DROMORE BEEKEEPERS’ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED 1984 WORLD CUP HOLDERS 1991, 1992, 2000 & 2004 AFFILIATED TO THE ULSTER BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION Unconfirmed Minutes of the DBKA Committee Meeting Dromore High School, Tuesday 12th January 2016, 7.30pm Matters Arising The Chairman acknowledged the good attendance and success of the Oxalic Acid Demonstration in the Apiary on Saturday, 2nd January 2016. Api-Bioxal® was used in the Apiary and supplied to the DBKA members that required it. This is the only oxalic acid product licenced by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in the UK from 2015. Phil McAnespie has confirmed that he will be the speaker for February. The topic of the talk has yet to be decided. Sandra Pinion mentioned that she is writing a risk assessment for the Apiary. Monthly Meeting Programme Jan – Nov 2016 Jan (19th): Cathryn Cochrane “Creating Wildflower Meadows and the Benefits to Pollinators”. Feb (23rd): Phil McAnespie Title of the topic to be confirmed. It was suggested that the topic should be about how to prepare the bees for the spring and summer. Sandra Pinion suggested giving a gift as well as expenses. NOTE: THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, 23RD FEBRUARY. March (15th): Jesús Borobia “Beeswax”. April (19th): John McMullan Patrick Lundy suggested a talk regarding Foulbrood (AFB/EFB). May (17th): Jesús Borobia suggested Jonathan Getty (Belfast Beekeepers’ Association). He could give a talk about queen rearing and his experience with the Belfast Beekeepers’ Breeding Group. Patrick Lundy will contact him. Jun (21st) BBQ in the Apiary. The Secretary will send a letter to the preliminary and intermediate students inviting them to the BBQ. They will be able to experience queen rearing, practical handling … All other DBKA members will be also welcomed. Jul: No Meeting. Aug (16th): Jesús Borobia suggested a talk about how to prepare honey and/or honey bee products for exhibiting in honey shows. It would be a good time for encouraging members to enter in the DBKA Honey Show the following weeks. The possible proposed speakers were Lorraine McBride or Jim Fletcher. Gail Orr will contact Lorraine first. SECRETARY CHAIRMAN TREASURER Jesús Borobia David L. Gamble Sandra Pinion 28 Ardaveen Avenue, 41 Bowwens Manor, 89 Ballykine Road, Newry, Co. Down, Lurgan, Craigavon,Co. Armagh Ballynahinch, Co. Down BT35 8UJ BT66 7RT BT24 8JD Tel. 07866689260 Tel. 07752247279 Tel. 07812181223 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] http://www.dromorebeekeepers.org.uk Facebook: Dromore Beekeepers Association Sept (20th): Philip McCabe (in the AGM) to be contacted by Patrick Lundy. Oct (18th): Gail Orr “Preparing Mead”. Nov (15th): To Be Confirmed (TBC). Outing 2016 The Committee proposed visiting the apiary of Killynchy Beekeeper’s Association (KBKA). A late lunch/dinner was proposed at Ballydugan Mill. Valentine, Chris and Billy are trying to create a Native Irish Honey Bee Conservation Area in the Ards Peninsula. The proposed date for the outing was Saturday, 11th June. The Secretary will send a letter to KBKA. Roe Valley was proposed as an alternative outing. Apiary Matters Sandra Pinion is writing a risk assessment for the apiary. Liam Murtagh mentioned that the DBKA Apiary landlord (Martin Jamison) is looking for a copy of the DBKA insurance policy. Jesús Borobia has a copy and will e-mail to Liam. Jesús Borobia emphasised that any mortalities or weakness of hives should be analysed for pathogens such as Nosema and Foulbrood Diseases (EFB/AFB). There has been an increase of Foulbrood Diseases in Northern Ireland and any mortalities or abnormalities should be thoroughly investigated. From a veterinary point of view, we should report suspicious cases in order to minimise the spread of disease to neighbouring apiaries and DBKA members that visit the site and or take stock in and out of the Apiary. Courses Update & Educational Matters There are 15 members in the Intermediate Certificate. There are 15 members signed out for the Preliminary Certificate of which 12 have paid. Lorna Gordon reported a busy educational program. She has been invited to give a talk in a school next week. She asked for more help from members. Robert McCreery and Patrick Lundy are meeting a journalist from the Newsletter in the DBKA Apiary in January. Webmaster Carol Walsh reported that a member of the public is asking for a list of members selling honey and to which shops. Membership Cards The cards have been done and been distributed to paid members. AOB Jesús Borobia received an email from Tom Williamson (DARD – Bee Inspector). He had a very poor response from DBKA members to Honey Yields & Prices 2016. Only 2 members have replied. Date of Next Meeting: Tues 26th April 2016 .