Founded Re-established 1881 1919

Cornwall Beekeepers Association (Cowethas Gwythysy Gwenyn Kernow) An Area Association Member of the BBKA Gwenyn Kernow

January 2015

www.cbka.co.uk

Charity No: 298470 ISSN: 1363-9862

This month’s picture: Steve Farnes ( Group)

Geoff Roberts, Chairman CBKA

It was with great sadness that we heard that Geoff Roberts, Chairman of CBKA, died on 20th January from melanoma cancer.

Geoff first came to the notice of CBKA with the formation of the Kit Hill Group, where he was the driving force in setting it up, acting initially as its Chairman and later also as its Secretary. Later, at a time when there were a number of issues which had been on the table and had remained unresolved for (sometimes) years, Geoff was persuaded to become the Chairman of CBKA itself. He then applied himself to the improvement of our business processes, which has resulted in the CBKA running a lot more smoothly and efficiently.

He also found our new Treasurer and, along with him, worked out a more equitable means of distributing funds to Groups – something that is revolution- ising the way our finances are handled at Member level.

But it was not just processes that were Geoff's forte, of course - it was he who arranged the first Bee Disease and Husbandry Day, for example - an event which appears now to be turning into an annual affair.

So, as you can see from these few highlights of Geoff's involvement in the CBKA, he has been a driving force for good - always fair, measured, full of ide- as and with the energy to drive those ideas forward. He has been instrumental in developing the Constitution to its present form and his experience and expertise have been invaluable in helping to change the CBKA into what it has become today.

That will be his legacy as far as beekeeping is concerned, though I am sure, knowing Geoff as I did, that there will be numerous other areas in which he has had influence and shared his skills with others to the betterment of all. He was a most prepossessing individual and it is that quality that endures and one for which he will doubtless be remembered. Our thoughts are with his wife and children and I have written to them on behalf of us all to that effect.

RIP Geoff, you will be missed by us all.

Colin Rees, President CBKA

CBKA President Colin Rees Highland, Portloe, . TR2 5RB Tel: 01872 501313 Email: [email protected]

Officers of the Association:

Chairman

Honorary Secretary Julia Cooper Whistow Farm, Lanlivery, . PL30 5DE Tel: 01208 872865 Email: [email protected]

Honorary Treasurer Graeme Bullock 1 Smeaton Farm Cottages, Pillaton, , PL12 6RZ Tel: 01752 84 Email: [email protected]

Editor Steve Farnes 2 Castle View, St Stephens, Saltash, . PL12 4RD Tel: 01752 845783 Email: [email protected]

CBKA Group Secretaries

Bodmin Hazel Henry Menacuddle House, Menacuddle Hill, . PL25 5QP Tel: 01726 74995 Email: [email protected]

Kit Hill Julian Eccles Grove Villa, Landulph, Saltash. PL12 6ND Tel: 01752 84 Email: [email protected]

Carrick/Kerrier Grant Healey

Tel: ? Email: [email protected]

Launceston http://launcestonbeekeepers.btck.co.uk Debbi Green Clam End, Trebullett, Launceston. PL15 9QQ Tel: 01566 786900 Email: [email protected]

Liskeard Jacqui Orange 14 Lodge Hill, Liskeard. PL14 4JP Tel: 01579 349178 Email: [email protected]

Roseland http://www.roselandbeekeeping.org Caven Hammock Higher Dowgas Farm, Coombe, St Austell. PL26 7LU Tel: 01726 883621 Email: [email protected]

Wadebridge Gillian Searle 6 Harleigh Road, Bodmin, PL31 1AQ Tel: 01208 74878 Email: [email protected]

CBKA Council Members

Position: Name: Group: Contact: President Colin Rees Roseland 01872 501313 Chairperson Vice-Chair Gary Fleming Liskeard 01822 834881 Secretary Julia Cooper Bodmin 01208 872865 Treasurer Roy Molyneaux-Dickinson Launceston 01840 261354 Editor Steve Farnes Liskeard 01752 845783 Publicity Officer Vacant Education Sue Malcolm Liskeard 01752 845496 Membership Sec Lynda Evans Bodmin 01208 831825 ADM Delegate Mark Hoult Launceston 01566 774618

Member Velven Harding Liskeard 01503 240610 Member Steve Farnes Liskeard 01752 845783 Member Tye Rossiter Bodmin 01726 833029 Member Carol Syms Bodmin 01726 822553 Member Mike White Roseland 01726 74775 Member Michael Somers Roseland 01326 270659 Member Anne Ramsden Carrick/Kerrier 01872 864049 Member Phil Ashman Carrick/Kerrier 07789 391860 Member Ian McDonald Kit Hill 01822 Member Phil Marriot Kit Hill 01822 832144 Member Grant McTaggart 01840 779277 Member Antony Godden Wadebridge 01208 880007

Co-opted Mem Sqn Ldr Louis Riley Bodmin 01208 872300

Non-Council Posts Scrutiniser Arthur Baker Equipment Officer Chris Boughton Liskeard 01579 345268 Disease Liaison Mike White St Austell 0 Microscopist Sue Hoult Launceston 01566 774618 Information Officer Lyn Rees Roseland 01872 501313

If you have anything you wish the council to discuss please contact your council member or the CBKA Secretary.

C.B.K.A. AGM Saturday 7th March 2015

As you all know, we have our AGM next month, which is being organised this year by Mike White and hosted by the Roseland Group (more about that from Mike later). However, one item of business that is always on the Agenda is the appointment of Officers. This year there are four posts for which candidates are being sought – Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) representative. We think we might have a candidate for Julia's job of Secretary but if anyone else is interested then please do get in touch with her or me to discuss the situation. Julia has been Secretary for four years now, so she is due for a break! With regard to the ADM representative, Mark Hoult said at the January Council meeting that he is not sure whether he will be stand- ing again this year and, since Mark has been the ADM rep for many more than four years now, his comment is totally understandable. It is only right that Mark also is given the opportunity to hand over to somebody else, so again, get in touch with Julia or me if you wish to find out more or think you might like to take it on. Finally, if there is anybody who has experience of chairing meetings and would like to get involved with Council business, either as Chair or Vice Chair (male or female, as for any post!), then again, please get in touch with Julia, me – or indeed any member of Council. Contact details for all of us are on the CBKA website, cbka.co.uk .

Filling these posts is vital to the successful running of CBKA, though none of them takes an inordinate amount of time. Since full Council only meets four times a year, the responsibilities associated with these posts normally come in short bursts, so the time involved is not onerous or excessive, and as we now have a Council which has a greater number of members, work can be shared amongst other, non-Officer, members should the need arise. Also, it is vital for the health and vigour of the CBKA that new personnel and new ideas are regularly injected into the Council membership when existing members stand down. It also means you are not committing to “life” on the Council should you volunteer for a post!

Please give this matter some serious thought. It is vital that we continue to have a fully-functioning Council and it is your opportunity to influence the direction that CBKA takes in the future. Already we have seen new initiatives and procedures put in place, thanks to some of the new personnel, so let's have some more! We hope to hear from you.

Colin Rees, President

Useful Telephone Numbers

Bee Disease Officer (Simon Jones) 07775 119459 Disease Liaison Officer (Mike White) 01726 74775 Education Co-Ordinator (Sue Malcolm) 01752 845496 Membership Secretary (Lynda Evans ) 01208 831825 Microscopist (Sue Hoult) 01566 774618 Spray Liaison Officer (post not held)

Disease Liaison Officer

The role of the DLC was developed back in the 90’s when Varroa first struck our county. The aim was to give guidance to members as to how to deal with the problem and to act as a link between members and other advisory bodies in order to obtain and give the best advice. At that time the role was entitled Varroa Liaison Officer. As varroa became more and more widespread and mem- bers became much more accustomed to dealing with it, it became apparent that the role could be widened to include all diseases. Disease it an issue that we all need to keep on top of.

Varroa, of course, still remains and so still comes within the scope of the now DLC. Resistance to pyrethroids developed and new treatments became available. Beekeepers began using all kinds of concoctions and importing illegal substances to treat their bees. There is a continued need for guidance on the appropriate treatments available.

In addition, foul brood diseases continue and the ever-ongoing risk of other exotic pests remains. It is necessary therefore for us all to stay alert to keep our eyes peeled for these thing.

The role of the DLC therefore is to keep abreast of what is happening within the County and on the national scene and to offer advice where necessary. At times it might appear that nothing is happening and the DLC is not doing much. But if something does turn up, his/her role may be vital to the members. Press Cuttings

From time to time news about beekeeping appears in the local and national press. Sue Malcolm is keeping a scrapbook of these cuttings which she takes to meetings and shows. Obviously she can only file those cuttings she sees or which are sent to her so if you read anything in your paper about beekeeping, please consider sending it or a photocopy to Sue Malcolm at: 33 New Road, Saltash, Cornwall. PL12 6HL

Bee Disease Check

If you suspect that there is something wrong with your bees, please send a sample for checking to the CBKA Microscopist. To take a sample, close the hive entrance and put a matchbox tray over the cluster of bees that forms and close the cover. Put the box in the freezer overnight. Send the box in a small jiffy bag with a S.A.E. to Sue Hoult at: 1 Hollies Close, St Stephens, Launceston, Cornwall. PL15 8XB

Group Reports Bodmin Group

The first meeting of the year was our AGM. All officers were voted in again, en bloc, and members were then reminded to keep an eye on the bees and their stores. The weather is so changeable and on milder days the bees are out and about. Over the last month I have found several queen wasps around the house and garden. In this area wasps were not a problem in 2014, but next year may be different if all those queens survive! Following the AGM and refreshments, Henry Kendall organised us into teams for the quiz that he had devised. It was most enjoyable and we thank him for providing a varied and interesting set of questions. Next month we have the first half of the DVD “Honey, a Beekeeper’s Guide”. Mary Trace

Carrick/Kerrier Group

20 th January 2015

For the first meeting of the new year 15 members attended a round table discussion and sharing of ‘top tips’.

We covered a variety of topics, with the experienced beekeepers sharing their knowledge and expertise about:

Disease Control Now is the time to treat for varroa with oxalic acid, when there is the least amount of brood in the hive. Also to be thinking about the spring Apiguard treatment, and do this as soon as the weather becomes warmer. Doing the Bailey frame exchange at the begining of the season was explained. Other control measures were also discussed such as the icing sugar method and monthly ‘Hive Clean’ treatments.

Food stores Whilst doing varroa treatment check food stores. Feed fondant if extra supplies are required. An emergency alternative is to ‘dunk’ a bag of sugar in water and place on top of the crown board.

Some Other tips To add supers with queen excluder by March. Use a brood box, with frames of foundation, as a super so that the bees will draw this and you will have some clean brood frames.

It was suggested that ‘What to do this month’ could be part of the monthly meeting. Some of us who are new to beekeeping thought this would be a good idea.

Angela Hills

The AGM will be the next meeting, on February 10 th at 7:30pm

Launceston Group

We welcomed 2015 in with our annual meal on Saturday 31st January at Trethorne Golf Club, where Chris and his team looked after us with a wonder- ful carvery. This was followed by fabulous desserts made by one of our members wife's Vron Retallack and Leslie her daughter in- law who work professionally under the name of " A House of Cake", everyone thoroughly enjoyed the selection and would highly recommend them, to take a peek

www.ahouseofcake.co.uk

This year due to the increased number of attendees we took over the restaurant for lunch and then moved into the conference room (Thank you Chris for looking after us) for a talk by Carole Allen from Ninemaidens Mead. Carole explained the origins of the company that she runs with her business partner and the trial and errors they have made with different flavours and how she uses friends as her ' guinea pigs' quiet a few of us wish we were her friend and lived nearer, although Carole did thoroughly spoil us on the day by sampling 3 different flavoured meads.

Carole's talk was so lively and interesting and she encouraged us all to have a go at making some mead and entering it into the Royal Cornwall Show, I am sure many members left with the feeling that they would have a bash at trying to make some. Fortunately Carole brought some bottles with her which we were able to buy and did. Once again we have received very positive feedback after the event and we look forward to our Annual Meal 2016.

Contact : 01209 820939 or email [email protected]

Launceston Group

Thank you to all those that came along and supported the day, not forgetting our Chairlady Elizabeth, Events Organiser Joanne, Treasurer Helen, Committee members and the Group Secretary it is all of you that make the group the suc- cess it is today. It was lovely to see members from Tavistock and Kitt Hill group supporting us again. We would like to take this opportunity to send condolences to Geoff Rob- erts Family and friends at this sad time. Geoff has supported us attending our annual meal in previous years sadly this year was not to be.

Next Event: AGM/Honey Tasting 27th February at Launceston College 7.30pm Start

Wadebridge Group

Keep it simple! These were the first words of advice given to us by David Harris at our reconvened meeting in December. But what a pity more members were not in the room to hear David’s talk which was to have been given to our newer beekeepers. He advised starting with a standard National hive, thinking about neighbours when planning where to site it, obtaining bees from a good source, marking queens, looking after equipment and thinking about treatment and control methods for Varroa. All these areas were discussed interspersed with humorous anecdotes and some comments from the audience. Hives should be inspected every ten days for queen cells but think ahead and plan what to do if some are found. David recommended using Ambrosia as a feed as it is easier to administer than sugar syrup. He also urged all new beekeep- ers to join a local group and attend meetings where expert advice could be sought. We thank David very much for giving up his evening for a second time to come to talk to us.

We had no meeting in January, instead some twenty members including wives/ husbands and friends congregated at the Granary Restaurant in Wadebridge for what has become our regular late Christmas get-together. John, the owner, and his staff provided a splendid three course meal with excellent menu choic- es, something to suit everyone’s taste. We were, however, very sorry to hear that Mike Leverton was not able to join in as he had become ill that afternoon and had been taken to hospital. I have since heard that it was a mild stroke and he was recovering well. I’m sure we all send our best wishes to Mike and hope it won’t be too long before we see him again.

We were also sorry to hear that David Green wished to resign from the Com- mittee as he was not in the best of health. David has been a Committee mem- ber for several years and has co-ordinated and helped put together the Wadebridge entries for the group class in the Royal Cornwall Show. Thank you David for all your help and we hope to see you at meetings whenever you can attend.

The meeting this month is on Wednesday 25 th at Porteath Bee Centre as usual when CBKA President Colin Rees will be answering our questions, so please start thinking about what puzzles you and come to hear Colin’s answers. The AGM will follow the Q&A and we would like to hear some ideas and sugges- tions for next winter’s meetings.

Please don’t forget that the group has a small library held at the Centre so if you’d like to borrow any book just pop in to see Eddie or Heather. Gillian Searle

Learning Opportunity

“Beyond the Basic” course!

“It is intended to have an informative evening to be held at Trispen village hall on Monday the 9 th February 2015 at 7.30pm.

The purpose of this meeting is for members who are interested in furthering their beekeeping knowledge to attend, where they will be given an opportunity to have explained the purpose and requirements for this course to be run covering both theoretical and practi- cal bee management. All interested parties please contact Mrs Sue Malcolm on 01752845496 for further information and to place bookings.”

Education Report

2014 once again has seen members taking the BBKA modules and the basic exam and as always it is with great pleasure to see these members be presented with their certifi- cates at the AGM. CBKA were once again invited to attend the Food and Farming event in March which saw some 750 school children cover a wide range of subjects from pig rearing to apple juice production and of course beekeeping. A big Thank you must go to sheriff’s beekeeping suits for providing the bee vails and gloves to facilitate the children’s experience of the practice of beekeeping. The Food and Farming event will be running again this march but over two days with an anticipated increase of attendance of approximately 1500 children from a variety schools to have the oppor- tunity to see where their food comes from. Any members wishing to help at these events please contact the Education Co-ordinator. This year has seen CBKA securing funding to run a “Beyond the Basic” course for members wishing to expand their bee- keeping knowledge with a view to members working their way to taking the BBKA Husbandry exam. A number of members have now enrolled on this course. We now have a new schools education co-ordinator and I am pleased to welcome Mrs Nina Ducker who will now be co-ordinating school visits.

Sue Malcolm

Forthcoming AGM Cornwall Beekeepers Association

Pre Season Rally and AGM Programme

Saturday 7th March 2015 at the Lanhydrock Memorial Hall

10 am Arrive and Register 10.10 am Commencement of smoker competition

10.30 am FIRST SESSIONS A) “The Principles of Bee Improvement” – Jo Widdicombe B) “Swarm Prevention and Control” – Lynda Evans Break 11.15 - 11.45 11.45 SECOND SESSIONS A) “Checking for disease at first inspection” – Sue Hoult B) “Building your own kit” – Bob Sheppard

12 30 pm LUNCH Pasties/cake will be available. Bring a packed lunch if you prefer

13.15 pm (PROMPT ) Annual General Meeting

14.30 pm Break

14. 45 pm SECOND SESSION Presentation - Bee Research at Penryn Campus Given by Dr Peter Kennedy (Environment and Sustainability Institute – University of Exeter, Penryn Campus)

15 45 pm Presentation of awards

16 00 pm Closing address

Cornwall Honey will be in attendance with a selection of beekeeping products for you to buy, and there will be plenty of time to visit their stand as well as have a chat to your fellow beekeepers.

Pasties and cakes, as well as hot drinks will be available to purchase at modest cost, but otherwise the day is entirely free of charge. Bring a packed lunch if you prefer. This is an excellent opportunity to re-sharpen your skills just before the start of the new season

There is no need to book a place in advance, but for catering purposes, it would be helpful if you could let your Group secretary know if you are hoping to attend.

Beekeeping Courses

Beekeeping Experience Day Half day of theory other half in the apiary. An ideal day for those thinking of keeping bees or those who wish to have a better understanding of apiculture and bees. At Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Nr . 3rd May 2015

Introduction to Beekeeping Three day course (half day of theory the other half learning and handling bees in the apiary) A course for the beginner wishing to start beekeeping and giving them the confidence to inspect and keep a colony. At Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Nr Callington. 11 th -18 th -25 th April 2015

Beekeeping for Beginners Ten week winter theory course (ten two hour consecu- tive weeks) This course offers in depth theory on equipment and hives, strains of bees, setting up an apiary, apiary husbandry, health and disease etc.) A days practical is offered during the season. At Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Nr Callington. (1900-2100) 12 th -19 th -26 th Jan 2 nd -9th -16 th -23 rd Feb 2 nd -9th -16 th March 2015

Beekeeping Intermediate For those with a little experience who wish to expand their knowledge and gain more confidence with artificial swarming, making up nucs including mini nucs, marking and clipping queens etc. At Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Nr Callington. 14 th -28 th June

Corporation/Companies Employers wishing to show conformance to the ISO 14001 standard, any of the above courses are available or can be tailored to your requirements, advice on location, equipment and setting up also given.

The benefits of conforming to ISO 14001:

1 Demonstrates your commitment to improving the environment

2 Shows you are a responsible future focused organisation

3 Can increase employee engagement in the knowledge that they are working in an environmentally friendly organisation

For more information: Email: [email protected] phone: 07791 777022 or 07916 309680

CBKA Minutes

Secretary: Julia Cooper, Whistow Farm, Lanlivery, Bodmin PL30 5DE Email: [email protected]

Minutes of the CBKA Council meeting held on 7 th January 2015at 7.00 pm

Those present: , ,Julia Cooper, , Mark Hoult, Colin Rees, Ian Macdonald,Michael Som- ers,Phil Marriott,,Sue Malcolm,Velven Harding,,Anthony Godden,,Anne Ramsden,,Tye Ros- siter,Mike White,Phil Ashman, Julian Eccles, Graeme Bullock

Apologies Gary Fleming(standing down) Geoff Roberts(standing down) Steve Farnes Louis Riley(standing down) RoyMolyneux-Dickinson(standing down) Lynda Evans Carol Syms

The president explained the absence of Geoff Roberts and read out his full message to the Council. Colin has written to Geoff thanking him for all the time and effort he contributed to the CBKA. This message was warmly welcomed and its sentiments shared by the whole Council. Julian Eccles the new secretary and chairman of Kit Hill group was. welcomed.

2. Minutes of last meeting Agreed and signed by the President and the Secretary chaired the meeting.

3. Matters Arising 3.1 the membership form had been re-worded by Geoff and forwarded to group secretaries by Julia 3.2 outstanding due to Steve Farnes absence. 3.3 there are no specific criteria for the award of honorary life membership. 3.4 the whistle-blower ADM proposition was written by Geoff and ,as a similarly worded one has been proposed by another county association, we will support that one at the ADM. 3.5 see financial report below 3.6 a paper suggesting improvements to the current CBKA managed part of the Bee and Honey tent was written by the Secretary (see RCS item below.) 3.7 The preparation for the membership subscription pilot to be conducted by the Roseland group has been completed. The Roseland secretary reports that he now knows who locally to chase for renewals without needing to involve the CBKA membership

CBKA Minutes continued secretary, thus speeding the process. He has every confidence that the pilot will be success- ful. Given that increased efficiency of management of membership subscriptions is the key point of the pilot, Mark Hoult reported that the BBKA now have a single membership data-base to which he thinks local association treasurers may request access. Progress towards a single database of CBKA members(as opposed to separate ones held by the Membership Secretary and the Treasurer respectively) has long been a CBKA objective. Therefore Graeme was asked to contact BBKA to understand exactly how Treasurers can make use of this facility. He will then discuss with the Membership secretary the best way forward. 3.8 Equipment recommendations were made in a paper produced by Mike White and Tye Rossiter. This was circulated to Council members and widely appreciated. It can form part of the RCS deliberations (see below.) 3.9 The Roseland funding request had been actioned by the Treasurer, who is simply await- ing invoices for goods purchased as part of the agreed project funding.

4. Chairman’s report: read by the President (as mentioned above.)

5. .Financial Report 5.1 The Treasurer presented a financial report in a new format designed to clearly show the overall costs of running the CBKA(the figures being provisional as all receipts were not yet in.) He was also following up the lack of requests for gift aid returns since 2011(these can be applied for retrospectively and could be thousands of pounds.) 5.2 The recommendation from Graeme and Roy for 2016 CBKA membership subscription is that we should ask for a £1 increase to the 2015 AGM. This takes into account all the other factors already mentioned in the financial report, plus the BBKA capitation increase. These factors are explained in detail in a paper circulated in advance which clearly shows each as- pect of current CBKA expenditure and receipts. Nb with a capitation of £19 to BBKA leaves £7 for CBKA, while the rebate to groups has increased from £1-£4 (allowed by the reduction in magazine printing costs.) Members noted that this fee is small by comparison with other BKA’s, some of whom levy £30+. The proposed increase was unanimously agreed. 5.3 Graeme produced a paper showing reserves are currently circa £11k and a provisional recommendation for group funding allocations is £1k per group in order to leave enough reserves to both comply with Charity Commission guidelines and to allow enough to run the CBKA , which is circa £800 for circa 400 members. Group allocations need to be deferred until the next meeting because the complete financial picture is not yet known. 5.4 The matter of outstanding receipts of monies from the sale of badges was noted and the Secretary asked to contact all group secretaries regarding these sales and the number of badges remaining.

6. BBKA Business 6.1 SDM Mark and Mike summarised the recent SDM , held because contracts for teaching services had been verbally let by the BBKA, who then decided that there was no budget available. The ensuing dispute was therefore caused by a lax contract letting procedure. The result is that both parties are to go to binding arbitration. Unfortunately this may cost the BBKA in the region of £10k, although the original sum in question was probably half that amount. Ultimately one or both of the parties to the

CBKA Minutes continued dispute may have to either resign or be dismissed. This should be resolved by Easter. The Council then discussed our internal purchasing approaches , which the Treasurer con- firmed they conformed to Charity Commission guidelines, the pertinent point being that if and when we ever need to purchase goods in which Council members have a commercial interest, those members will not be involved in the decision.

7. Education Co-ordinator Report Sue Hoult and Anne McQuade will be running a general husbandry course called “Beyond the Basic”, the idea of which has attracted a good response. There will be a meeting on Feb- ruary 9 th to finalise the course content. It will cost £50 to be paid to the BBKA. Liskeard group are funding a microscopy course for two members. The winter study group at Kit Hill went well , resulting in 12 members’ applications for the Basic Assessment.

8. CBKA Procedural Matters 8.1 ADM BBKA will likely increase capitation by £1 to £19. Our Treasurer had looked at BBKA ac- counts on their web-site and felt that they were not that clearly presented. Mike Somers explained that BBKA has a shortfall in budget but not in reserves(which will allow them to pay for the legal fees mentioned above.) The capitation increase is to fund activities for which the members have asked. Therefore Council agreed to support the proposed in- crease in capitation with the proviso that BBKA trustees manage the budget in a more pro- fessional and transparent manner in future.

9. Events 9.1 The Secretary had received a formal request from the Royal Cornwall Show organiser; Christopher Riddle that CBKA take over full responsibility for the Bee & Honey Tent from this year. He additionally explained that the current arrangements cause him a significant financial loss and that he would need to reduce this loss in future.(Gillian, who had repre- sented CBKA at a meeting with him , along with Carol Syms and Mike Somers, reported that this loss was in excess of £5k.) The Secretary gave a view that the overall size of the entire project was considerable and that significant effort from a large number of CBKA members would be required to make the necessary arrangements for showing products, set up and manning the Tent over a period of four days and improving the overall content appearance and interest of the bee- keeping area for the public. Notwithstanding this, the rest of the Council agreed to the RCS request. Mike Somers volunteered to set up and Chair the necessary organising committee. The Secretary will consider assistance ,provided a new Secretary is found to take over the CBKA secretarial role and that she does not have any involvement in honey product show- ing aspects. The Secretary will write to Christopher Riddle confirming acceptance. 9.2 events equipment suggestions, which will be extremely useful in this task, are cove red in the paper circulated by Mike White and Tye Rossiter. 9.3 2015 AGM, draft programme and date confirmed by Mike White and will be circulated to group secretaries by Julia and sent to the web site and magazine by Mike, when final- ised.

CBKA Minutes continued

10. Disease Liaison Officer’s report A report including details of a bee-disease event he is organising for 2015 are contained in Mike White’s report.

11. Tregothnan Estate The Council unanimously agreed that the President and Mike White should write to Tregothnan explaining our concerns- i.e.. their plans impact on disease, the near native bee population, the existence of enough diverse forage and more. Plus Mark suggested that we should also emphasise that CBKA members already offer pollination services free of charge, Colin and Mike to liaise with WCBKA in this response.

12.. Date of next meeting: ` Wednesday April 1 st . 2015 8. AOB

Dates for Your Diary

Bodmin

Bodmin Beekeeping Group Meetings 2015 Date to be Confirmed Lanhydrock Hall for honey extraction

Lanhydrock Memorial Hall at 7:30 pm:

Tuesday 17 th February 2015:- “Topic TBC” Tuesday 17 th March 2015:- “Topic TBC” Tuesday 21 st April 2015:- “Topic TBC”

Social Events: Tuesday 9 th December 2014:- Christmas Meal 7.30pm Bridge Bistro Wadebrige

Liskeard

11 February Annual General Meeting

11 March Hygiene in the Apiary, Cornwall Honey

8 April Preparation of Apiary Equipment

Carrick/Kerrier

February 10 th AGM .

March 17 th James Kilty talks about Varroa Control and Bee improvement programme

April 21 st ‘ More Than Honey’ a film about bees in crisis.

Dates for Your Diary

Launceston

Local Companies

The Beekeepers Quarterly The 56 page quality quarterly magazine is £30 per year from Northern Bee Books, Scout Bottom Farm, Mytholmroyd, Hebdon Bridge. HX7 5JS Phone: 01422 882751 Fax: 01422 886157 Email: [email protected] www.beedata.com for Apis-UK the free beekeeping newsletter direct to your computer

Advertising Rates

Full Page = £5.00 Half Page = £3.50 Quarter Page = £2.00 Classified Adverts = 10p a word Non-members = prices on application to the Editor Please Note: Payment is required before magazine insertion

Classified Adverts

National 5 frame Nucs available to pre-order now. Local bees over wintered and ready for the season. £150.

Also 2 overwintered 14x12 5 frame Nucs. With Nuc box.

£185

Please bring a nuc box or hive for collection.

Mark Edwards 01503 250692

[email protected]

Links

Cornwall Beekeepers Association http://www.cbka.co.uk

British Beekeepers http://www.britishbee.org.uk

Bee Base http://www.defra.gov.uk/fera

National Honey show http://www.honeyshow.co.uk

British Beekeepers Association http://www.bbka.org.uk

Beekeeping Forum http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk

Beecraft http://www.bee-craft.com/see-inside-our- magazine/