KSRC course shop is open

Posted on by February 14, 2012

As of 14th Feb, the new Kent Beekeepers improver courses may be booked on-line using the site that recently appeared on CBKA webpages. You should see a button on the top ribbon, but just in case, it’s also here.

Initially, just the March courses will be released for bookings, the first of which tackles the highly interlinked subjects of bees and flowers. This course has deliberately been scheduled before the 24th March date for the BBKA Module exams and will be an invaluable revision aid for anyone who will be taking Module 2.

The current plan is to release the April courses on 1st March, the May courses on 1st April, etc

So, if you are a 2yr+ beekeeper, and are interested in learning more, have a look at the shop. Bookings are now being taken via the website; payments may be made by cheque but there are also options to pay by electronic bank transfer or via PayPal.

Progress continues in establishing a dedicated bank account for this scheme; hopefully it will be in place by 1st March.

Testing your beekeeping skills

Posted on by January 28, 2012

A reminder that the application forms for 2012 assessments/examinations need to be sent to the KBKA education committee secretary, Angela Merritt, by 6th February, for exams in March.  Postal address for forms: Mrs A. Merritt, 49 Townley Rd., Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7HY.  Angela wishes to point out that the box at the bottom of the form is for the candidate’s name.

There are many different routes to becoming a better beekeeper.  One option is the BBKA assessment framework, which provides a structured syllabus for learning more about bees and beekeeping.  Some of the assessments are orally-tested and field-based – these include the basic assessment, general husbandry and advanced husbandry certificates.  The “modules” are a series of 7 different written papers covering everything from basic beekeeping to beekeeping history. You can do them one at a time!

  • Module 1,2,5,7 Examinations, 24th March 2012
    (Applications in by 6th February 2012)
  • Module 1,3,6,8 Examinations,  10th November 2012
    (Applications in by 30th September 2012)
  • Advanced Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry – 16th/17th June 2012 (Applications in by 28th February 2012)
  • General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry and Microscopy date by arrangement with the Examinations Board Secretary (Applications in by 28th February 2012. Microscopy Assessment takes place in Autumn)
  • Basic and Junior Certificate date by arrangement with the County Examinations Secretary
    (Applications 1 month before assessment)

Talk on swarm control – 8th Feb 2012

Posted on by January 20, 2012

A reminder that our next meeting at Whitefriars is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8th February.  Nick Withers has been a seasonal bee inspector (2002-2011), looking after South Kent and East Sussex.  His talk should be of great interest to everyone who wants to improve their bee management skills.

If you want to get some reminders about the principles of swarm control, visit Nick’s webpages.