The Buzz from the Branch News Letter – July

Dear Members,

SWARMS
To all those on the swarm list, especially beginners, here is a message from our swarm co-ordinator Stan Wroe:
I suspect that many of you on the SWARM list are wondering what’s happening.
In previous years we have had multiple swarms through April, May & June. Bear in mind though that in those years we had very hot dry weather.
However, this year, has been totally different. The weather has been cool & very wet. This has reduced the forage available to our honeybees with the knock on impact being that colonies have not expanded as quickly as in previous years – hence we have seen very few swarms. UNTIL NOW………………………..🌞🌞🌞
Following writing the above we have seen swarms over last weekend & a number of members on the list have been supplied with bees. Hopefully summer has finally arrived!
Stan.

Summer Social- Sunday 7th July 4.30pm☀️🎉🎉
Reminder to let me know ASAP if you or self plus one are coming. We can’t cater for you if we don’t know you are attending. Thanks to all who have replied. Fingers crossed for the weather to hold 🤞🌞
Bring surplus plants for the plant stall 🌱🌿🪴 and there will be a few items for sale of second hand equipment.

Out-Apiary Site- urgent
Anyone who might know of a suitable out apiary site around Seaton/Beer area please let me know. One of our beginners is needing a site as soon as possible.

📢📢 Cleaning Kit session- Sat 29th June 2.30pm 🧽 🧹 🚿 🧤
Plenty of kit to clean. We need your help please.
15 hives at the branch apiary = much cleaning
Many hands make light work.
Dress code- work clothes 🧤👷

HONITON SHOW
The show schedule, competition and honey sales entry forms are with you all now. Just a month away now, so hope all your submissions are coming along nicely, be they honey, cakes, or artistic masterpieces😃
The entry forms are all on our branch website as well. Every single entry helps.
The following members have volunteered for stewarding. If you did put your name forward and it’s not here please tell us! The ageing brain is struggling to keep up😵‍💫. Kim Bruce, Alasdair Bruce, Sarah Sanders, Marion Coleman, Nici Chapman, Sue Stokes, Nick Johnson, Adrian Steel, Jenny Williams, Mary Kahn, Alison Ayshford Harris, Jayne Meade, Carl Meade, Chris Mitchell, Sue Johnston, Rhiannon Hodson, Jan Morse, Andy Potter, Bob Spencer, Paul Lowman.

Beginners
Many thanks to all our swarm collectors working hard to supply our beginners with their bees. Also our mentors have been receiving praise and appreciation for all the help and advice they have been giving. You are out there quietly doing your bit and and it’s lovely to have the positive feedback. Thank you.

WE ALWAYS NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS FOR THE GARDENING TEAM. THE GRASS GROWS INCREDIBLY QUICKLY. PLEASE COME FORWARD IF YOU CAN SPARE A COUPLE OF HOURS TO STROLL AMONG THE HIVES WITH THE LAWN MOWER.

WAX
We have been approached by a member of the public who makes stained glass and who would like to buy three-four pounds of beeswax to use in his work. Anyone interested please get in touch.

Val 🐝

Contacts:

Chair: Alasdair Bruce. chair24@edbk.co.uk

Treasurer: Keith Bone. charandale@gmail.com

Secretary: Val Bone. val.valbone@gmail.com

Swarms: Stan Wroe. stanwroe@aol.com