In mid-July the good news came through that the Kinross Show, after an absence of 2 years, would go ahead on 14th August 2021. As Enid would be on holiday at this time Jo Ramsay agreed to co-ordinate the event. The call for volunteers to set up on the Friday and man the tent on the Saturday went out to both associations.
Continue reading “Kinross Show 2021 by Elna Chisholm”Category: Uncategorised
SBA Basic Beekeeper Exam 2021
The FBA and DWFBA encourage any beekeepers to think about taking the Basic Beekeeping Certificate. The entry requirements for taking the certificate is to attend a Beginners Class and look after a colony of bees for at least one season. The examination is a practical / oral “over the hive” assessment and has 3 pass grades: Pass (60%), Credit (70%) and Distinction (80%).
It is a really worthwhile way to ensure you have all of the necessary skills and knowledge to help you become a really proficient beekeeper.
Information about the certificate can be found on the SBA website. Please do think about taking the examination, you might surprise yourself and get a distinction!
Here are some beekeepers taking their exam in Summer 2021
Continue reading “SBA Basic Beekeeper Exam 2021”Looking Inside a Hive
The continuing Covid 19 restrictions are making it very difficult for us all to meet at a local apiary to get some hands on experience of beekeeping. With this in mind we thought you would enjoy a little beekeeping quiz to see if you can identify some features of a hive. The photographs and quiz where made for the children at St Leonard’s School apiary by an FBA member, Jo Goodburn
Continue reading “Looking Inside a Hive”Feeding Bees in Winter
I did a quick feed check on all hives in between Christmas and New Year. It was good to see that in most hives the bees were quite far down, which is good. I placed a block of fondant directly on top of the brood frames as a safety precaution. The end of January into February and March is the crucial time. The queen will gradually increase her laying and more food will be consumed to increase the temperature in the hive. This is often the time of year when colonies starve. This whole operation took less than 1 minute. It is important to be quick and not let the bees chill.
Enid
Continue reading “Feeding Bees in Winter”Enid at her Bee Hives
As this year has proved very difficult to meet up at local aparies Enid has recorded a few videos of some activities, including preparing for winter and bees with Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus.
Bees in a Cavity Wall
As lockdown eased, a team of beekeepers (Enid Brown, Margaret Thomas and Jo Ramsay) removed a massive colony of bees from a cavity at a dwelling in Lethangie. A stethoscope was used to locate the exact position of the bees. A handheld circular saw and a hive tool helped to remove the plasterboard so that the bees and comb could be reached. The bee comb was placed into a nuc box, the bees were hoovered up and all of the comb was removed … a very sticky job. The bees are now doing well in their new location.
Continue reading “Bees in a Cavity Wall”Swarm information
Check out the Scottish Beekeeper web site on Swarm Information
Kinross Agricultural Show
Banana and Honey Oat Squares
Makes about 16 squares
Ingredients
140g/5oz butter
140/5oz honey
85g/3oz soft light brown sugar
50g/2oz raisins or sultanas
340g/12oz rolled oats
1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1⁄2 tsp ground ginger
1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 medium bananas – peeled and mashed