KEEPING BEES IN TOP BAR HIVES
MICK FLOWER VIA ZOOM
MONDAY OCTOBER 12th 2020 @ 7.30 pm

NBKA VENTURES INTO ZOOM

The new rules around Covid look like scuppering any return to face to face meetings for the foreseeable future.  With that in mind and now that the summer is more or less over, at least for the bees, we need to think about how we proceed with the Notts Region meetings.  The Newark Region have been having informal Zoom meetings but the Notts meetings were cancelled.  We are now venturing into the world of Zoom for the Nottingham Region!
Our first meeting will be on October 12th (not the first Monday in the month as is usual).  Our own Mick Flower will give us a presentation on Top Bar Hives.  I know there is interest in this method of keeping bees among some of the newer members and I am sure all of us would be interested in hearing some first hand experience. 
If you are new to Zoom - it is usually very straight forward and just need a click on the link that is sent with the invitation.
If you have any problems give me a ring and I will try and help out (I am not an expert by the way).
The meeting will start at 7.30pm but the talk will start at about 7.45pm to give everyone a chance to join the meeting. Whether we have questions during the talk or just at the end is to be decided.
The invitation will be sent by email via the eR2 system.  If you have unsubscribed to emails but would like to join the meeting then please let me know by email and I will invite you.
Janet Bates
Education secretary NBKA
Posted 16/09/2020

​NEXT EVENTS

Nottingham Group Meetings

We are hoping to hold a Zoom meeting on October 12th @ 7.30pm
Top Bar Hives
with
​Mick Flower
More details to follow

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Have you seen the Linda and Maurice Jordan Beekeeping
​Movie

Newark Region Meetings
Newark Group
are now using Zoom
Web Conferencing
for meetings
David Chase has Organised
 

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FIRST ASIAN HORNET SPOTTED IN UK 10/09/20

If you haven’t already heard, the first ASIAN HORNET sighting has been confirmed by the NBU in the Gosport area of Hampshire.

So it is important to maintain a watchful eye for this invader in Nottinghamshire and ask people you know to do the same, wherever they are in the UK, but particularly in England where all previous incursions have occurred.

This year more people than ever are out and about in the countryside and most sightings in the UK in the past have been reported by members of the public.  It is essential to encourage everyone you know to remain observant and report to the appropriate authorities, details of which can be found here.

If you would like to spread accurate information to aid identification, packs of Asian hornet ID cards can be purchased (at cost price) from the BEECRAFT online shop.

BE ALERT AND CONTACT OUR AHAT TEAM LEADER Penny Forsyth IF YOU SPOT ONE.

BBKA Reports 5000 New Beekeepers 

BBKA have reported via Linkedin that over 5000 new Beekeepers have joined the BBKA over the last 18 months since January 2019. With the increase in TV awareness and magazine editorials its become the "must do" new hobby.

Sad news- reported by Alec Thomson

'It is with a heavy heart that we have to record the passing away of Glyn Flowerdew on Thursday 20th August .Glyn had been seriously incapacitated for the past 18 months being stricken with motor neuron disease to which he eventually succumbed. Glyn became a member of the Notts Beekeepers Council fulfilling the role of Education Secretary for several years and he will be fondly remembered by many novice beekeepers who attended his introductory courses and his practical tuition sessions at his apiary at Newstead Abbey.
The funeral arrangements are now confirmed for' Friday 11th September at 1.30pm at Gedling Crematorium but due to Covid  attendance is reduced to 30 persons and will therefore be by invitation only.
Our sincere condolences go to Glynn's wife Eileen and his family.
A more detailed appreciation of Glynn will be included in next months 'Beemaster.'
Posted 28/08/2020

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End of season mini nucs

A useful article on how to use the bees left in mating mini nucs at the end of the season. See under More-> "useful information".

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BIBBA National Improvement Programme (NatBIP)

Details have been emailed to members.  If you haven't received your email and would like details please let me know.  
​Janet Bates (27/08/20)

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BBKA COVID-19 UPDATE From Anne Rowberry 18/08/20

I do hope you are all keeping well, and your bees are healthy and have produced lots of honey.
I am writing to answer the many requests for a statement from the BBKA concerning meetings during COVID-19 and the guidelines that have been published by the Government.
I know several Associations and Branches are hoping to hold regular physical meetings with their members and there are certain activities where they do fall within the guidelines but it is dependent on the area size, numbers attending and whether the activity can be safely managed. A full risk assessment should be completed for every event, but the decision should be made by the Association involved.
It is quite complex; the current guidelines do not support large gatherings and some areas are more restricted than others. The numbers of individuals are restricted to 6 unless they are from 2 households and social distancing must be adhered to for both inside and outside meetings. Committees will have to assess whether the event falls within the guidelines and if it does how they can be safely implemented. It is not easy! The guidelines would suggest small groups could meet at an apiary but great care would need to be taken around the hives to maintain the social distancing, for example the excitement of seeing the Queen especially when teaching beginners could be difficult and numbers around the hive and their relative positions are an issue.  Large meetings and those intended to be held inside would take a lot of organising simply entering the building and exiting is not straight forward. Some associations are organising honey shows where exhibits are staged and judged in isolation, but many honey judges are in the older age group and may not wish to travel or expose themselves or those they live with to any level of risk.
Some Associations are arranging virtual Honey Shows or zoom meetings to share the judging of their exhibits and to listen to tips from the judge, it is a great way to encourage higher standards.
Devon Beekeepers have done this https://www.devonbeekeepers.org.uk/the-devon-beekeepers-virtual-show/ and have displayed the results of each class online. 
If your Association has held larger meetings do get in touch with any advice about the ways you overcame the restrictions. We can put some of the advice on the website to encourage other Associations.
There are already ideas showing how your honey shows may be staged and examples of risk assessments that will be needed for the event, but all aspects of the show should be considered as part of the risk assessment. The venue you intend to use will also need to follow guidelines and restrictions on numbers, which might make it impossible to stage a honey show.  Associations wishing to go ahead should carry out their own risk assessment as it will need to relate to their own situation.
Please remember: A honey show should be considered  a place of work for your judges and stewards and any other volunteers, – guidance on a Covid-19 risk assessment is here https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm

Guidance is subject to change and may vary regionally at short notice.
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
This current situation is causing a lot of traditional shows and meetings to be cancelled but well done to those Associations that have developed excellent solutions. Please get in touch and share your ideas.

STARVATION ALERT

​​Bee Inspectors across the UK are reporting that many colonies are in need of food where honey has been harvested and nectar availability is reduced. Where starvation is a risk, replacement food needs to be provided.

Please monitor your colonies throughout the coming months and feed as required to ensure your bees do not starve. A standard full size British National colony needs between 20-25 kg of stores to successfully overwinter. Sugar syrup should be made with 1kg of sugar to 650ml of warm water or a commercially ready-made bee syrup can be given.

For further information, please see the Best Practice Guidance No. 7 - Feeding Bees Sugar

​LATEST NBKA BEEMASTER NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2020

Beemaster August 2020

BBKA Autumn Exams Cancelled

The BBKA Exam Board has just issued a statement to say that, taking all circumstances relating to Covid19 into consideration, the Autumn round of exams have been cancelled.  It includes the Module, Microscopy and Judging exams.  The full statement is on the BBKA Website and social media.
Any fees already paid will be transferred to 2021 or can be refunded.
Posted 20/07/2020

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BBKA Covid-19 Update 26th June 2020

The changes on 4th July to the social distancing may mean that some beekeeping activities can now go ahead - BUT there will be certain restrictions needed and people will need to continue to follow government advice.  This will be down to individual associations and their branches to carry out risk assessments and make these decisions. 
Do not feel pressured into running any training or courses if your apiary management have concerns. 

Your apiary is a place of work for your volunteers

• Before restarting work, organisations must ensure the safety of their workplace by carrying out a risk assessment in line with HSE guidance.  
• In returning to work, the government has provided guidelines for workplaces   
• 
  Open Air Activities:
• Ensure distancing as per the government's advice:
  This can be done by putting up signs or using floor tape to remind everyone about the social distancing measures. Avoiding shared workstations and equipment.  Arrange one-way traffic through the workplace.  
• Ensure the government's advice is followed on distancing.
• Stagger arrival and departure times. 
• Reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘partnering.’ 
• Reduce the number of people in the apiary. Consider how many people can safely be round a hive at the correct distancing.
• Avoid sharing personal protective equipment - do not borrow bee suits. Suits should be cleaned after each use.
• Dispose of used gloves safely. 

Updated 01/07/20 Griff Dixon
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European Foul Brood (EFB) FOUND IN NOTTINGHAM

As if Covid-19 wasn't enough  EFB has been found in Nottingham in the Screveton and the Burton Joyce area (see BeeBase).  The samples have been confirmed by the lab and emails will be sent out to beekeepers nearby.  
Emails can only be sent to beekeepers who are registered on BeeBase and whose details are up to date.  Also make sure your phone number is up to date so you can be contacted if necessary.
updated 18/08/20 Janet Bates

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WORLD BEE DAY WAS CELEBRATED ON THE 20th MAY 2020
 
How did you celebrate World Bee Day?
Bought honey and other hive products from your nearest local beekeeper.
Raised awareness among children and adolescents on the importance of bees and expressed your support for beekeepers.
Did you set up a pollinator farm on your balcony, terrace, or garden.
Contact us at the Nottinghamshire Beekeepers Association to get started.
JOIN US - There are not enough Beekeepers in Nottinghamshire
We will show you how to do it!
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THINK YOU HAVE A SWARM!

Make sure they are NOT white tailed Bumblebees as these are often mistaken for Honeybees and we don't collect these. 
For Honeybee Swarms Visit the British Beekeepers Association website and enter your postcode to contact a local swarm collector for advice.
Honsec 31/05/20

ALL PRACTICAL APIARY TRAINING SESSIONS AND ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
​
Coronavirus – NBKA
The Council are constantly monitoring Government Advice regarding face to face meetings with Beginners Courses, Regional Meetings and Outside Events and will advise the Membership on an on going basis.  WATCH THIS SPACE - STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY.  STAY ALERT!

​Tending Hives During Covid-19
24 March 2020
BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: "Bees are livestock and should be tended.
"You may visit your bees for welfare purposes such as for checking feed or queen cell preparation. 
"You must take into account social distancing and safe access. Also swarming, please do do not going into houses, roofs etc, or go through houses to reach swarms.
"We are working with DEFRA. NBU inspectors will still inspect if you have disease concerns."

Swarm Collection During Covid-19
24 March 2020
BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: "The swarm collection service will still be in operation during the pandemic.
Swarm collection can go ahead but you must take into account social distancing. 
Risk assess the situation and do not take unnecessary risks as health services  will be under pressure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
As always, only collect when it is safe to do so.  We are working with DEFRA."
You can find info on swarms and our map of collectors here: www.bbka.org.uk/swarm

BIBBA-Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders Association
What do you know about BIBBA? The stated aim of BIBBA is: for the conservation, restoration, study, selection and improvement of native or near-native honeybees of the British Isles.
There is a National Group and also local groups.
Our local group is the East Midlands Group. They meet regularly at the apiary at Thrumpton. The group carefully selects good queens from the colonies for their breeding programme. Some of the virgin queens are mated in an isolated site in Derbyshire and others at the Thrumpton apiary. The breeder queens are selected for as near native characteristics as possible, as well as for temperament, etc.
​There is a website for BIBBA and the local groups have links from there.
There is an opportunity this year to buy a nuc with a queen bred from one of the best Thrumpton queens. Preference will be given to NBKA beekeepers.
See the "for sale" page for more details.
Posted 23/04/2020

LETTER FROM BBKA CHAIR ANNE ROWBERRY
The Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The impact of the Coronavirus could not have been foreseen but the BBKA is working hard to support members.  We regret that all the BBKA training courses at Stoneleigh have been cancelled, this includes the Healthy Hive training, General Husbandry and Advanced husbandry training. The Exam Board have cancelled the Module Exams, the Assessor Training and will be publishing information on the Healthy Hive and Basic Exams.
We are suggesting that Beginners courses and other Branch or Association organised training courses are postponed. It is important to keep the health of members at the front of our minds. It may be possible to deliver some aspects of these courses online.  I would welcome suggestions as to the best way this could be achieved ; possibly some Associations have information that they would be prepared to share. We can post some ideas on our website so please share any that you think may help.
I am sure younger members of groups will support older members or those confined through association with family etc who have the virus by offering to check hives in out apiaries, making sure they are upright, have food and the bees are flying could be very helpful. Please follow the Government guidelines, we are asked to avoid social contact and unnecessary travel. This will mean considering carefully the swarm collection service and applying appropriate safeguards.
I have contacted Defra for advice on the position of beekeepers visiting their bees if the country moves into a more intensive ‘lock down’. At the moment bees will be considered as livestock and can be tended accordingly but we are following Government advice and need to address possible future directions. I have also been in contact with Alpha and the All Party Parliamentary Group and I  am writing to the Minister of Environment  asking about the position of beekeepers visiting bees I have also suggested that should there be a sugar shortage beekeepers have an allowance ( as I believe they had in the war). This may seem extreme but we need to be thinking now, just in case.
There are actions that the beekeeper can take to give their bees the best chance of survival and the most important is to feed them. Ensure they have plenty of food for any inclement weather, we can have snow in May and cold wet weather at any time may mean they starve. If you are concerned about visiting your bees put fondant above your supers, the bees will use it if they need it. If you do not have fondant then use syrup even if you have one or two supers on. They may move it to the supers which would mean you can’t sell it as honey but you will still have your bees and also food for the Autumn/Winter. We do not know how long this severe situation will last.
We will endeavour to give more information through our website and BBKA social media. Beebase will also be posting information.
I hope this situation passes quickly and is not as severe as is now being portrayed.
Anne Rowberry
BBKA Chair


NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY SHOW CANCELLED
9th & 10th May 2020

​NEWARK BEGINNERS COURSE CANCELLED
It has been decided that the Newark Beginners Course for the last 2 weeks ( 20th and 27th March 2020) will be postponed and re-arranged as Government Advice allows.  It is unclear if the Apiary Sessions due to commence in May will be available to us - We will advise nearer the dates to let you know whats happening.

NOTTINGHAM BEGINNERS COURSE CANCELLED

​MEMBERSHIP 2020

Membership runs from 1st January to 31st December. Membership details are now on the new Er2 membership database and renewals are online.
If, during the year, the number of colonies you have increases beyond the number you have insured through BDI. you can increase your cover at any time. If you are underinsured you won't be able to make a claim if you lose bees as a result of EFB or AFB.
Any problems with your membership contact me  Janet Bates.
NEW MEMBERSHIP
If you wish to join NBKA then please contact me (Janet Bates-see above) with: 
your name, postal address and email address and I will send you an online application form.
​For details of the membership categories click here.

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BASIC CERTIFICATE SUCCESS

Seven of our members took the Basic Certificate in the summer and all have passed with credit.
Well done to:
Glenis Swift, Glynis Storer, Shirley Wragg, Gill Dodd, Phil Rawson, Steve Barton and Brian Parton​
Certificates and badges will be presented at the next Nottingham meeting- 16th March.
If you have kept bees for one year by next summer then you are eligible to come along to the practical sessions and take the BASIC CERTIFICATE.  Keep an eye out on the website for details soon. 

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BBKA MODULE EXAMS

The latest sitting of the module exams was to be in March but was cancelled at the last minute due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
The next sitting of the module exams is in November. Let's hope that the isolations, shielding and distancing are all past by then.
Study groups have also been cancelled for the time being.
Contact me if you are interested in coming to a study group. 
Janet Bates

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EFB to Remain a Notifiable Disease.

There was a rumour that EFB (European Foul Brood) may be removed from the list of notifiable diseases. We have had a communication from DEFRA stating that EFB is to remain on the list of notifiable diseases. 
The other notifiable diseases are AFB (American Foul Brood), Small hive beetle and Tropilaelaps.
If you think you have found a notifiable disease in a colony then reassemble the hive. Reduce the entrance to prevent robbing. Put a voluntary standstill on your apiary and inform the local bee inspector and your local secretary.

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Asian Hornet Threat 2019 and AHATs

Two nests have been destroyed near Christchurch, Hampshire. It was predicted that there would be incursions of the Asian Hornet into the UK in 2019. Last year there were 8,000 reported sightings although obviously most of these were false alarms. 
It is likely that the resources of the NBU Bee Inspectors will be overwhelmed if more than 3 or 4 sightings occur at the same time. 
In conjunction with the NBU local BKAs are forming Asian Hornet Action Teams (AHATs) to increase the resources available to support the bee inspectors. Their role will be to confirm sightings/photos/place traps locally/watch for flight lines.
The Association AHATS must quickly become an important reserve on which the NBU can rely to keep outbreaks under control.
The Midlands are coming together for the purpose and Sam Hampton is a coordinator of the larger group.
Destruction of nests will be carried out  by pest control operators.
It is important to report any suspected sightings of this species as soon as possible.  Find out how to identify Asian hornet by downloading an Identification Guide, or visit the BeeBase website.
Yellow legs and a mostly black body are key features.
Note that the AH nests in the UK have not been as large as those found in France.
Ideally photographs and/or a specimen should also be obtained. 
​Sightings must be reported to the NNSS Non-native species secretariat.   alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
​Any foundress queens that have escaped from nests last year will be about in spring.
​The AHAT coordinator for NBKA is Penny Forsyth
See BeeMaster for more AHAT information.

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Feeding bees- 

For further information, please see the ‘Best Practice Guidance No. 7 - Feeding Bees Sugar’ on the following BeeBase Page: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=167

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One of our meetings with members demonstrating how to make balms and soaps

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NBKA Council Meeting
PUT ON HOLD FOR THE TIME BEING
BY ZOOM Web Conferencing
Griff Dixon Organising

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Nottingham Group Committee Meeting

Meetings Cancelled until Further Notice 

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​​Useful Links

BBKA

BeeConnected

BeeBase

Bee Farmers Association