Important letter from Chairman of BBKA

Posted on by March 15, 2013

Please read the attached letter from David Aston, concerning the continuing media-led debate about neo-nicotinoids.  Due to an administrative error, this was not received by CBKA until 14th March.  The KBKA website has been carrying this information since 5th March, but we are aware that not everyone follows that site.

Click this link to read the letter: David Aston letter 04032013

There is a CBKA discussion forum thread (here) where some members have shared their views.  In the spirit of robust discussion, it would be good for others to contribute.  Whilst we may hold strong views individually, all organisations should find room for a diversity of opinions.

European Food Standards Authority – BBKA Chairman Statement & Letter

Posted on by January 23, 2013

European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) scientists have identified a number of risks posed to bees by three neonicotinoid insecticides, in their report which was published on 16th January 2013.  Please find attached a letter and statement from the BBKA Chairman; David Aston, regarding the EFSA report, directed to all BBKA members.

The letter from Dr Aston is here

The full BBKA statement is here

European Food Standards Authority’s press release is here.

 

Mentoring in 2013

Posted on by January 21, 2013

With a view to building on past success, for 2013 your committee has resolved to put mentoring on a more extensive and formal basis than has been the practice in our club in the past. With this in mind we intend to set up a series of ‘cells’ ,small geographically distinct groups of people, each centered round an experienced leader.  The group will include  some at an intermediate level, needing help to move to the next level, but able to offer support to beginners, as well as beginners needing mentoring to learn the practice of the craft.

With this plan in mind, could you please write an email to David Cockburn before the end of January  putting the word ‘Mentoring’ in the subject line. In the text of your mail I will need your location and post code, any comment, some indication of your priority objectives from mentoring and your typical availability during the season. If you keep bees I also need to know the number of hives and the number of years you have been beekeeping, otherwise please just state that you are a beginner.

If you want to be part of our mentoring programme – as lead or participant – then please use link below to contact David Cockburn, who will be coordinating the establishment of the groups

reply email about mentorship

Beekeeping Courses in Sittingbourne

Posted on by January 20, 2013

The beekeeping courses for Kentish beekeepers at the Kent Science Resource Centre in Sittingbourne are continuing in 2013.  I would draw your attention urgently to the upcoming event “Beekeeping for Improvers” on Wed 23rd January.  Follow this link to find out more.

Also, there’s a strong focus on microscopy, something that can be difficult to get started in. Microscopes play an important role in many aspects of beekeeping, from bee disease and pest diagnosis through to the examination of collected pollen loads to gain an insight into their foraging behaviour.  The laboratories at KSRC are superbly equipped, with modern Zeiss compound and Nikon zoom stereo microscopes. Class sizes for these courses are restricted to 10 or 12, to allow each student to have exclusive use of a pair of microscopes. If you have your own equipment, you are welcome to bring it and work with familiar kit, help will be available on the correct set-up and use.  The first course is on Wednesday 30th January.