-ILHyF2m9M8DqnETzKf4L7A6VkWAtu1bBqy8e101EY4qkRGaF6rPFsm3ccNofgrWth-1KAVusoUWBjrSdT_fh4u7QPiEJKKyvkqFN9nlE0qJIIaceMozRyDaKu/s1600/1-P1030233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfszQNx5rD2cW_4TxlW-ILHyF2m9M8DqnETzKf4L7A6VkWAtu1bBqy8e101EY4qkRGaF6rPFsm3ccNofgrWth-1KAVusoUWBjrSdT_fh4u7QPiEJKKyvkqFN9nlE0qJIIaceMozRyDaKu/s400/1-P1030233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6zYa8KZPRW696I3hoxv8zehnyB6-B8c2SvxrPRMo1bH5wPPOnuE9gUmbdkRCTnesquql5v24qixrRqBO-RKPLG-PNcKvN2Lg0vKVLzLrdsfeMvOYDEAGuYmE1kQsP8FJwxHS0okcc4rH/s1600/06-P1030231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6zYa8KZPRW696I3hoxv8zehnyB6-B8c2SvxrPRMo1bH5wPPOnuE9gUmbdkRCTnesquql5v24qixrRqBO-RKPLG-PNcKvN2Lg0vKVLzLrdsfeMvOYDEAGuYmE1kQsP8FJwxHS0okcc4rH/s400/06-P1030231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57h-hksQnwqHlOoPKAUffdsGmH-dAhJ9f5zpjmh6LJwjyrdnbE9HdPBKJbuJ_FE6mQqqVOg2rDb1dMEVrxHFLdEWb9EZifHlb0sYD5To0h7gtTKvTHIX1Y-T-JZ7mD5ifRXgQTWA9n3OE/s1600/1-P1030243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57h-hksQnwqHlOoPKAUffdsGmH-dAhJ9f5zpjmh6LJwjyrdnbE9HdPBKJbuJ_FE6mQqqVOg2rDb1dMEVrxHFLdEWb9EZifHlb0sYD5To0h7gtTKvTHIX1Y-T-JZ7mD5ifRXgQTWA9n3OE/s400/1-P1030243.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crazy Gang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxlS8XcX-DrvPL-xwJKbWo9VaQL0mgugBYnInfomDj_zvQ_pQKAtRGi0rZFGD21w90uG3NhZXnROkigWP6N0NBpMbRgifwBRgzulRt_ebm3I1wRrMa_yD8k4vxZl4xBYS33fTRFPIGd4v/s1600/1-P1030237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxlS8XcX-DrvPL-xwJKbWo9VaQL0mgugBYnInfomDj_zvQ_pQKAtRGi0rZFGD21w90uG3NhZXnROkigWP6N0NBpMbRgifwBRgzulRt_ebm3I1wRrMa_yD8k4vxZl4xBYS33fTRFPIGd4v/s400/1-P1030237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a great day.................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
.....and the last word's Peter was heard to mutter as he drove off at the end of the day was "<i>Well, I suppose if others want to do another later in the year I'd be up for it</i>." Famous last words......</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gKApegW3gQSzM8aF9rvEyvObU0Xq3-WTuO0thJGyzn94PtKBZBcswX7VeJclQw4hCSYTFoomoI-e-DAVk5JKdhFako3qrfsMDaqgtUHFTVlIzmMVa2iu0-8NfeBGK_Rgm7XKkjaW3NIt/s1600/1-Annie+Webster+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gKApegW3gQSzM8aF9rvEyvObU0Xq3-WTuO0thJGyzn94PtKBZBcswX7VeJclQw4hCSYTFoomoI-e-DAVk5JKdhFako3qrfsMDaqgtUHFTVlIzmMVa2iu0-8NfeBGK_Rgm7XKkjaW3NIt/s400/1-Annie+Webster+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Annie Webster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xlRryyL5JhGbRrv2oJFZr84Yjge0mcR8lPoZPeOFKoI5y7IZtQCeV5Dx7CKnLylyq6tO9oQMxSSYFgLWXQLN0BcPRYdehY3R4XNYNMaakAuBU-YG4f1C8EWoVH5n-vZT_BwZLOQeTdly/s1600/2-Annie+Webster+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xlRryyL5JhGbRrv2oJFZr84Yjge0mcR8lPoZPeOFKoI5y7IZtQCeV5Dx7CKnLylyq6tO9oQMxSSYFgLWXQLN0BcPRYdehY3R4XNYNMaakAuBU-YG4f1C8EWoVH5n-vZT_BwZLOQeTdly/s400/2-Annie+Webster+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Annie Webster
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h_cI0cJ83fGkXoyYvitSKodUdAq2t8Y2ylhTRbvn4_Ox_MaTQIm9ONcpA1TEj_ei1iw9xnQOJLFo5qcvSzO60WWOINKnIwQb-UBSRnhWWMSSJInOa6rtE5VP2DKA3m6a1ARYJj1dyb0w/s1600/3-Annie+Webster+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h_cI0cJ83fGkXoyYvitSKodUdAq2t8Y2ylhTRbvn4_Ox_MaTQIm9ONcpA1TEj_ei1iw9xnQOJLFo5qcvSzO60WWOINKnIwQb-UBSRnhWWMSSJInOa6rtE5VP2DKA3m6a1ARYJj1dyb0w/s400/3-Annie+Webster+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Annie Webster
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-13576772721358934042012-04-23T10:32:00.003+01:002012-05-06T22:31:57.698+01:00Skep Making Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This page is a photo record of the<b> Skep Making Course</b> run by Chris park at <a href="http://www.acorneducation.com/homepage.html" target="_blank">Acorn Education</a> that Ali, Jo and I attended yesterday.<br />
<br />
This was an absolutely brilliant day out. Not only did we learn how to make skeps and bring away our own part completed ones, but we absorbed the fantastic atmosphere generated by Chris Park working in his round-house, seeing his apiary and savouring the delights of his Westmill Farm glade. We were also lucky to met some folk from the <a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/" target="_blank">Natural Beekeeping Trust</a> in Sussex who were also attending yesterday.<br />
<br />
If I can find a free date (we have such a busy schedule this spring!) I will be sending an email to members to see if there is sufficient interest to invite Chris to come to Yatton to deliver this course for <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> locally. I have to say, however, that holding it here will mean not seeing his active skeps and sacrificing the fantastic atmosphere of his location, training round-house and open fire cooked food.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: yellow;">Edited 26 April to add:</span> I've just heard from Chris that the next skep course he is running there is <b>Sunday 17th June</b> - Father's Day. Maybe an alternative option is for us to organise a <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> outing there for the day for those interested?</i><br />
<br />
Robin<br />
23 April 2012<br />
<br />
<i>Click any photo to enlarge</i><br />
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/c3fa4e5139425bda.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNHFd-HBSr9ivNUkpWBc3Vq3vQ4YEHdK9NzDM-94nV-KCag9W-DdVGVqfS-fU0fUr0seKZx0_307fk472YHukVX0rymbI5H_-ZTXQ1TkQNU0r2qcdjd5BNyrIOPWGIcfRhfl6TEEAJrRA/s1600/1-P1030185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNHFd-HBSr9ivNUkpWBc3Vq3vQ4YEHdK9NzDM-94nV-KCag9W-DdVGVqfS-fU0fUr0seKZx0_307fk472YHukVX0rymbI5H_-ZTXQ1TkQNU0r2qcdjd5BNyrIOPWGIcfRhfl6TEEAJrRA/s400/1-P1030185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Park at the teaching apiary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/dc02b4459113ef8a.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/4cbd6b24c775e590.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZS7gYInYD-ruzGEMg5md8lFfQ_dEaQW7b82hJGcH60o9_Fm_vLfiFSWTUVlGprtVz4ycxv4-JAoARhyphenhyphen09IA78w4nvhOf3u01EZS3cq26ivrWgtXS0o3qL7oRBqr5SHolTB7T2rGK4359/s1600/7-P1030200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZS7gYInYD-ruzGEMg5md8lFfQ_dEaQW7b82hJGcH60o9_Fm_vLfiFSWTUVlGprtVz4ycxv4-JAoARhyphenhyphen09IA78w4nvhOf3u01EZS3cq26ivrWgtXS0o3qL7oRBqr5SHolTB7T2rGK4359/s400/7-P1030200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 occupied skep hives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZXiQB0-rwnxeRnp2-OAi9pJreI0-hVCICyCcaHUjPUOdJZuxgEMuJdF6PnkmbcEOEtpv4Tl1CvY7LlcmXEtdeAEbwZhN5gaB0pTbPUKuT1Qmem2Ri2R_g7-cYTLhr0Or6Xs4UJHJ4Q0w/s1600/5-P1030198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZXiQB0-rwnxeRnp2-OAi9pJreI0-hVCICyCcaHUjPUOdJZuxgEMuJdF6PnkmbcEOEtpv4Tl1CvY7LlcmXEtdeAEbwZhN5gaB0pTbPUKuT1Qmem2Ri2R_g7-cYTLhr0Or6Xs4UJHJ4Q0w/s400/5-P1030198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAioJV4EXFheGH2bR-pBaHZ7KW5mzh30u9EncMFAPgG36xnaIAXDiiy6hFy5-ngqf9oggMiCsv6nYY5NjTsnP__mz9rx7ReTBrZIlh9hWvWGA8QqNm20NSyPPSnigNdLWsFsP-a7YaNNi/s1600/6-P1030199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAioJV4EXFheGH2bR-pBaHZ7KW5mzh30u9EncMFAPgG36xnaIAXDiiy6hFy5-ngqf9oggMiCsv6nYY5NjTsnP__mz9rx7ReTBrZIlh9hWvWGA8QqNm20NSyPPSnigNdLWsFsP-a7YaNNi/s400/6-P1030199.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin basket hive showing<br />
reed rain cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/b76e2fe05a6636ba.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/a44d7b75b9a4dd7b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrdjSP_av3rqEa9SpaDaIjbVNWWix55TJbqRPUwoOZfcaoZRBpWoUa78mL_3nMHmTniY7MYiEnhDwIjXOLmMX5d2z2vEHeHw_BLEijN62O1UcuLVg5mE4HBWoEsctU0IiIbTc4CPNWMMH/s1600/2-P1030186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrdjSP_av3rqEa9SpaDaIjbVNWWix55TJbqRPUwoOZfcaoZRBpWoUa78mL_3nMHmTniY7MYiEnhDwIjXOLmMX5d2z2vEHeHw_BLEijN62O1UcuLVg5mE4HBWoEsctU0IiIbTc4CPNWMMH/s320/2-P1030186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to single basket hive<br />
note how bees have propolised<br />
entrance to reduce it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QgeXJFR6Cko?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
video of bees flying from skep</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(The audible 'flight line' warning was from someone presumably not used to low interference bees)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GmvjBNxZuLtrMiAmrQL1fv616_WXlswfxjUHfHuLb5GZ249Nd3NomxTb6F4LzACfBAVpBbMwwAmCUETvhDUxsOwHfWJoSBUte4i7X5pgQ0A7Hufc5HVcoKliqjP96V9Oqhnv8-8oYe43/s1600/1-P1030181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GmvjBNxZuLtrMiAmrQL1fv616_WXlswfxjUHfHuLb5GZ249Nd3NomxTb6F4LzACfBAVpBbMwwAmCUETvhDUxsOwHfWJoSBUte4i7X5pgQ0A7Hufc5HVcoKliqjP96V9Oqhnv8-8oYe43/s400/1-P1030181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two basket skep - brood basket + super</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9MY3_clGH9elACwAPzEd0dfZa_voEBsRBMDHUmjqrIJUB4ubbQVUx1zxHgP0ykZEbvIOFiC4TD8WCP-pnxAhxMNGFCphKRHCNPwrBSKp3xczLH4z63QeYD0anrSehqCJXuzWlkG_wCg4/s1600/2-P1030188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9MY3_clGH9elACwAPzEd0dfZa_voEBsRBMDHUmjqrIJUB4ubbQVUx1zxHgP0ykZEbvIOFiC4TD8WCP-pnxAhxMNGFCphKRHCNPwrBSKp3xczLH4z63QeYD0anrSehqCJXuzWlkG_wCg4/s400/2-P1030188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to 2 basket skep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSm0-A59n13YeLYLrjcmwKVAvL7NnSu7kDhlrNeTI-50r7oCZQ8vLnsF6E7Tb-dlU4HfsTXWacJEOCPabS_V3HxCM6JeBxdGO7iqKvEkCUJ8U5gh46f21TlolVsZcVXx0O9RkmhPz6_47/s1600/1-P1030183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSm0-A59n13YeLYLrjcmwKVAvL7NnSu7kDhlrNeTI-50r7oCZQ8vLnsF6E7Tb-dlU4HfsTXWacJEOCPabS_V3HxCM6JeBxdGO7iqKvEkCUJ8U5gh46f21TlolVsZcVXx0O9RkmhPz6_47/s400/1-P1030183.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo helps Chris replace the rain hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nAz2Kw5Q8-sP_KbWBUGwqcJiahzLdjdHzYPW9fes2hciua3p2F_veAtJlUwZLhbfPKlGuGc2hPb4Fz63uKxd-bF59yexXRWhAWqdRodJ4G53xcQL0lm6M1PyDuZ8SyUDVKxf90X6qfE/s1600/1-P1030182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nAz2Kw5Q8-sP_KbWBUGwqcJiahzLdjdHzYPW9fes2hciua3p2F_veAtJlUwZLhbfPKlGuGc2hPb4Fz63uKxd-bF59yexXRWhAWqdRodJ4G53xcQL0lm6M1PyDuZ8SyUDVKxf90X6qfE/s400/1-P1030182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topp of base unit of 2 basket skep with super removed.<br />
This brood base was started with clay domed cap (see remains of<br />
rim still showing) but has since had a 'super' basket added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzv9mVw71ldg4TvOcfvvhMjAnbvmNS-G0Btyrz6C3frFXnE0Y7G-0IszINt5v6u9OdSgCoyZJ4fmPWl9ipRLQ_MR5d6Yg_lp8HWAGMV-Zn5Ha7ma1Sbis0tvKq01s7M0b_IOktUGWUdSM/s1600/4-P1030189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzv9mVw71ldg4TvOcfvvhMjAnbvmNS-G0Btyrz6C3frFXnE0Y7G-0IszINt5v6u9OdSgCoyZJ4fmPWl9ipRLQ_MR5d6Yg_lp8HWAGMV-Zn5Ha7ma1Sbis0tvKq01s7M0b_IOktUGWUdSM/s400/4-P1030189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing built comb<br />
Most comb oriented North/South but<br />
the bees built two combs the 'warm' way<br />
to cover the entrance - top of photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9geAt_4hsTieFnNt8Ceom9B5dAC_xN4ZGAVHbGGffTOfcnDAghxIWrG7oZ-tFmhWgJB5z6_-4LfKdy9FzQQ-LwwhOg9UWlvE1rhXCCh_u72rJxv9BOXxI-Op0Wb7KaeY29knoqukn2Rn/s1600/2-P1030191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9geAt_4hsTieFnNt8Ceom9B5dAC_xN4ZGAVHbGGffTOfcnDAghxIWrG7oZ-tFmhWgJB5z6_-4LfKdy9FzQQ-LwwhOg9UWlvE1rhXCCh_u72rJxv9BOXxI-Op0Wb7KaeY29knoqukn2Rn/s400/2-P1030191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The class room outside....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZLA2l3JMWHeWJZA-6qRoM-Q2vnuhkWFQEMz6JB-5xRTD4R_-4LV3-VSrb9Dnoje-W42plG1StFJqIPUpW1jQ8oP77YbsVR_c1YHMCjaybCsl7oii7UKYrZs_LUMM0EEsxGZDYHMKQiLj/s1600/2-P1030194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZLA2l3JMWHeWJZA-6qRoM-Q2vnuhkWFQEMz6JB-5xRTD4R_-4LV3-VSrb9Dnoje-W42plG1StFJqIPUpW1jQ8oP77YbsVR_c1YHMCjaybCsl7oii7UKYrZs_LUMM0EEsxGZDYHMKQiLj/s400/2-P1030194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....but warm and cosy inside; all mod con's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YRXoXJjX7cEVp-PXTiDgePzPHO4YFCL1d3l9jgKA7hIGkQNE3qjLgGX6ocwwZgCj_peu-7T3xjghe_qKJHlWDEfTndPeXkjn_MCDggW9LzcQ2VjiRN1DEQJVQD2ot7vkByTd_Gt9G-q6/s1600/1-P1030190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YRXoXJjX7cEVp-PXTiDgePzPHO4YFCL1d3l9jgKA7hIGkQNE3qjLgGX6ocwwZgCj_peu-7T3xjghe_qKJHlWDEfTndPeXkjn_MCDggW9LzcQ2VjiRN1DEQJVQD2ot7vkByTd_Gt9G-q6/s400/1-P1030190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear guards the entrance - Ali negotiates entry </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/33ecd6cefc558ae2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC-TZ98qHgp3wugdc4ox_YQU15Nr27MuXVk6CLovCpilF1UR3-HXssnY45zgyhSDJAblKfFyyD4xs6qVuyE3xd-Cu0GdqHQk6vRllND4dhEkd9p5qiG0Xp61hBWBIBqtOTcRK_oG7H1-R/s1600/P1030171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC-TZ98qHgp3wugdc4ox_YQU15Nr27MuXVk6CLovCpilF1UR3-HXssnY45zgyhSDJAblKfFyyD4xs6qVuyE3xd-Cu0GdqHQk6vRllND4dhEkd9p5qiG0Xp61hBWBIBqtOTcRK_oG7H1-R/s400/P1030171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris showing his wares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/98c1d3e7d8f8769b.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNx0dCp49OlTaDXzxXQcsgIfqoR6Wh4IBOw_ihMWpFjvrRCKT6zu4nKo-ajxmB4-3OY82g1k243diKRl8ZXBCk72dgsA4hTU-bvOb5Yo4fHUUbsterMFMsJmNbZErHGoqwGHcDAXIJhFX/s1600/P1030173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNx0dCp49OlTaDXzxXQcsgIfqoR6Wh4IBOw_ihMWpFjvrRCKT6zu4nKo-ajxmB4-3OY82g1k243diKRl8ZXBCk72dgsA4hTU-bvOb5Yo4fHUUbsterMFMsJmNbZErHGoqwGHcDAXIJhFX/s400/P1030173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch is prepared in our midst as we weave.<br />
The endless supply of nettle and mint tea was also much appreciated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziJWz5I_Fssz1-NrsfRq87nOGq7P4_AxevRWcnf1J2oJi6QlWgkeXP3kGOIAxlY5cei_JWwpvFqTjQ-9TkdZU12KyAp-kznArEI7nI12HqMRuW466Xvtg0l_XzOgwlOmJvv7YXYumiTDI/s1600/2-P1040111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziJWz5I_Fssz1-NrsfRq87nOGq7P4_AxevRWcnf1J2oJi6QlWgkeXP3kGOIAxlY5cei_JWwpvFqTjQ-9TkdZU12KyAp-kznArEI7nI12HqMRuW466Xvtg0l_XzOgwlOmJvv7YXYumiTDI/s400/2-P1040111.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man of many weapons!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXkJJbwsYhudJB3t8WEwtPBIZZP6Ze8-MQ7Vy0e-wmHVMrOTJgwPpmYaIhgtX6k88BOt_hPeZe4tWWjEkoUPxzNSmunTc-kWwg6NtRtm1T6q09hSaV0ehFCkmrDKkbOECOjzkWltMNcel/s1600/1-P1030175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXkJJbwsYhudJB3t8WEwtPBIZZP6Ze8-MQ7Vy0e-wmHVMrOTJgwPpmYaIhgtX6k88BOt_hPeZe4tWWjEkoUPxzNSmunTc-kWwg6NtRtm1T6q09hSaV0ehFCkmrDKkbOECOjzkWltMNcel/s400/1-P1030175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo getting ready for a good old fashioned flaying!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_oiffeRr_v_9dvFjxTr800o5f1X1u1vjUfZ-BVJofrRl-Akfv0mpMCKd4pN6jUiRGvSM0AsahMC53GdkqCa4dfoajWn3j0-rtsg2ai8LVGqC9eIUX8_agUwsMOKY1Neq9xEW5Gi67g0Y/s1600/3-P1040113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_oiffeRr_v_9dvFjxTr800o5f1X1u1vjUfZ-BVJofrRl-Akfv0mpMCKd4pN6jUiRGvSM0AsahMC53GdkqCa4dfoajWn3j0-rtsg2ai8LVGqC9eIUX8_agUwsMOKY1Neq9xEW5Gi67g0Y/s400/3-P1040113.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That looks like hard work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaGanzsGIX1yqB-KhzH5rbIwpYy9CvRTtAOejeZZqM7cPaF2QtqZFmfFAMVjrtZe4hyAl_MkSnHYv_ZCyDHthyZsp68d1C6VXshlegtVWNyW830uSLYvumBL_AG3uS9oJ2VwBDIzE1S3-/s1600/1-P1030165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaGanzsGIX1yqB-KhzH5rbIwpYy9CvRTtAOejeZZqM7cPaF2QtqZFmfFAMVjrtZe4hyAl_MkSnHYv_ZCyDHthyZsp68d1C6VXshlegtVWNyW830uSLYvumBL_AG3uS9oJ2VwBDIzE1S3-/s400/1-P1030165.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali, thinking ahead to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKJK7QjYoSuFFqCO2mHvAmsSLMoiflTazFNNMbPuow5kjVZCUjNiHbmMEJV39I3eIG9ROMSq1xDGsIocSakZYnBdbdwtvm-C2loG9bqGLFsCLufsMeKfMrqlNl8wxqJU7tq35t6HVD5Tp/s1600/P1030176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKJK7QjYoSuFFqCO2mHvAmsSLMoiflTazFNNMbPuow5kjVZCUjNiHbmMEJV39I3eIG9ROMSq1xDGsIocSakZYnBdbdwtvm-C2loG9bqGLFsCLufsMeKfMrqlNl8wxqJU7tq35t6HVD5Tp/s400/P1030176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyWW0fKHoaKW6EuSWlXCbQDcQ3oi7LTTaPFHwk-GqdM32WxaxemFD4TJfo4nmR7EvHSUnzHwc4oP0WB6xkGVgy0ieHdcV_u7d28Wo9-dsFLRIEAIftBiBNGvGlKjwJNFMB6upe2KwPx-h/s1600/P1030177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyWW0fKHoaKW6EuSWlXCbQDcQ3oi7LTTaPFHwk-GqdM32WxaxemFD4TJfo4nmR7EvHSUnzHwc4oP0WB6xkGVgy0ieHdcV_u7d28Wo9-dsFLRIEAIftBiBNGvGlKjwJNFMB6upe2KwPx-h/s400/P1030177.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Natural Beekeeping Trust gang<br />
<a href="http://www.biobees.com/naturalbeekeepingalliance/conference.php" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a><span style="font-size: small;"> to pre-book a place on the <b>2012 Natural Beekeeping Conference</b></span><b> </b><br />
which they are hosting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUrqXbpt_FhSsxZ6o2fAF1LvEQ10tDdwucB97Zgh-lncb98_Ol10X0ehNMefcmIiL_4USvDbW2gOqaWjo_PVv-9yaG3LIm0e7oBvlsCSKDyC1bklL_vLJrykohoCZwCltIAwc9eGRw6NC/s1600/P1030178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUrqXbpt_FhSsxZ6o2fAF1LvEQ10tDdwucB97Zgh-lncb98_Ol10X0ehNMefcmIiL_4USvDbW2gOqaWjo_PVv-9yaG3LIm0e7oBvlsCSKDyC1bklL_vLJrykohoCZwCltIAwc9eGRw6NC/s400/P1030178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13px;">Bo - our chef, tea maker and Chris's assistant</span>
</div>
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/ea0f5f351761a589.jpg"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/ba35a04fe71aa653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://localhost:54371/c4d57dddf2c90651742a874bdea741e4/image/821d17b411386f30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL6S0r5kqgQYFRh8UgXZ4inULMORVCh4nidufvgoktsUbejl7pIm1y9RyWtdjKeD583NtcN3eNpP5diA1hbnYEC1e8L21hrBFBh9Jr_HynmViReo0I2EBlLSKPdOm7IUQZM56uUyQixe9/s1600/1-P1030192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL6S0r5kqgQYFRh8UgXZ4inULMORVCh4nidufvgoktsUbejl7pIm1y9RyWtdjKeD583NtcN3eNpP5diA1hbnYEC1e8L21hrBFBh9Jr_HynmViReo0I2EBlLSKPdOm7IUQZM56uUyQixe9/s400/1-P1030192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now how do I light this catherine wheel? :-(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwP813L6InoVL_J8YmZZ6OJNUmKdpheM_7qJEyFurp0hWQN40BbZO5N9nfanVrSCIvKfMoKxbaKAn50uizWT1Sg4sSx17KbCQXug_Si7DiT2YDRI7SPOb_0nbt5SFmuDJqhthsYiRZgn7/s1600/1-P1030195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwP813L6InoVL_J8YmZZ6OJNUmKdpheM_7qJEyFurp0hWQN40BbZO5N9nfanVrSCIvKfMoKxbaKAn50uizWT1Sg4sSx17KbCQXug_Si7DiT2YDRI7SPOb_0nbt5SFmuDJqhthsYiRZgn7/s400/1-P1030195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and here's one I made earlier. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d1lGXHeJhKT9vEcjoCKO3TRVC-A4r_6ZnAd_ch4DrFxmEriV9XaswKt9dGUZ4FwO96xJ3mgOkfQZTTrCCq4VA7NLIgCfdGbZ160Fs7PdlUI-ebRNK_w91JWweeQ4kPIhJl7zniCEOG47/s1600/1-P1030174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d1lGXHeJhKT9vEcjoCKO3TRVC-A4r_6ZnAd_ch4DrFxmEriV9XaswKt9dGUZ4FwO96xJ3mgOkfQZTTrCCq4VA7NLIgCfdGbZ160Fs7PdlUI-ebRNK_w91JWweeQ4kPIhJl7zniCEOG47/s400/1-P1030174.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris's ingenious skep stand with varroa screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1bjcH-Bi6yW-WQGTuAjPbnHe7gsGJc6bqtb5NdfNt3VX1NuXU84AS-fJN06KzCblU_EtL6jUtKDknwgGbSwJrijVDVlWE_i28QoDfl4E_m5PfGE2eK_3z-hyAPv_tCWoh0c1_i5Lpoo7/s1600/P1030166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1bjcH-Bi6yW-WQGTuAjPbnHe7gsGJc6bqtb5NdfNt3VX1NuXU84AS-fJN06KzCblU_EtL6jUtKDknwgGbSwJrijVDVlWE_i28QoDfl4E_m5PfGE2eK_3z-hyAPv_tCWoh0c1_i5Lpoo7/s400/P1030166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13px;">Finished skep with 'spleets' a.k.a. 'spales' to support the comb</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_n-lQGsrfDK7gw1wRppZnLuCiueidmdpRZ67DnUwfzlTplbUUqEg07O11jw50SpOxJxYwI8S2sxl0L9zavJ-LWJ1tPVwuKpUsXeRJ0MwzHccSsPV4-EuxE1EJgyRROplyLdnxsIhr1Hu/s1600/1-P1030167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_n-lQGsrfDK7gw1wRppZnLuCiueidmdpRZ67DnUwfzlTplbUUqEg07O11jw50SpOxJxYwI8S2sxl0L9zavJ-LWJ1tPVwuKpUsXeRJ0MwzHccSsPV4-EuxE1EJgyRROplyLdnxsIhr1Hu/s400/1-P1030167.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super/nadir skep with flat top and top 4" entrance to allow bees to move from basket to basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vl7I0-0cobWUgiUH86GHGv1xmoW_Li2DZ0pYnZ97I0762bVl_wU3mfInFSjE04qx1eUkUun0KmusQ7rJ20_G5FZT9QoDdCcPY-MxMYFg_sSEpodRYrwk_CkD94dUCw4oVtGN-m65rHAD/s1600/2-P1030168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vl7I0-0cobWUgiUH86GHGv1xmoW_Li2DZ0pYnZ97I0762bVl_wU3mfInFSjE04qx1eUkUun0KmusQ7rJ20_G5FZT9QoDdCcPY-MxMYFg_sSEpodRYrwk_CkD94dUCw4oVtGN-m65rHAD/s400/2-P1030168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skep with propolised interior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKiIvKHWnwEfkSWvK4vk7CGpJ9lpVOPbtWTDrL2H0l5E85QsqV335NeMlvFNi-RomVjeQwds6spjVt6kTgEyHiyCaZr1Frh5aHU3SPZDboiUyi8rIBohh_Bpn0K0z1whzv56sBuDgKln1/s1600/3-P1030196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKiIvKHWnwEfkSWvK4vk7CGpJ9lpVOPbtWTDrL2H0l5E85QsqV335NeMlvFNi-RomVjeQwds6spjVt6kTgEyHiyCaZr1Frh5aHU3SPZDboiUyi8rIBohh_Bpn0K0z1whzv56sBuDgKln1/s400/3-P1030196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The YABeeP mob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSESsHicPcTLWBQnOYdV83hsPaCB-ss9TJuM1MyZ1JjiQ-tqIEkMjENuiamIjVgACoJD5TahwnXmlyGY1YYj57G8D4lQf-Ug0yiervHvDWUreA7aeWPHaNwpArXMP2RpYFag13pGDlZG4j/s1600/5-P1030201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSESsHicPcTLWBQnOYdV83hsPaCB-ss9TJuM1MyZ1JjiQ-tqIEkMjENuiamIjVgACoJD5TahwnXmlyGY1YYj57G8D4lQf-Ug0yiervHvDWUreA7aeWPHaNwpArXMP2RpYFag13pGDlZG4j/s320/5-P1030201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
around the site<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTXnG6nLswQon-PCvAEhbzDbFkKZVPcIiPfLbPuGyLhdAtV6_S-0thlrdLalbYifJ9ztkUgps4t2cMw3TSAvdKrJtLVmyyMXIWrJOI-_kH30U_pCKm_hW1_7bcEmKZukuamvwFUAe_Pb2/s1600/4-P1030204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTXnG6nLswQon-PCvAEhbzDbFkKZVPcIiPfLbPuGyLhdAtV6_S-0thlrdLalbYifJ9ztkUgps4t2cMw3TSAvdKrJtLVmyyMXIWrJOI-_kH30U_pCKm_hW1_7bcEmKZukuamvwFUAe_Pb2/s400/4-P1030204.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wending our way home after a glorious day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HndNezyzWGw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Edited 3/5/12</span> to add this brilliant video from the <a href="http://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/" target="_blank">Natural Beekeeping Trust</a> showing another great use of skep making skills to build a sun (aka hanging basket) hive. If you are impatient skip ahead to 2:30 minutes to see the hive but I'd recommend watching all 4:22 mins.</span>
<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Added 6/5/12:</span> And here's a photo of Emma and Dave's skep and skep house made following an earlier course with Chris Park. Doesn't it look good? Now for some bees.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OTiqB4AtmlwyrA9yLHqDGtFM9bP-TuRcxiADKqcr-I847WFS6pzmnFd7O0N4rXAO_cxGzRup_7STTR1TeBDWFvdpBtDLL7lKx_1SgOjz-fGhzSqcHV4zOkFvs-RF2uiU2sUUtS6_MWC/s1600/1-skephouse+Emma+donovan.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-OTiqB4AtmlwyrA9yLHqDGtFM9bP-TuRcxiADKqcr-I847WFS6pzmnFd7O0N4rXAO_cxGzRup_7STTR1TeBDWFvdpBtDLL7lKx_1SgOjz-fGhzSqcHV4zOkFvs-RF2uiU2sUUtS6_MWC/s320/1-skephouse+Emma+donovan.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma & Dave's skepary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-62966048152985660762012-04-18T23:31:00.001+01:002012-05-29T08:30:59.226+01:00Beginners Training Courses<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s200/GRJ-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s200/GRJ-Photo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday's YABeeP meeting (14 April 2012) was primarily for those<b> new to beekeeping and <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html" target="_blank">natural beekeeping</a></b>. We tried to cover this huge subject in just over an hour. During the meeting we enjoyed some valuable input from <b>Gareth John</b> who also attended.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I was mentioned that Gareth ran beginners courses from his home in Oxfordshire. Whilst YABeeP has already agreed to use him again this year <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/gareth-john-workshops.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">to deliver his advanced courses</a>, it was felt by many at the meeting that they would like to do his beginners courses. Gareth has therefore kindly agreed to run some of these in Yatton - details below.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G6rP5oRzZ9X3Idoz4ld091ckwfx782zG6ZB3ES9sQhd6nVO-SFOsEclPWjLQxrxzYXo6lbutb-aR2XwUAojd46LEJoqditxA_wwWYhEdrDyWaO8DqncwgZpHqSoHhmUMwDf4dhMeYgL5/s1600/1-P1030579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G6rP5oRzZ9X3Idoz4ld091ckwfx782zG6ZB3ES9sQhd6nVO-SFOsEclPWjLQxrxzYXo6lbutb-aR2XwUAojd46LEJoqditxA_wwWYhEdrDyWaO8DqncwgZpHqSoHhmUMwDf4dhMeYgL5/s200/1-P1030579.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><u>Dates</u></b></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Gareth delivers two beginners courses, each taking one day <b>10:00 am to 4:00pm</b>. We have agreed that these can take place here at <b>St. Margarets </b>(where we meet after the YABeeP meetings) on:</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;">Saturday 26th May</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">23 April - </span></span><b style="background-color: yellow; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">THIS DATE NOW FULL</b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></li>
<li style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: red;">Saturday 2nd June</span></b>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2x6uyfIAS9xLDHOwgIp-VYFpw0i1ARpYx6X_WX8Jq3odqg8NjI6m0y5tqPYLneG6G9amabRheNkE4ls-FNWLzBNQGsDH8z-IVs-dMGUTX2-GM0vjRfC5yihIV15h4Qzj_vxgnk6oBWZ-/s1600/3-P1030585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2x6uyfIAS9xLDHOwgIp-VYFpw0i1ARpYx6X_WX8Jq3odqg8NjI6m0y5tqPYLneG6G9amabRheNkE4ls-FNWLzBNQGsDH8z-IVs-dMGUTX2-GM0vjRfC5yihIV15h4Qzj_vxgnk6oBWZ-/s200/3-P1030585.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
As there was such an overwhelming response to the suggestion we run this course and numbers need to be limited to 8 for each one, we are suggesting that we run the <b>day 1 </b>course on both of these dates to allow more people to attend. If there is then demand to continue with the second day this can be arranged separately. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><u>Cost</u></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The cost will be £30 per person for each day. Teas and coffees will be provided but you will need to bring your own lunch.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><u>Course Outline - Day one</u></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div>
10.15 (latest)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Arrival, coffee, biscuits and comfort calls. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10.30 -11.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Honeybee Colonies:</div>
<div>
Introducing a Superorganism</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11.10 -11.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11.30 – 12.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>The Pulse of a Colony:</div>
<div>
The dynamics of a honeybee colony and its interaction with its environment </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12.10 -12.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12.30 – 1.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Lunch Break</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1.30 – 2.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>An Introduction to Natural Beekeeping<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.10 – 2.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.30 – 3.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Practical Demonstration of Top Bar Hives:</div>
<div>
Horizontal and Warre (without bees)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3.10 – 4.00<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>General Discussion </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4BDyWxE5HnCK2iHLXStifLa4vG50QhJL4Nplsl_fyI0keBcsRG2ZwY4kqQKs4twKkIteIWr2YhC0cG5LULEqt0HJLneHw6qv6ysyTHPFPQVwZZYWbmaMRSMeXsaICXxfeNfdACf6QiCR/s1600/2-P1030575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4BDyWxE5HnCK2iHLXStifLa4vG50QhJL4Nplsl_fyI0keBcsRG2ZwY4kqQKs4twKkIteIWr2YhC0cG5LULEqt0HJLneHw6qv6ysyTHPFPQVwZZYWbmaMRSMeXsaICXxfeNfdACf6QiCR/s200/2-P1030575.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Course Outline - Day Two</u></b><br />
<blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10.15 (latest)<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Arrival, coffee, biscuits and comfort calls</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10.30 -11.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>The Pulse of a Colony: </div>
<div>
The dynamics of a honeybee colony and its interaction with its environment </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11.10 -11.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11.30 – 12.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Natural Beekeeping Through the Year:</div>
<div>
With particular attention to natural and assisted reproduction (swarms and splits)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12.10 -12.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12.30 – 1.30<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Lunch Break</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1.30 – 2.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Varroa:</div>
<div>
Bee/varroa dynamics and the natural defences of the bee colony</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.10 – 2.25<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Questions and Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.30 – 3.10<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Putting the Theory into Practice:</div>
<div>
Demonstration on swarms, splits (without bees)</div>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div>
3.10 – 4.00<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>General Discussion</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Booking</u></b><br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
If you would like to book a place on one of these days<span style="color: red;"> <b>please contact Gareth direct </b></span>letting him know which date you would like to attend the Day 1 course and whether you would also like to attend a Day 2:</div>
<blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 40px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div>
<b>phone</b>: <i>only available to YABeeP members<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>email</b>: </span><i>only available to YABeeP members<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a great opportunity for us to receive some excellent training at a very reasonable cost from someone who I believe to be one of the best trainers in natural beekeeping in the country. Gareth is also the chief moderator on Phil Chandler's <a href="http://www.biobees.com/forum/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Natural Beekeeping Network</a> . If you want to take advantage of this book early as the spaces are limited.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robin Morris</b></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/yatton-area-bee-project-yabeep.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">YABeeP</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif;">18 April 2012</span></span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-73909082138397841572012-04-02T21:27:00.001+01:002012-04-02T21:33:33.539+01:00Wild Bee CoursesI have now received a schedule of training courses <b>Marc Carlton</b> will be running this year over the water in the Chepstow/Monmouth areas.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foxleas.com/Marc200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.foxleas.com/Marc200.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marc Carlton<br />
(image © Marc)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Marc runs the excellent<b> <a href="http://www.foxleas.com/" target="_blank">The Pollinator Garden</a></b> website and has supported YABeeP in the past. Last year I attended his Bumblebees for Beginners course at the Gwent Wildlife Trust's <a href="http://www.gwentwildlife.org/reserves/Pentwyn.htm" target="_blank">Pentwyn Farm</a> (see below) and had a really great day out; I thoroughly recommend it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gwent Wildlife Trust courses</span><br />
To book these phone Gwent Wildlife Trust 01600 740600 or go to <a href="http://www.gwentwildlife.org/events.htm">http://www.gwentwildlife.org/events.htm</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bumblebees for Beginners</b><br />
Saturday 9 June, 10.30 to 3, at <a href="http://www.gwentwildlife.org/reserves/Pentwyn.htm" target="_blank">Pentwyn Farm</a>, Penallt, between Chepstow and Monmouth off the B4293. Entrance near the War Memorial, park in Trust’s car park adjacent to the Bush Inn (Grid ref SO 523 094). Cost £16 , must book in advance through Gwent Wildlife Trust 01600 740600 . Consists of a presentation about bumblebee lifestyles and how to identify the seven common species that we see in gardens. Then course members spend time in the wildflower meadows of the adjacent reserve having a go at identifying bumblebees themselves. This covers the subject from scratch and does not assume any previous knowledge. As it is a course for beginners Marc does not cover the rarer species in any detail.<br />
<br />
<b>Gardening for Wild Bees</b><br />
Saturday 28th July. 10.30 to 1 at Seddon Court, near Dingestow, NP25 4ZX between Monmouth and Raglan. Cost £7. Must book in advance through Gwent Wildlife Trust 01600 740600. Seddon Court, where the wildlife trust has its HQ, has a beautiful large walled garden full of interesting perennial flowers. After giving an illustrated talk about wild bees and flowers I use this garden for a ‘min-field trip’ and take the course members round the garden to look at the flowers and their interactions with bumblebees and solitary bees. What you see insect-wise depends on the weather, but even if it is cold and wet you can still discuss the flowers. This course is the fun one – it is not very technical and is aimed at gardeners. As it finishes at 1pm people could combine it with an afternoon visit to Monmouth, the Wye Valley or Usk, all of which are close by.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Flora Locale course</span><br />
<br />
a new more detailed course about insects and flowers on behalf of the charity Flora Locale <a href="http://www.floralocale.org/content.asp?did=23773">http://www.floralocale.org/content.asp?did=23773</a> Note that their normal £100 fee does not apply to this course:<br />
<br />
<b>Gardening for Bugs, Bumblebees and Butterflies</b><br />
Thursday 14th June, in Chepstow. 0945-1600 (approx). Cost £40 (or £25 for Buglife and Butterfly Conservation members) payable in advance to Flora Locale. You must book this course in advance; places are limited. This event will look at the needs of pollinating insects, and ways in which gardens can be planted to attract a wide range of pollinators. We will be discussing the role of non-native garden flowers, and ways of using wild flowers in a garden setting. We sill discuss how different classes of insects (e.g. bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, beetles) use flowers as a food source, and also how different flowers are adapted to serve different insect pollinators. Includes a visit to Marc Carlton's garden, which is smallish back garden in the centre of Chepstow.<br />
<br />
If you have any queries about these courses <a href="http://www.foxleas.com/Contact.htm" target="_blank">please contact Marc direct</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-9003234245723083682012-03-03T21:29:00.001+00:002012-03-04T09:18:34.423+00:00Red tailed bumble feeding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJgXjttgaZo9jbfLJe6aRH7vrNMZIzw7IwQEP_AzcDP9e1jlihtHLhTT76BtxHTyJrH5wKZ78I3D_w1V7-UDLAd_ibht6-zB6avfFnvD0FyMMHarIu34Yql-SEJy64jZ8DNAnQCpzjryT/s1600/1-P1020952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJgXjttgaZo9jbfLJe6aRH7vrNMZIzw7IwQEP_AzcDP9e1jlihtHLhTT76BtxHTyJrH5wKZ78I3D_w1V7-UDLAd_ibht6-zB6avfFnvD0FyMMHarIu34Yql-SEJy64jZ8DNAnQCpzjryT/s200/1-P1020952.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My red tailed queen<br />
(Click photo to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a very mild winter Spring seems to have arrived over the last few days with sunshine and warm weather prompting the bees to fly.<br />
<br />
I'm very pleased to report that all four of my honeybee hives (all no-treatment low intervention) have bees flying and brining in a steady supply of pollen - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sSpSZ5F7ds&list=UUIXj_pnYDcajBWvrGcmXh7w&index=2&feature=plcp" target="_blank">see short video clip here</a>.<br />
<br />
I have also seen several bumble queens which have presumably emerged from hibernation and are in the process of fattening up on nectar before starting their new nests.<br />
<br />
Only yesterday I was photographing bees on the crocus when I noticed a <b>queen red tailed bumble</b> (<a href="http://www.bumblebee.org/lap.htm" target="_blank">bombus lapidarius</a>) who seemed to be in trouble - she was struggling to stay on the flowers and kept falling too the grass below. She was either cold or hungry so I intervened<i> (you can smack my hand later)</i> by holding her in the sun and giving her a couple of drops of my honey - see video below where, if you maximise the video, you can clearly see her tongue protruding from her<a href="http://www.bumblebee.org/bodyTongue.htm" target="_blank"> maxilla</a>. It did the trick and within 10 minutes she was off flying and collecting her own nectar. Let's hope she sets up a strong colony and I look forward to a garden full of bumbles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S3_QKYlE9x4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3_QKYlE9x4?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S3_QKYlE9x4?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feeding on 'safe' honey - see tongue working</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(click the 'You Tube' icon bottom right of panel to view full screen)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tzfSpQvuxx8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The same bee recovered.</div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Warning:</span></b> It can be very dangerous feeding honey to any species of bee as most shop bought honey is a blend of honeys from all over the world and contains virus spores for bee diseases. We are fortunate in that some of these diseases are not endemic to the UK. However feeding bees infected honey introduces these diseases and may can easily result in many colonies in a 5 mile area around the infection having to be destroyed to keep the disease out. Please therefore <b>don't feed them honey under any circumstances</b>, instead use jam or a simple sugar/water solution. In this instance I used honey from one of my own hives which<i> I knew to be disease free</i> so I could make an exception. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wild Bees</span><br />
It saddens me that so many bee groups and associations completely ignore our wild bees and only interest themselves in the exploitable honeybee. It's true that only honeybees produce honey that we can eat, but the bumbles and solitaries are so interesting and it is them that do the majority of our flower and crop pollination - around 80% of it. Thank you YABeeP for supporting all of our bees!<br />
<br />
<b>Robin Morris</b><br />
YABeeP<br />
<br />
3rd March 2012<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-37898900067500115962012-02-24T21:19:00.002+00:002012-02-29T13:42:13.833+00:00YABeeP Hive Building Day - 2012<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i>For information this is the text of an email sent to YABeeP members:</i></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I'm pleased to be able to announce the details for the<b> YABeeP Hive Building Day </b>for<b>2012</b>. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">As explained in my 11th February email to members we are changing the format this year. For 2012 those taking part will get a fully pre-cut flat-pack hive which they will assemble on the day under guidance and tuition from </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;">. This workshop is designed so that even if you've never picked up a screwdriver before you will be able to take part.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wh0PGu1G3eM-SBj9M8a1j2LcVuKC6ZmFR2gdgQteU81OcwrTx6iXDt5wczkkR1GzOVxZexp6-4lXpGHEmj3r2hWssBU_Hhyphenhyphen8NSuPWdNMBU5B0acL2_uuqyRRw3-S06qo-tXJgt8tNRNo/s1600/2-P1000992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wh0PGu1G3eM-SBj9M8a1j2LcVuKC6ZmFR2gdgQteU81OcwrTx6iXDt5wczkkR1GzOVxZexp6-4lXpGHEmj3r2hWssBU_Hhyphenhyphen8NSuPWdNMBU5B0acL2_uuqyRRw3-S06qo-tXJgt8tNRNo/s200/2-P1000992.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter & Ray, with a little<br />
help from your's truly, preparing<br />
for the Hive Building Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only will this give you a low cost Warré hive, but having constructed it yourself you will have a more intimate knowledge of its component parts and what functions they perform. You will also be able to proudly show off a hive you built yourself!</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">We are very lucky in that <b><i>Peter Land</i></b>, ably aided by his glamorous assistant Ray <span style="margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex;"><img goomoji="ezweb_ne_jp.335" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/ezweb_ne_jp/335" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.2ex; margin-right: 0.2ex; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span>, who were so brilliant at last year's workshop, has very kindly agreed to use his equipment, joinery expertise and time to source the materials and do most of the preparation work up-front. I am so grateful to Pete for stepping forward to take on this massive task for </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> - without his generous support this year's workshop would not have gone ahead.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What's on offer:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Those booking a place on the day will receive a flat-pack, self assembly, standard Warré hive which they will assemble at the </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Hive Building Day – see below for dates. This will consist of:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>A standard Warré hive consisting of:</b><br />
<ul><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">3 x bee boxes, each with viewing window</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">standard Warré quilt box, </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">standard Warré roof </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">sump box floor (modified Warré to facilitate cleaning, varroa inspection and emergency bottom feeding)</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">standard Warré top bars</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">bee box internal dimensions: width 300 x depth 300 x height 228 (height is +18mm deeper than the standard Warré) </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b>Materials used in the kit:</b><br />
<ul><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">untreated kiln dried rough sawn pine</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">25mm thick timber for bee boxes</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">20mm thick timber for quilt, roof and sump floor</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">perspex viewing window with timber covers in each bee box</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">No8 2.5" screws (Screwfix Quicksilver) and PVA glue are also supplied</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">animal bedding grade saw dust for quilt filling</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What is not supplied - you will need to do yourself after the day</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
After the day and before you can introduce bees <b>you will need to</b>:</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">supply and fit hessian sacking for the quilt box & bee proof-barrier</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">paint your bee-proof barrier with a water/flour mix </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">you will need to treat the outside of your hive to weatherproof it using an insect-friendly wood preserver, paint or natural treatment</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">supply your own bees - this is the big challenge, but <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2009/05/yabeep-getting-your-first-bees.html" target="_blank">see this post</a> for ideas</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Optional </b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">supply a security strap or alternative wind anchorage – optional but recommended for all but the most sheltered sites (see picture below)</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">fit varroa screen and/or bottom feeding tray</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">An instruction page showing how to do all these simple tasks will be posted on the<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2044356335"> </a></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2044356335">YABeeP</a></b></span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> website</a> before the hive building day. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>When & where is it?</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The hive building day is to take place on <b><span style="color: red;">Saturday 28th April 2012</span></b> – 10:30am to 5:00 pm in Yatton.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Because the build takes place outside we will not be able to continue if the weather on that day is foul. We are therefore booking <b>Saturday 19th May</b> as the contingency day should we be forced to postpone – please ensure that you are able to attend both dates. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cost</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZzaETaTvLD7VZswFXm8rawHXqZKpeYw_qgYpQhjxBt0QHM8XiR_-HRMlrfM6ha-9O0uhfeOaXpNrWZL9ON9s4LlJyIboF14GmpRaS3JsXgnPiZtGVibDiSpUh5-3H33C_xOm6o3_Y7X9/s1600/3-P1020048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZzaETaTvLD7VZswFXm8rawHXqZKpeYw_qgYpQhjxBt0QHM8XiR_-HRMlrfM6ha-9O0uhfeOaXpNrWZL9ON9s4LlJyIboF14GmpRaS3JsXgnPiZtGVibDiSpUh5-3H33C_xOm6o3_Y7X9/s200/3-P1020048.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 box standard Warré<br />
with sump box floor<br />
(click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222;">Cost of the flat-pack hive for </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> members attending the hive building day is</span><span style="color: red;"> <b>£65</b></span><span style="color: #222222;">. This price is only applicable for the hive building day. Further flat packs may be available for unassisted assembly after the day, but these will probably be at a significantly higher cost.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
On the Hive Building Day members will be assisted to assemble their flat pack hives under guidance. Necessary tools and advice will be supplied at the workshop. Subject to having reasonable weather we anticipate completing the hive assembly on the day. You will also need to arrange transport to take your assembled hive away after the day.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">How to book</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Spaces on this workshop are limited and will be awarded to </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: bold;"> members</span><span style="color: #222222;"> on a </span><b style="color: #222222;">first-come-first-served basis</b><span style="color: #222222;">. Please ensure that you have let me have your completed 2012 Membership Form before booking. Bookings will remain open for members until</span><b style="color: #222222;">14th April</b><span style="color: #222222;">. Any spaces unfilled at this date will be offered outside YABeeP to other natural beekeeping groups.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">To order a flat-pack hive and book a place on this workshop you need to send a completed application form (</span><i><span style="color: #222222;">currently only available to </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> members</span></i><span style="color: #222222;">) plus cheque for the full £65 to the <b>Hive Building Day coordinator</b> (</span><i style="color: #222222;">again currently only available to </i><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP</b></span></i><i style="color: #222222;"> members)</i><span style="color: #222222;">.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Note to non-members:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> To protect member's privacy I am unable to issue the form and send out the details of where to send your cheque until you have been accepted into membership. Please don't send cheques to me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Cheques must be made payable to Peter Land. You will receive an email confirmation once your payment is received confirming your booking. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Homework</span></b> </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
YABeeP promotes responsible <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html" target="_blank">natural beekeeping</a>. If you are going to keep bees then you need to learn about these wonderful creatures yourself so that you can care for them properly, recognise any problems and become a responsible natural beekeeper.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
You will therefore need to start learning about the following:</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">principles and philosophies of Warré beekeeping. </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">bees, their biology, physiology and needs</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">bee diseases and other challenges they face</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EKWCU4-ymNiY-bwH4jxZujl5qRFWhSxx3V3oXmjLG5YJ7XlMaGxCS2txbYIDTyJNGjjoIp-tSeQLVCNMEFh2cmVIP_0I_UzgfJ4-UkCe9J1Gz7JPKvMLNXRljJAedKHIU8kWyOMvb6I7/s1600/1-P1000997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EKWCU4-ymNiY-bwH4jxZujl5qRFWhSxx3V3oXmjLG5YJ7XlMaGxCS2txbYIDTyJNGjjoIp-tSeQLVCNMEFh2cmVIP_0I_UzgfJ4-UkCe9J1Gz7JPKvMLNXRljJAedKHIU8kWyOMvb6I7/s200/1-P1000997.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hive Building Day<br />
production line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222;">Membership of </span><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> is a great start on the road to learning these skills, but you will also need to read about and study your new craft. I am currently drafting a series of pages on this</span><span style="color: #222222;"> website that updates our 2011 page designed to point you at the best resources. This should be published in the next week or so. If you can't wait see the </span><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/02/warre-options.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">2011 Warré Hive Introduction page</a><span style="color: #222222;">. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Helpers on the day</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We have already received some offers to help out on the day from members who won't be assembling hives themselves. If you would also like to join in as a helper then please email me (Robin) as I will be coordinating the assembly day itself. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
That's it. Please address all enquiries about <b>booking a flat-pack plus a space on the hive building day</b> and any queries about <b>the flat-packs themselves</b> to the Hive Building Day coordinator, not me.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
For enquiries about helping out on the day please contact me by email.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">Robin Morris</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
24 Feb 2012<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffXJrtY7sDFDfe2vpWxJ7yscsPYopL5q0k2b9TfWOvR7Tdnt4gN_2q3htGvKXyBf6V6Hh0Iei_p-4J_7-2zjkf7wIkI2r_KEpIS3rzguiUAuXgcDLJ_lJMf7_fHAPdumihBywfnzyUXNI/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffXJrtY7sDFDfe2vpWxJ7yscsPYopL5q0k2b9TfWOvR7Tdnt4gN_2q3htGvKXyBf6V6Hh0Iei_p-4J_7-2zjkf7wIkI2r_KEpIS3rzguiUAuXgcDLJ_lJMf7_fHAPdumihBywfnzyUXNI/s400/Desktop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 Hive Building Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-91037831823445834892012-02-22T08:50:00.000+00:002012-08-15T13:40:09.926+01:00Bristol Sustainable Bee Group<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP </span></b>is pleased to host this page on behalf of the <b>Bristol Sustainable Bee Group</b> (BSBG).<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP </span></b>welcomes members from Bristol and beyond, however, we appreciate that some Bristolians prefer not to travel and support a local group; some are even members of both.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">The content of the box below plus any links to BSBG documents is supplied by the BSBG and does not necessarily represent the views of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="background-color: beige;"><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">The Bristol Sustainable Bee Group (BSBG)</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Formed in June 2010 when a nucleus of YABeeP members living in Bristol realised there was probably enough momentum to start a spin-off Bristol group. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">The BSBG's aim</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">We are a group of people interested in sustainable/natural honey bee keeping. We want to share and learn from each other.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">2012 Bristol BSBG Meetings</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">The BSBG meets monthly on the <b>last Saturday of every month</b>. They meet at The Canteen, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> (</span><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=The+Canteen,+Hamilton+House,+Stokes+Croft&ll=51.463152,-2.589898&spn=0.007834,0.013797&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=The+Canteen,+Hamilton+House,+Stokes+Croft&cid=0,0,9086853118285440047&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A" target="_blank">map</a><span style="color: #674ea7;">) between 11am – 12.30am. Meeting dates as follows:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>18th Feb</b> 2012 - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hJq_OvAO_qt7EYbXd9l5y9BKDffYeY5QraYDds5HdKE/edit" target="_blank">Click here to read the meeting note</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>31st Mar </b>2012 - Meeting theme: ‘Spring; populating hives, feeding and what’s going on at the hive entrance’</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>28th Apr</b> 2012
- M</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">eeting themes </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> to be agreed at prevoius month's meeting.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>26th May</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> 2012 </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>30th Jun</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> 2012 </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>28th Jul</b></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> 2012 </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>25th Aug</b> 2012 </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>29th Sep</b> 2012</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>27th Oct</b> 2012</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">If you would like to join one of these meetings please come along and make yourself known, though it would help us if you could email Misty (see contact details below) to let us know that you are coming.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">BSBG Contact</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">For further information about the BSBG and to let us know if you plan to attend a meeting please contact:</span><br />
<b style="color: #674ea7;">Misty Tunks</b><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">email: </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><a href="mailto:mtunks@hotmail.com" target="_blank">mtunks[at]hotmail[dot]com</a></b> (click the link or reconstruct this anti-spam address)</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">telephone: 07791 492737</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Some smaller Bristol sub groups are starting to form under the BSBG umbrella, email Misty to find out more.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-9448895814788264652012-02-15T22:07:00.002+00:002012-02-17T10:59:07.214+00:00BBC - Bees, Butterflies and BloomsI don't usually post the contents of emails sent out to our members but I felt this would be useful to those out of our area who follow the <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>YABeeP </b></span>website.<br />
<br />
The following message was today sent to <b style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</b> members and those on our circulation list.<br />
<br />
<i>Note for those outside the UK</i>:<i> I understand that the BBC iPlayer cannot be viewed from outside the UK so the video links below probably won't work for you.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Media/Images/Wildlife/Bees/HoneyBeesOnAllium_LW?width=510" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Media/Images/Wildlife/Bees/HoneyBeesOnAllium_LW?width=510" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Image
© Royal Horticultural Society )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Message to members</b><br />
I make no apology for sending another <b style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</b> 'round robin' out so soon after the last as you'll want to see this:<br />
<br />
Tonight the BBC aired the second in the series <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013pw23">Bees, Butterflies and Blooms</a>. This absolutely brilliant series shows broadcaster and gardener Sarah Raven's campaign to halt the rapid decline in Britain's essential bees, butterflies and pollinating insects by bringing flower power to towns, cities and the countryside.<br />
<br />
It really is a Must See for <b style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</b> members and anyone interested in the planet. It's as if this series was made for
<b style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</b>. It's so refreshing to see a bee programme not majoring on honeybees and conventional beekeers.<br />
<br />
Through the good grace of the BBC iPlayer you can catch up with this series. If you've not been following it I very strongly suggest that you do so now. If you have then I'm sure that you'll want to watch it again.<br />
<br />
To see it get yourself a cuppa, turn off the phones for an hour and follow these links - remember to choose the Watch in HD option (under the picture) if you have a broadband connection and maximise your screen for your full enjoyment:<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Sustainable-gardening/Plants-for-pollinators"><img border="0" src="http://www.rhs.org.uk/Media/Images/Plants/Perfect-for-Pollinators_RHS_P4P_LOGO_LW?width=243" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click logo above to go to the RHS<br />
Plants for Pollinators website<br />
(Logo © Royal Horticultural Society)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0152fty/Bees_Butterflies_and_Blooms_Villages_Farms_and_Countryside/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Episode 1. Villages, Farms and Countryside</a> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01c89vp/Bees_Butterflies_and_Blooms_Towns_Gardens_and_Britain_in_Bloom/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Episod</span>e 2. Towns, Gardens and Britain in Bloom</a> <span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u>Episode 3. Cities</u> - to be aired on BBC2 next Wednesday (22 Feb 12) evening at 8:00pm.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
Act quickly as it's only available on iPlayer only until Weds 29th Feb.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
Robin Morris<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #009900; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">YABeeP</a></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-42215911990588204312012-02-11T08:34:00.001+00:002012-02-29T12:29:03.959+00:00Changes for 2012It is now just a month away from the start of the 2012 Yatton Area Bee Project (<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>) <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/12/2012-meeting-dates.html">monthly meetings</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJkaawUBnSOlvnEj6oTN0riZYboPauT8IxWiuORYVbYCPrt137ro6TKUvUcx11kFkBjjrXvLpTKZnis5qFxlx2TuCT_vHrOXa73g2sgOkyTBAhHApwmHLzKPtRJcQjcO1COVNl8KgDlYt/s1600/SAM_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJkaawUBnSOlvnEj6oTN0riZYboPauT8IxWiuORYVbYCPrt137ro6TKUvUcx11kFkBjjrXvLpTKZnis5qFxlx2TuCT_vHrOXa73g2sgOkyTBAhHApwmHLzKPtRJcQjcO1COVNl8KgDlYt/s200/SAM_0075.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete enjoying his bees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last year we agreed to make changes to way we run <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>. I am now in a position to publish these changes and would ask that members read the following. I'll quickly run through these at our first meeting but as we meet to 'talk bees' I want to keep this 'business' element very brief - the chapter and verse is below:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Covering our costs</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>'s success can, in part, be attributed to the informal nature of the group – it runs without a committee, formal constitution, the need for 'business meetings' and we don't even need to charge a membership fee - all of which means we can just concentrate on talking about bees bees. We wish to continue in this spirit.<br />
<br />
Last year we had to start charging a £1 door fee when larger numbers meant we needed to meet in the Library to help cover the costs of room hire, it's required insurance and supplied tea/coffees. Unfortunately on occasions this entry contribution did not always cover the charge and left me out of pocket.<br />
<br />
<b>For 2012</b> therefore, <b>when members renew their membership, they will be invited to make a voluntary donation to club funds of £5 per person</b>. This will not be a requirement - members can opt out of this contribution if they cannot afford it or disagree. The fee will be used to help fund room hire plus pay for refreshments both at these meetings and the informal networks held afterwards in members gardens.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXZfovJtXiE14lqU_0I7owrQ7vRu7fFR51ebwnoZAnNsKlvTCS_2UGUBfgCNOyrk_cbAt-93DiB3ubgFvDPkKVz67pJ-mD5BBaOv7I-jObgtvyM-jgTCUsRSF8yZhfMMt0t0ABrADeOdQ/s1600/P1010259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXZfovJtXiE14lqU_0I7owrQ7vRu7fFR51ebwnoZAnNsKlvTCS_2UGUBfgCNOyrk_cbAt-93DiB3ubgFvDPkKVz67pJ-mD5BBaOv7I-jObgtvyM-jgTCUsRSF8yZhfMMt0t0ABrADeOdQ/s200/P1010259.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentle swarm<br />
nothing to be frightened of</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This annual donation will be in addition to the £1 door fee which we shall continue to charge at venues we have to hire.<br />
<br />
As we don't have a formal Treasurer Ali Twigg has kindly offered to voluntarily act as in this capacity. In order to impose a degree of transparency we will ask that all contributions be paid to me. I will log them and then pass the funds on to Ali. This way 2 people are independently aware of the funds received to increase accountability. Ali will maintain a simple account of income -v- outgoings which she will report back on at the end of the year when we can review the success of this method and agree donation levels for the following year.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Mentor support for members</span><br />
We will also start a voluntary mentor support programme to help new and inexperienced members. This will assign someone with more experience to those seeking support on a one-to-one, or small group basis. These mentors will act as a first point of contact for queries, questions and general support. We will attempt to match people based on hive type and locality. Again Ali has kindly volunteered to 'match' those wishing to take advantage of this.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TKnyEJBp0e3GllKABYHBo4rGy7YR5clXl7UuFhGEpbMXqg5xNpSlB3EdI50HKMGMgGMawSYemTFESQOoxKyB7sBUOEFd7HfZBbi1_SXeIM9_cJLkr99uhHA7od4PYCuKv752dBwGkfKe/s1600/Emma+Donovan+May+11+006+(1024x768).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TKnyEJBp0e3GllKABYHBo4rGy7YR5clXl7UuFhGEpbMXqg5xNpSlB3EdI50HKMGMgGMawSYemTFESQOoxKyB7sBUOEFd7HfZBbi1_SXeIM9_cJLkr99uhHA7od4PYCuKv752dBwGkfKe/s200/Emma+Donovan+May+11+006+(1024x768).JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma, walking her swarm in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to take this forward we need to identify who wants to take part; both those seeking support and those prepared to act as mentors A section has been added to the 2012 Membership Form to facilitate this.<br />
<br />
Mentors will not be 'experts'. Rather they are volunteers with some, albeit limited, experience of natural beekeeping offering a first line of support to those starting on their beekeeping journey. Our more experienced members will still be available for advice, views and opinions, but it is hoped that the mentor scheme will prevent our experts from being constantly troubled with more basic questions. Acting as a mentor is a great way of expanding your own beekeeping knowledge as helping others understand this craft is the best way to learn.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. 2012 hive building day</span><br />
We wish to continue with this event as it always proves valuable and enjoyable to new and experienced members alike. However, given the increasing numbers taking part each year it requires a huge amount of behind the scenes planning, scheduling work, sourcing materials, organising equipment, etc.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJInFo5R9gOfYw5QhlKmCAEpHt9dY1HqmNW7XcJ_XENbhhqzGA8zc6PaqnmGIyk7koKOM3doAbAT8f7afLkomnGKTAiEaSsT2Bv01jQMmOBdPFjz7wGXwMOEwUb2RJOp9ZU9lndBM7B9H/s1600/P1000993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJInFo5R9gOfYw5QhlKmCAEpHt9dY1HqmNW7XcJ_XENbhhqzGA8zc6PaqnmGIyk7koKOM3doAbAT8f7afLkomnGKTAiEaSsT2Bv01jQMmOBdPFjz7wGXwMOEwUb2RJOp9ZU9lndBM7B9H/s200/P1000993.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys - hive building day prep'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
We are therefore seeking to change the format for 2012. Rather than attempt to both cut and assemble hives on the workshop day, we are hoping to supply pre-cut hive kits which participants will assemble on the day under
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> guidance. This should be far more achievable in the 5 hours or so available at the workshop. </div>
<br />
Of course getting the hives pre-cut ready to assemble will involve additional cost. That said I am estimating that this should add no more than £20 to the cost of each hive. Whilst this increase is regretted we feel it is the only way to practically continue running the workshops. Using last year's costs as a guide it should mean members getting a 3 box Warré hive for around £50 to £60 - in my view a real bargain.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Other volunteer roles to be filled</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCS2K-fZ9YD0lXHevtkDbuuMRzxWBv0D_48ogDGx8sFDUZ29dO3jj8lbrAqlH9cHwfc4OTOiw8heeAJ5RPTViPNwOsRmhkB8EBJUiDLvtaGM40HBcq2exeP-r29gqDtZjyNcxaov4E_sa/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCS2K-fZ9YD0lXHevtkDbuuMRzxWBv0D_48ogDGx8sFDUZ29dO3jj8lbrAqlH9cHwfc4OTOiw8heeAJ5RPTViPNwOsRmhkB8EBJUiDLvtaGM40HBcq2exeP-r29gqDtZjyNcxaov4E_sa/s200/P1010099.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and it's not just honeybees - a member <br />
offers a pitstop to a Red Tailed bumble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are still some roles that it would be great to have volunteers fill but won't stop <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> functioning if unfilled. If you feel that you can help with any of these please let me know:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Meetings door fee coordinator</b> – arranging for someone to greet arrivals and collect the door fee to pass to Ali at booked venues</li>
<li><b>Publicity person</b> – to send emails to the local free paper/mag &, get posters up in the Parish notice boards 2 weeks before each meeting</li>
<li><b>Special projects coordinator</b> - coordinating anyone keen to run one-off projects, eg school nest building, etc.</li>
<li><b>Social organiser</b> – arranging/coordinating BBQ, Christmas lunch, outings to other bee events/groups? etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. YABeeP - a change of name?</span><br />
When I started <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> in 2009 I had no concept of who would want to join. As it has transpired we now have regular members from as far away as South Wales, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Devon. Our core membership covers the whole of North Somerset, and Somerset county and Bristol. The question therefore arose should we change our name?<br />
<br />
Following discussions this winter we have decided that our name, particularly our acronym
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>, is well established and we should therefore <b>not </b>change it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Natural beekeeping, our raison d'être </span><br />
As all members will already be very aware, we are firmly a “<b>natural beekeeping</b>” group and wish to remain so.<br />
<br />
This winter our aim has been refined to emphasise this and now reads "<i>to provide peer support to individuals and families who want to encourage both wild and honey bees and maybe keep bees themselves. We advocate using bee-friendly natural beekeeping methods. Where our members keep honeybees they do so primarily for the benefit of the bees themselves, not in order to exploit them for forced honey production or personal profit</i>".<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqtxGWhWAQKyis86FONvuRMSLgT6frD0vLaYlPcPjXd9ibyVyfMb_Jj5V5EBsapSvD8TwEgY6UCnNtX1Vyk89V_6f2qh4OhEubhdZix3l9zeEgO6O8gHWwXjsQyStTR2_zEYLh_bbb6_M/s1600/P1010253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqtxGWhWAQKyis86FONvuRMSLgT6frD0vLaYlPcPjXd9ibyVyfMb_Jj5V5EBsapSvD8TwEgY6UCnNtX1Vyk89V_6f2qh4OhEubhdZix3l9zeEgO6O8gHWwXjsQyStTR2_zEYLh_bbb6_M/s200/P1010253.JPG" width="196" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy feels a swarm's temperature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We shall continue to accept into membership all beekeepers seeking to move to a more natural way of keeping bees whatever their background or beekeeping experience. It's the desire to put the needs of the bees first that really marks our difference.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, several of us have struggled over which is the correct label to apply to our beekeeping beliefs. Terms such as natural, sustainable, free range, alternative, top bar, holistic, complimentary, apicentric, etc. are often used and all have their place. People like me have been wary of the 'natural' label as it gives ammunition to those against our bee-friendly cause to argue that even many natural beekeeping styles are quite unnatural.<br />
<br />
We have to accept however that '<b>natural</b>' is far and away the most widely accepted term and generally conveys what we stand for to the general public. We have agreed therefore that this is the most appropriate label and would encourage members to feel free to use it to describe our bee-friendly beekeeping style. If anyone challenges your use of the natural label <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html">refer them to this</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Robin Morris</b><br />
February 2012<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPomr8C8SVZy8b-7tWMoF3pye3nHJ5H1It-Ml-QBDw7uZ3TNoP0A44yKCM97fm5IMgzDYYXmCzLiO-Lo_5auI1qHTuK40xtFO_-L_9kyLAjm6mFHZ2lWX55tfAIX-6k03KUQpjaJKWwTq/s1600/Simon+&+Lou+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPomr8C8SVZy8b-7tWMoF3pye3nHJ5H1It-Ml-QBDw7uZ3TNoP0A44yKCM97fm5IMgzDYYXmCzLiO-Lo_5auI1qHTuK40xtFO_-L_9kyLAjm6mFHZ2lWX55tfAIX-6k03KUQpjaJKWwTq/s400/Simon+&+Lou+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural beekeeping at its best!<br />
One of Lou & Simon's hives in their beautiful garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-66714750708800823072012-02-09T13:15:00.001+00:002012-02-28T23:47:59.774+00:00Gareth John WorkshopsI have been contacted by <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b>'s very good friend and long time member <b>Gareth John </b>detailing 2 <b>natural beekeeping workshops</b> he is running. Many of you may also know Gareth from his role as site administrator and lead moderator on the Natural Beekeeping Network - <a href="http://www.biobees.com/forum/">http://www.biobees.com/forum/</a>.<br />
<br />
If you want to attend any of these days, detailed below, then you need act quickly as he tells me they are booking up fast.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bespoke Workshops for YABeeP</span><br />
I am also very pleased to say that Gareth has again agreed to run some workshops in Yatton specifically for <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> members. For us Gareth has agreed to tailor workshops to meet our needs. He's even agreed to run these at £30 per person for a day's training<sup>1</sup>, bring your own food.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s1600/GRJ-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbPpHKGSH6SP5NoC9vUAQQqCCjAlAYv2ew-LJikn3RSu7c33ggbUWMdCU_x2DTqirex_Uu_52dMu9tqzWUpP_AV8lB9SkC9Pm4HG3f4RgnPNfOQk0JQskMvq57ODyTR_hcvHm3ABzlk_S/s200/GRJ-Photo.jpg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gareth has particular expertise in managing horizontal/Kenyan hives. Last year <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/05/alternative-warre-htbh.html">he ran a brilliant</a> workshop for us on recovering from cross-combing and making a split. If you would like to attend something similar this year or help tailor something specific to your own needs then <b><span style="color: red;">please contact Gareth direct </span></b>(<span style="color: blue;">grjohn at btinternet com</span>) as he will arrange the
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> days based on your feedback and with coordinate with me.<br />
<br />
Make it clear that you are interested in a Yatton <b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> training day also let him know your hive type and experience.<br />
<br />
<b>Robin Morris</b><br />
<br />
<sup>1</sup><i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Bees For Development also <a href="http://www.beesfordevelopment.org/what-we-do/education/uk-training/weekend-course" target="_blank">run similar courses in the Forest of Dean</a> but at £87 per day</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gareth's message:-</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hT0IcGXpsLDcRa5f9i_1y37Q4MTPp3IoJH7LDDaMLonuZJTgZ3GuBhIrW8UFgE-6FA1BLjdHGL8ler1VopAhwoThcllYq6xGnQuCVzoSKetCgWU-Ln8puZvudwNhBmpbs9oQ7D7_KdWr/s1600/JaneHale+IMG_2430.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hT0IcGXpsLDcRa5f9i_1y37Q4MTPp3IoJH7LDDaMLonuZJTgZ3GuBhIrW8UFgE-6FA1BLjdHGL8ler1VopAhwoThcllYq6xGnQuCVzoSKetCgWU-Ln8puZvudwNhBmpbs9oQ7D7_KdWr/s200/JaneHale+IMG_2430.JPG.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth shows members<br />
what to look for</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Dear Beekeeper<br /><br />Below is notification of the first in what I hope will become a series of natural beekeeping weekends in Kencot, West Oxfordshire -<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Kencot,+West+Oxfordshire+District&hl=en&ll=51.742496,-1.633186&spn=0.02939,0.055189&sll=51.74239,-1.633186&sspn=0.02939,0.055189&oq=kencot,&hnear=Kencot,+Oxfordshire,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=14"> map</a>. The aim of these weekends is to foster a general understanding of the principles of what has become known as <b>natural beekeeping</b>. The weekends will be in a workshop style, with plenty of opportunity for interaction and questions. <br /><br />The Saturday is for those who are starting their journey as natural beekeepers (or are perhaps considering such a journey) and who wish to learn about the concepts that underpin keeping bees as a natural beekeeper<br /><br />The Sunday is for those who wish to delve more deeply into the subject. You are welcome to attend either or both days. If you have a friend or acquaintance who might be interested, please feel free to forward this email.<br /><br />If you are interested in attending either or both days, please reply accordingly, saying which day you would like to attend and noting any special dietary or other requirements. Further details of the subject matter for each day, how to pay and and how to get here will be sent once I have an idea of likely numbers.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing from you:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i> </i><b><u><i>Saturday 31 March 2012, 10:30 – 4.00</i></u></b><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i>An introduction to honey bees, their place in the local ecosystem and natural beekeeping, including</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>The annual cycle of a honey bee colony</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Working with the bees - the basics of natural beekeeping</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Horizontal and Warre top bar hives</i></span></li>
</ul>
<i><b><u>Sunday 1 April 2012, 10:30 – 4.00</u></b><br /><span style="color: #783f04;">In depth topics for natural beekeepers, including</span></i><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Colony development in the spring and early summer</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Swarming and splits</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>The impact of Varroa</i></span></li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqeg7OAhAHBMwL71lBb6aN33reCNR0RaHvEJTnXtqy-QUNsU2nlv6e7Oqdboz9hlz45Li1HG_7aUPOTfvGoJtEEMydSGlAuxAEyar9vpxG2HZPOkZjxXwxFcGVOiavEoBnoIUHrKNpMN/s200/Gareth+John+training+day+-+P1010114.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth training at YABeeP, May 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="color: #783f04;"><i>Varroa tolerant bees</i></span></li>
</ul>
<i><span style="color: #783f04;">Both days will be in a small group format (around 8 attendees each day). Each topic will be covered in a talk, followed by questions and discussion. If you have a topic that you would particularly like to be included, please let me know. <br /><br />Cost: £40 including a good lunch, teas, coffees and cake. Special diets (vegetarian, gluten free etc) can easily be catered for, but please let me know when booking as we cannot cover options that we don't know about!</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i>Hive Opening</i></b><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><i>As the weather is unlikely to be warm enough for a hive opening, both days will be indoor-based. For those who would like a practical demonstration, a half-day hive opening can be scheduled for the weekend of 5th and 6th May. There will be a nominal additional cost of £5 for this. Tea, coffee and cake will be supplied. Please let me know if you would like to attend such a day.</i></span><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>My Credentials</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i>I have a degree in Agricultural Science and have kept bees on and off over a 40 year period, the last 5 years of which have been in top bar hives. <br /><br /><b>Gareth John</b><br />Natural Beekeeping Weekend Workshops<br />Kencot<br />West Oxfordshire</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-42643767917550009822012-02-05T12:38:00.002+00:002012-02-12T08:47:32.072+00:00Presentations and Workshops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
YABeeP is often called on to give presentations and workshops to community groups, local organisations or businesses on bees generally and bee-friendly <b>natural beekeeping</b><sup>1</sup> specifically.<br />
<br />
This page outlines some of our 'standard' packages which can be delivered to external groups. Bespoke talks, demonstrations and workshops can also be tailored to a groups particular needs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktylc3-3zu8x-hjDQvTN-qJVau96gHfubP6qW-yJjkJTMFWyDz1faTM4K6DcoG5Kts7z0oGKo6yIIKAp1ShcTRjh-wM5PgB8K0RaGxc8P-3S0yu_b4u24SuziB7Sz6kQjZvHEmFt9LNeS/s1600/CNV00014-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktylc3-3zu8x-hjDQvTN-qJVau96gHfubP6qW-yJjkJTMFWyDz1faTM4K6DcoG5Kts7z0oGKo6yIIKAp1ShcTRjh-wM5PgB8K0RaGxc8P-3S0yu_b4u24SuziB7Sz6kQjZvHEmFt9LNeS/s320/CNV00014-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Off the shelf presentations/workshops:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">YB1: <b>Beefriending Our Bees</b></span><br />
<table border="2" bordercolor="#C0C0C0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3">
<tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr>
<td>Target audience</td>
<td>Generalist - anyone who wants to learn more about bees in general and learn some practical ways they can attract bees into their own gardens/spaces.</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Duration</td>
<td>45 minutes to 1 hour</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Delivery mode</td>
<td>Illustrated slide presentation, question time and demonstration of bee equipment, their nests, boxes and hives</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Learning Aim</td>
<td>To introduce the 3 main categories of bee found in the UK and outline their life cycle and habitat</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Learning objectives</td>
<td>At the end of the talk members will understand the 3 main types of bee found in the UK (plus bee mimics and related insects), have a general knowledge of their distinct life cycles and habitat. Additionally members will be introduced to ways to make bee homes for the various category of bee</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Primary presenter</td>
<td>Robin Morris - founder of YABeeP - <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/02/about-author.html">Link to biography</a> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">YB2: <b>So you want to keep honeybees? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The bee-friendly 'Swingometer'</b></span><br />
<table border="2" bordercolor="#C0C0C0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3">
<tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr>
<td>Target audience</td>
<td>Those interested in starting bee keeping (honeybees) and wishing to make an informed choice of the management regime and hive types most suited to their aspirations</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Duration</td>
<td>45 minutes to 1.5 hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Delivery mode</td>
<td>Illustrated slide presentation and workshop with open forum participation. Includes a demonstration of various hives</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Learning Aim</td>
<td>To assist those planning to take up bee keeping make an informed decision about the hive types and management methodology most suitable to them</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Learning objectives</td>
<td><br />
<ul>
<li>The session looks at the various motivations that drive people to keep bees and the impact of the various husbandry systems currently available.</li>
<li>It outlines the basic bee life-cycle, their biology, needs and wants as a wild creature. </li>
<li>Using the illustration of a swingometer it describes a continuum between the behaviour of wild/feral honey bees left to manage their own affairs at one extreme and the intensive husbandry practices of a highly 'managed' production colony at the other extreme.</li>
<li>Alternative husbandry systems, hives and bee boxes are then discussed and overlaid onto this continuum.</li>
<li>Participants are open to arrive at their own conclusions as to which hive and husbandry systems are most suited to their own personal bee keeping aspirations.</li>
<li>This session is particularly suited for those whose interest is keeping bees through a desire to help bees and the environment rather than profit from their honey production.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Primary presenter</td>
<td>Robin Morris - founder of YABeeP - <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/02/about-author.html">Link to biography</a> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ3OiqDmaqBBMXNCcb-v4YNW6GBw7rPZxWUzSqCdIRrhsJXotfzQmvv_EH5tmW7ngJFnNSfXzgLrlyKiRc5FrI3UcGD_LWzyE2b9sbQEIpGeAl29WH00EaCPyet6Y1bNkD2s5dELAvUNA/s1600/DSCF8451x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ3OiqDmaqBBMXNCcb-v4YNW6GBw7rPZxWUzSqCdIRrhsJXotfzQmvv_EH5tmW7ngJFnNSfXzgLrlyKiRc5FrI3UcGD_LWzyE2b9sbQEIpGeAl29WH00EaCPyet6Y1bNkD2s5dELAvUNA/s200/DSCF8451x.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Requirements:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>In order to host a talk you will need to be able to provide a warm and dry venue preferably with a 240v electricity supply. </li>
<li>YABeeP do not own our own PC Projector so you will either need to supply one with connector to a 'Windows'<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">©</span> p.c. or fund the rental charge. Exceptionally talks can be given without projection by prior agreement but the use of photographs and images gives a significant advantage.</li>
<li>On-site parking for one vehicle is required as various hives and ancillary equipment need to be transported.</li>
<li>We also ask that you consider the needs of those with reduced mobility and wheelchair users in your choice of venue.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>Costs: </b></div>
<div>
A modest charge is made for talks dependant on duration and subject. </div>
<div>
A per mile fuel charge<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><sup>2</sup></span> is also made for the return journey from <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=yatton&gl=uk&hnear=Yatton,+North+Somerset,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=14">Yatton</a>, North Somerset to your venue.</div>
<div>
All charges are fully receipted.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUeV_wqIDG8rAvWu_qKdDslUXf1u1UuvtGrCgqAEIi543hDX4BVpVE0Hpei4XaH2fuo28YQ2ZIZw9J_SE0tQyDqp1P1mYFSRoFNfQ-stEjromBEL1ZPRiV7KfjSP-rTOIb4vl3jHUJlOg/s1600/CNV00013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUeV_wqIDG8rAvWu_qKdDslUXf1u1UuvtGrCgqAEIi543hDX4BVpVE0Hpei4XaH2fuo28YQ2ZIZw9J_SE0tQyDqp1P1mYFSRoFNfQ-stEjromBEL1ZPRiV7KfjSP-rTOIb4vl3jHUJlOg/s320/CNV00013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Further Information:</b><br />
For further information please contact Robin Morris on <a href="mailto:YABeeP@gmail.com">YABeeP@gmail.com</a> or telephone 01934 876275.<br />
<br />
<b>Robin Morris</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<sup>1 </sup>YABeeP believes that bees should be kept using <b>natural beekeeping</b> practices. <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html">Click here</a> for an explanation of what this means<br />
<sup>2</sup>
currently 40p per mile</div>
<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-67949371339275710052011-12-20T18:13:00.002+00:002012-09-26T22:01:23.949+01:002012 Meeting Dates<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> aims<i> to provide peer support to individuals and families who want to encourage both wild and honey bees and maybe keep bees themselves. We advocate using<b> bee-friendly natural bee-keeping methods</b>. Where our members keep honeybees they do so primarily for the benefit of the bees themselves, not in order to exploit them for forced honey production or personal profit</i><sup>1</sup>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
For 2012 we will continue to hold our informal meetings at <b>10:30am</b> on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">second Saturday of each month</span></b> during the bee season - March to October. Meetings last about 2 hours and, weather permitting, usually include a chance to see bees in action:-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: white;">2012 Dates:</b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">M</span></span></span></b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span">arch 10th</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> - </span></span></b><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> - Download note of meeting here - <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-4JIz0XRw6oVzMyZ2JyYmhRZ0NBNnU0Y2g2OC1sZw" target="_blank">LINK</a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><b>April </b><b>14th - </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span> </span><span style="background-color: white;">10:30 - Please note,</span></span>this meeting is specifically for those new to natural beekeeping or wanting to start keeping honeybees. We will talk about the life cycle of the bee and what they need for healthy survival then overlay on this the various beekeeping methodologies. This will help you make an informed choice of the management regime and hive types most suited to your aspirations.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>April 28th</b> - <b><a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/yabeep-hive-building-day-2012.html" target="_blank">Warré hive building workshop</a></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> (all day)</span></span>. Members who have booked a space will be able to build a hive. However, the day is open to all members who want to drop in and join the fun or see the build so they can do their own. </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>May </b><b>12th - </b></span><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> - This month's topic is "Getting your bees" - followed by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><b>solitary bee box workshop</b></span></span></span></li>
<li><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><b>June </b><b>9th - </b></span><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> followed by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><b style="font-weight: bold;">Barbecue picnic</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> lunch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. </span> - This month's topic is "Protection & equipment"</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<b></b><b></b><b></b></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>July </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>14th - </b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Meeting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><strike><b>August 11</b><b>th - </b></strike></span><span style="color: blue;"><strike>Meeting</strike> </span>NB - the August meeting has been cancelled as it clashes with the <a href="http://www.biobees.com/naturalbeekeepingalliance/conference.php" target="_blank">Natural Beekeeping Conference</a> and many members will be away. See you in September.</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>September</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> 8</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">th</span><span style="background-color: white;"> - </span></b></span><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>October </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>13</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">th</span><span style="background-color: white;"> - </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Meeting</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: red;">If you wish to join one of these meetings we'd love to see you</span> </b>- please email <a href="mailto:YABeeP@googlemail.com" style="font-weight: bold;">YABeeP@googlemail.com</a><b> </b>or tel: 01934 876275 to let us know who you are, how many will attend and to get directions to the meeting.</span> </span>We hope to hear from you.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why do we meet?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Meetings allow us to:</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>welcome new members to learn about our aims and principles and decide whether they wish join us;</li>
<li>provide an environment to network with each other to expand our knowledge, ask questions and share new ideas and thoughts on helping bees;</li>
<li>provide an opportunity to get hands on with bees (dependant on weather of course) and see into a working hive/bee box;</li>
<li>meet socially and enjoy the occasional BBQ, picnic, etc., after all life’s not all about bees.</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where do we meet?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Meetings take place in the Yatton area as this is central to our North Somerset patch, either in a local home or a local venue. The venue details and a map are emailed to members the week before each meeting.<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIBMxmVpUGkFsIoV4oddQxXpDXNcXK3jbpOtoXUEHCDN-8L4jR1zjsdvgx513ZM6MX53AMtOV3DhrpvykmJft9lhgNSK01L0NdKHE8suz_N3H4LYFGgFc0A-hwve5lNLVw2BRn6CRPgup/s1600/P1000668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIBMxmVpUGkFsIoV4oddQxXpDXNcXK3jbpOtoXUEHCDN-8L4jR1zjsdvgx513ZM6MX53AMtOV3DhrpvykmJft9lhgNSK01L0NdKHE8suz_N3H4LYFGgFc0A-hwve5lNLVw2BRn6CRPgup/s200/P1000668.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... or in the Library</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj6cpwcwp9pd6KPa-dp8RY2-QEzMASzYnRMLBdfoh32OKTqAk_DuTZPj8MWZF_UoW3NsTapcDLeZvHPIwrZOEzrJrwkYuZxLJn5zfvPAixR0MH5YDxyBWoF79ukPBFVrXYs-SPri5J6-e/s1600/DSCF8450x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj6cpwcwp9pd6KPa-dp8RY2-QEzMASzYnRMLBdfoh32OKTqAk_DuTZPj8MWZF_UoW3NsTapcDLeZvHPIwrZOEzrJrwkYuZxLJn5zfvPAixR0MH5YDxyBWoF79ukPBFVrXYs-SPri5J6-e/s200/DSCF8450x.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">We meet outside......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Meeting format</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">YABeeP</span></b> believes in holding informal meetings; we don't instruct our members or provide formal training courses but use a 'learning through doing with support' philosophy. Meetings are used to provide peer support and help for those new to bees as well as share experiences and learning amongst those who already keep them. We also often have short themed talks at our meetings, mostly given by our own members (volunteers always needed!) but occasionally bringing in a local(ish) expert. Weather permitting, we also use meetings to let members get up close and personal with bees and experience the workings of the various bee homes we use.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Workshops</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
In addition to our monthly meetings we also arrange practical workshops as demand dictates. These tend to be half or all day affairs which allow members to build their own hives for honey bees or homes for bumbles and solitary bees. As well as being highly productive – you should expect to complete your project within the day - the workshops held to date have all been great social events! These workshops will be listed in the Dates section above in green when arranged.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffXJrtY7sDFDfe2vpWxJ7yscsPYopL5q0k2b9TfWOvR7Tdnt4gN_2q3htGvKXyBf6V6Hh0Iei_p-4J_7-2zjkf7wIkI2r_KEpIS3rzguiUAuXgcDLJ_lJMf7_fHAPdumihBywfnzyUXNI/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffXJrtY7sDFDfe2vpWxJ7yscsPYopL5q0k2b9TfWOvR7Tdnt4gN_2q3htGvKXyBf6V6Hh0Iei_p-4J_7-2zjkf7wIkI2r_KEpIS3rzguiUAuXgcDLJ_lJMf7_fHAPdumihBywfnzyUXNI/s400/Desktop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full day's Hive Building Workshop.......<br />
(click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh_rFqSSWnIoGPCMP6w6XMG_hk9nx770OavI2RLhEXX3-FVCArpprQcC5P7uqa5jtGL4Qaph1Y5jVSr1Ezgt5EgLFBJqq69SDwKQI5jMCBozbjd4dOFHEacGcu-jKWzMhk3jfKySE529N/s1600/P1000852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh_rFqSSWnIoGPCMP6w6XMG_hk9nx770OavI2RLhEXX3-FVCArpprQcC5P7uqa5jtGL4Qaph1Y5jVSr1Ezgt5EgLFBJqq69SDwKQI5jMCBozbjd4dOFHEacGcu-jKWzMhk3jfKySE529N/s320/P1000852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">......or a 2 hour Solitary Bee home gathering.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Training Days</span><br />
Where demand dictates we also arrange small group training days using guest trainers with expertise in their field, a small charge is made for these to pay for the speakers. For 2012 our good friend Gareth John has again agreed to provide workshops on Kenyan hive manipulations. These will be published to members as and when arranged.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqeg7OAhAHBMwL71lBb6aN33reCNR0RaHvEJTnXtqy-QUNsU2nlv6e7Oqdboz9hlz45Li1HG_7aUPOTfvGoJtEEMydSGlAuxAEyar9vpxG2HZPOkZjxXwxFcGVOiavEoBnoIUHrKNpMN/s1600/Gareth+John+training+day+-+P1010114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqeg7OAhAHBMwL71lBb6aN33reCNR0RaHvEJTnXtqy-QUNsU2nlv6e7Oqdboz9hlz45Li1HG_7aUPOTfvGoJtEEMydSGlAuxAEyar9vpxG2HZPOkZjxXwxFcGVOiavEoBnoIUHrKNpMN/s320/Gareth+John+training+day+-+P1010114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareth John's 'How to Split a Horizontal Hive' training day 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hT0IcGXpsLDcRa5f9i_1y37Q4MTPp3IoJH7LDDaMLonuZJTgZ3GuBhIrW8UFgE-6FA1BLjdHGL8ler1VopAhwoThcllYq6xGnQuCVzoSKetCgWU-Ln8puZvudwNhBmpbs9oQ7D7_KdWr/s1600/JaneHale+IMG_2430.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hT0IcGXpsLDcRa5f9i_1y37Q4MTPp3IoJH7LDDaMLonuZJTgZ3GuBhIrW8UFgE-6FA1BLjdHGL8ler1VopAhwoThcllYq6xGnQuCVzoSKetCgWU-Ln8puZvudwNhBmpbs9oQ7D7_KdWr/s320/JaneHale+IMG_2430.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Robin Morris<br />
<br />
<br />
<sup>1</sup>For a fuller explanation of what we mean by bee-freindly 'natural beekeeping' <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2009/06/sustainable-beekeeping.html">see this page</a>.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818083065326199225.post-28222030361834074112011-08-15T12:13:00.004+01:002011-08-15T17:36:25.274+01:00The Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>It's all gone quiet</b></span><br />
<div>Several non-members have commented that there have recently been few posts on this website/blog and were wondering whether YABeeP had wound up. I'd like to make it clear that this is certainly not the case.<br />
<br />
Given its success and steady growth the amount of work it was taking to run the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">YABeeP</span></b> group was getting too much for one person (me!) so something had to give. I did some thinking and reconfirmed that my priorities had not changed - to establish and help run a<i> local</i> bee-friendly peer support group. Our website/blog was being used mostly by non-members from across the globe so should no longer be my priority - hence few posts.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Future</span></b><br />
We are going to look at the future of <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">YABeeP</span></b> and how we should go forward from here, hopefully at our next meeting in September. I am optimistic that one or two volunteers will come forward to help share the load running whatever vision for our future that we decide upon.<br />
<br />
Maybe part of this will be an update and re-write of the website; some of the earlier stuff certainly needs redrafting.<br />
<br />
My own view is that this site should be a description of <b>who we are</b> and <b>what we stand for</b>, it should give information on <b>when we meet</b>, <b>how to join us</b>, our <b>local swarm catching service</b>, plus also some <b>basic information on bees</b>.<br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4eCMG5JK7IqpdwMBvCdG-E2omZ3e6mUpDzAOz4BlvwBscjdzH6imwJkb7k2TLyRzShWaJAsfSOv7XmeVNKgyEvV8nEDf5Aj_428ppoUUKnRUMHTbbUyIk-l6kFiOXI3zvGMAcyCGlgMZ/s1600/DSCN0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4eCMG5JK7IqpdwMBvCdG-E2omZ3e6mUpDzAOz4BlvwBscjdzH6imwJkb7k2TLyRzShWaJAsfSOv7XmeVNKgyEvV8nEDf5Aj_428ppoUUKnRUMHTbbUyIk-l6kFiOXI3zvGMAcyCGlgMZ/s200/DSCN0005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>I have always felt that the <b><i>"how to..."</i></b> part of keeping bees using the bee-friendly methodology we employ should be for others better qualified than us to advise on in books and websites. That said, I find that there are still no comprehensive books or websites aimed specifically at new bee-friendly beekeepers, it's still a case of gleaning some information from here and some from there - very confusing for someone new to this world. <br />
<br />
Consequently we may also have to continue plugging that gap ourselves for our members by providing signposting/guidance drawing on this piecemeal advice and our own experiences along the lines of some of our existing pages such as our <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-horizontal-top-bar-hive-part-1.html">Making a Horizontal Top Bar Hive</a> series of pages.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If we do this then, of course, it would make sense to publish it on our site so a wider audience can take advantage of it should they want to. It's even been suggested that we should make such advice available as pdf downloads so that it can be easily printed and used away from a pc.</div><div><br />
</div><div>All of this involves quite a lot of work, much of which I guess will be done over the winter when our bees are less of a distraction, so don't expect huge change soon. Rest assured however <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">YABeeP</span></b> is alive and well, if you want proof come to <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-meeting-dates.html">our next meeting</a>!</div><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Robin Morris – <a href="http://yabeep.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6699cc;">YABeeP</a> </b>- 15<sup>th</sup> August 2011</span></div></div></div>YABeePhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13413137562556284527noreply@blogger.com0