Events Calendar

The Vale and Downland Beekeepers’ Association Programme 2023

Date/Time	Event	Location
AUGUST Every Saturday 12:30	Association apiary. Association apiary meeting - all members welcome	V&DBKA Apiary
AUGUST 12 Saturday 11:00 (weather permitting)	Public Meeting Interested in Beekeeping? We are holding an open session for anyone interested in beekeeping. You'll have the chance to put on a bee suit and explore the inner working of a beehive and learn what beekeeping is all about.If you know of anyone who would be interested in attending any of these meetings please contact us via our contact page here.	V&DBKA Apiary
August 26 Saturday 11:00 (weather permitting)	Public Meeting Interested in Beekeeping? We are holding an open session for anyone interested in beekeeping. You'll have the chance to put on a bee suit and explore the inner working of a beehive and learn what beekeeping is all about.If you know of anyone who would be interested in attending any of these meetings please contact us via our contact page here.	V&DBKA Apiary
August 27-28 SUNDAY & MONDAY	Uffington White Horse Show Member support is needed on the VDBKA stand over the two days, please contact any of the Trustees if you are able to assist for all or part of days	Uffington White Horse Show www.whitehorseshow.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 9 Saturday time TBC	Association Apiary We will be inspecting the bees at the site and preparing them for winter.	V&DBKA Apiary
OCTOBER 2023 date/time TBC	Association Apiary Final apiary session where we will be removing treatment and fitting woodpecker guards.	V&DBKA Apiary
OCTOBER 26-28	The National Honey Show - Sandown Park Racecourse This is a chance to see many types of honey and new experimental equipment - an event not to be missed!	Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ www.honeyshow.co.uk
OCTOBER 27 Friday 19:30	VDBKA Annual General Meeting AGM to be followed by a talk by Isabelle Green – Waxing Processing from frames to candle bowls. Your chance to vote in new Trustees & committee members. If you think you would like to serve as a Trustee or on the committee, or you have an item to be added to the agenda please contact Moraig Lowman, Association Secretary.	Steventon Village Hall, The Green, Steventon OX13 6RR
NOVEMBER 25 Saturday 15:00 - into the evening	Fun Honey Show and pre-Christmas Social Further details to Follow As always there will be plenty of room to show your exhibits and this will be a nice opportunity to catch up.	Drayton Village Hall

Evening Summer Meetings for Beginners and Public 2023

The Vale & Downland Beekeepers’ Association are holding several evening meetings during the season for beginners and the public in 2023.  You’ll have the chance to put on a bee suit and explore the inner working of a beehive and learn what beekeeping is all about. These meetings will be held at our association apiary on the following dates and times:

• Saturday 12 & Saturday 26 August 2023, starting at 11.00hrs

If you would like to reserve a place please please email Michael or email Sam
or call Michael Havard-Bilton on 01235 523420 between 6pm-7pm Mon-Fri evenings.

Evening Classes for New Beekeepers – An Introduction to Beekeeping

As a follow on from the summer meetings, we are running an all encompassing beekeeping course which will start in January 2024 and will run for 10 weeks. There will be 10 sessions (9 theory lessons plus a one day practical equipment making session), with a 1 week break over half-term, on Tuesday evenings starting at 7.30pm and lasting no more than 2 hours with a tea break. The theory course is then followed by practical beekeeping training at our Association Apiary spread over the season from mid-April to early-September. A fantastic introduction into the world of beekeeping.

Numbers are strictly limited and we are booking up quickly so for more information and to add your name to our waiting list please please email Michael or email Sam
, or call Michael on 01235 523420 between 6pm-7pm Mon-Fri evenings.

Members Summer Proficiency Classes

In addition to our public sessions and introduction to beekeeping courses, we offer ongoing hands-on training for members during the Spring and Summer at our Association apiary.  Proficiency classes are delivered by our members and details will be published in advance in our newsletter.

Mentors for new beekeepers

Please contact Sam Burford (07777 674446) if you’d like to mentor a new beekeeper.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BROOD DISEASE
If you suspect any brood disease in your bees (EFB or AFB) please contact our Bee Inspectors, Southern Region – National Bee Unit:

Regional Bee Inspector: John Geden

John.Geden@apha.gov.uk

Tel No: 07501 275259

Seasonal Bee Inspector: Mark Lynch

mark.lynch@apha.gov.uk

Mobile No: 07824 530180

BEE PROBLEMS
If you suspect anything wrong with your bees please contact Sam Burford (07777 674446).  Arrangements will then be made for one of our members to inspect them with you.  Travel costs by arrangement.