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Members are invited to contribute relevant information of interest. With the inclusion of photographs.- i.e. Members Blogs, Events, your views on the latest Government released research information. Diseases and cures that you are encountering. Just feel free to send in any news item that will be of interest and help to other Members. *** LATEST NEWS *** LATEST NEWSLETTER *** LATEST NEWS
NEWSLETTER 2010 To read the latest goings on in further detail. Please check with Either of the following... Jon Davey 00118 975 0734 - Michael Blackburn 0118 947 5451 - Stella Lawson-Foster 0118 961 0201
If you want to read more about the current Bee Status abroard tap in...newsletter@ApiNews.com and www.Apitrack.com
USA- BUZZ KILL !! IS THE BEE ARMAGEDDON?Friday, 07 May 2010 16:38 Written by Analia Manriquez In what appears to be a honeybee mystery of Armageddon proportions that has baffled scientists and beekeepers, more than one-third of the nation's commercial honeybee population is mysteriously disappearing – and researchers warn the unexplained phenomenon threatens one-third of the American diet.
AUSTRALIA- PEST BEES COULD COST MILLONSSaturday, 08 May 2010 12:08 Written by Analia Manriquez A new report has found an incursion of Asian honey bees in Australia could cost millions of dollars if it spreads. The bees were first found in Cairns in Far North Queensland three years ago and so far they've been contained to that region.
MEXICO- VARROA REDUCTION IN TAMAULIPASSaturday, 08 May 2010 12:24 Written by Analia Manriquez In Tamaulipas during the last five years the incidence of varroa has dropped to 5 percent over 15 years ago when it was nearly 50 percent, said Francisco Cardenas Olivares, vocal operating state of the campaign committee of varroa in the bee. He said the achievement has been derived through the support of state authorities, federal and those beekeepers who have also contributed to the actions of control.
Extracts from Mike Lawson-Foster - 11 May 2010 " If anyone has any news about the state of their bees. Please email me and I will enter it, so others can offer advice, encouragement or even practical assistance - All for one and one for all is our motto " .
2nd YEAR -" BEST EVER" - ' AN INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING ' SAT 20TH MARCH 2010. AT MAPLEDURHAM. This year's event was even more successful than last, a complete success ! With over 100 attendees interested in discovering the Wonderful World of Beekeeping. The day began with an interesting Lecture combined with a Slide Presentation from John Gates ( RBKA Committee Member ).' Step by step history of beekeeping and biology of the honeybee '. Then later on in the morning a follow up Lecture and Presentaion from Rob Nickless ( Newbury Member ). Beekeepers, beeswax formulations and hive components producers. At 2pm the Right Worshipful his Honour the Mayor and Mayoress of Reading. Attended the event in time to see Master Beekeeper / Queen Rearer, John Hamer's 2 hr Lecture ( Surrey Member ) From Blackhorse Apairies Woking. ' Beekeeping at Home in the Garden '. Which was packed with amazing information and detail complete with practical demonstrations, that left new members spellbound. Ending with a Q&A session.
February 11th meeting at Caversham Heights Methodist Hall gave us the opportunity to receive an illustrated talk by Dr Michael Keith-Lucas. Subject; Pollen, Honey Fraud and Crime. Having retired as Biology Professor at Reading University Michel now is very active with various police forces in the providing vital evidence by use of the pollen record found at the scene of the crime. His specialist knowledge of the unique structure of pollen grains, their sources in the environment gave a fascinating insight on just how successful this type of forensic evidence now can be. Nothing stops the pollen fall and grains present in nostrils from ‘last breaths’ or within the weave of garments etc.can provide vital evidence. Just about every grain of pollen ever shed by plants even back in prehistoric time is still in evidence microscopically as the pollen grain’s very resistant outer casing, composed of a substance ‘sporopollanin’ is just about the most resistant material ever found and prehistoric grains can be found in rocks, oil, coal etc. Michael showed and described the characteristic grains used by wind pollinating plants’ insect pollinating, where the spines on pollen grains have evolved to successfully ‘stick; to the feathery hairs on a bees body and legs etc. The amazing way in which bees learn to tune the pitch of their ‘ buzz’ when entering a flower that is a pollen source to stimulate a shower of pollen for them to collect, different pitch for different species of flowering plant and how when gathering the smooth grains of wind pollination pollen that don’t easily adhere the honey bee can return to the hive and collect a small amount of honey to stick these non-spiky grains together to allow harvesting of early pollen of this type e.g. from hazel catkins; are all amazing facts that without Dr Keith Lucas’s teaching we as ordinary beekeepers would hardly suspect. A large amount of information was imparted including microscopic characteristics of plant seeds wood & soils which can also be a source of evidence in legal proceedings. Pollen content of honeys and their identification as to source, important in view of the high prices charged for product being described as ‘single flower’ honey. Toxicity of some pollen to some bees and of some honeys to people! We’d like to thank Dr Keith Lucas for a fascinating insight into the importance of pollen in our lives, the life of the honey bee and within our environment. APRIL :;What’s happening at Reading Association? Keep an eye on the website www.rbka.org.uk and your contacts are, Jon Davey,Michael Blackburn or Mike and Stella Lawson-Foster for further information. If you’re an Reading beekeeper, particularly if a 'New Member' waiting for your first bees of Spring or have any family or friends in the Reading area interested in keeping bees - Then please contact us for further information on how to become a Member and where to obtain your first Colony ! YOUR STORY HERE...
Well, you're a shy lot ! Where are all you stories ? Good and bad. It 'is important that we all network, so we can help when need is required and buy your home produce to compare. Either way, your stories are very important and more interesting than you think. So don't be bashful, go one put finger to keyboard we're waiting ! 01pt; font-size: 12pt; "> Hey you guys ! We really look forward to hearing from you and what you are going to do this season.
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Press release to beekeepers' associations in England, Wales and Scotland Low priced, great value sugar from Booker Wholesale
Members of; beekeepers' associations are now welcome to shop at any of Booker's 173 trade-only Cash and Carry stores. Booker's price for granulated sugar is about 60p per kilo, compared with 84p (Lidl, own brand) up to 93p (Tesco) per kilo at supermarkets, offering members great savings.
Booker is a trade-only wholesaler, and each member should register individually with their local store. When registering, each member should present their current BBKA membership card if in England, They will then be registered and able to shop straight away. A membership card will be sent by post within 14-21 days.
Payment is by cash or debit card when leaving the store.; Members can visit www.booker.co.uk to find their nearest Booker store. This new arrangement has been approved by Booker head office, Northampton in discussion with Conwy BKA, North Wales. gt; Booker contact: Melanie Balmer Conwy BKA contact: Peter McFadden
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Reading & District Beekeepers AssociationNews Views |
