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Image by Annie Spratt
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Butterflies



2024 course - 100% of students passed with scores ranging from 81% - 98% 
Email to reserve a place on the 2025 course in mid-February
8-10 classes and a minimum of 3 practical sessions, giving you all you need to know to get started as a beekeeper.

rvbkasecretarylhand@gmail.com
Fee for the course is £120, look out for an email from our Treasurer. If paying 2025 membership at the same time - total is £145 for an individual & includes 3rd party insurance & UBKA membership. A one-page registration form will be emailed to you - complete your name as you would like to see it on your certificate.


Next session - 16th November- 10a.m to 1p.m at the Apiary
Please come along and help get the surrounding area ready for winter. Please bring strimmers if you have them. The storage shed also needs some TLC 
Talk to experienced beekeepers informally and get over-wintering tips and share your stories.
Tea/coffee/snacks.
More discussions, workshops and presentations are planned for 2024 
Look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday Club

Membership

Membership for 2025 due by 31st of December.

Look out for the email

Thank you for supporting your club!


Membership includes UBKA Membership and third party insurance, covering injury to third parties and honey selling/market activities.
Insurance cards are no longer issued.

UBKA

Scroll down for details about upcoming events to add to your calendar.

Please contact the secretary if you or someone you know is interested in doing a talk or presentation on any aspect of beekeeping.

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Image by Alex Houque

Upcoming Events

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Meet: 28 Nov - Xmas party and membersip renewals

December - no meeting

Meet: Jan AGM

Meet: Feb

Meet: Mar

Meet: Apr

Meet: Jun

Event: Jul BBQ

Meet & Demo: Aug

Meet: Sep

Event: Oct Honey Show

Beeswax Candles
Butterflies

Hoodies and polo shirts available at August 29th meeting.
High quality with embroidered logo.
Men's & women's sizes will be available to pre-order.
 

Image by dimitris pantos

Making a bee-safe water station

1. Shallow bird bath or dish with pebbles and rocks (avoid marbles or glass - too slippery).
2. Hummingbird feeder filled with water instead of sugar syrup.
3. Poultry watering station.
4.Upturned plastic bucket with lid - drill holes near the top of the bucket.
5.Upturned jars, lidded with guaze or cloth, secured with elastic bands.

 

Bee water station
Bee bath, water
Bee bath, water
Bee bath, water

UBKA Announcements - Young Beekeepers

International event: Leaving on Dec 17th, returning Dec 23rd. Flying direct via Emirates airline, approx £1,000 per person. Discount code if UBKA apply before Jun 1st.

July: 1 day event at Randalstown BKA.

Autumn: Long weekend at Dumfries House, Scotland - considering 14th-15th September.

Click email link for information.

RVBKA 32nd Honey Show - 12th Oct 2023 at Roe Park Resort Hotel

A very enjoyable event, in a spacious and beautifully arranged and decorated set of function rooms, with a 3 course carvery meal and entertainment by Big Al.

Renowned Honey Judges Michael Young, M.B.E and Gail Orr 

Image by Lauren Forando

Dandelions

Often thought of as an annoying lawn weed - dandelions are a true flower and a vital source of spring nectar and pollen for honey bees and many other pollinators. Instead of uprooting or killing these important flowers, spread them by blowing the dandelion clocks. 

Dandelions, pollinators, flower

Other important 'weeds' for pollinators
Rose-bay Willowherb
White Clover
Cow Parsley
Foxglove
Honeysuckle
Ground Ivy
Comfrey
Knapweed
Chickweed
Dead Nettle

About Us

The club started as a group of friends with a passion for beekeeping who met regularly to share their knowledge and experience. After the introduction of a beekeeping eductional programme, the club rapidly expanded, bringing in new members, and growing from 7 to an average of 80 each year, many of whom regularly attend meetings and events.

The club has a Beginner's Beekeeping class starting in February, covering everything a new beekeeper needs to to get started.

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Each month, an in-depth presentation is given on an area of beekeeping and members are reminded what they should be doing with their bees at a particular time of year.

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Our mission to to create more bees and more beekeepers.

UBKA Reresentatives:

Stephanie Percy

Linda Hand

Denise McGowan

Flying Around a Beehive 2

Willow Woman

On Saturday 23rd March, Fiona Doney taught a Willow weaving class at the apiary, attended by 11 members. During the session, each person made two small burd feeders and one larger bird feeder using materials and forms supplied by Fiona. The class was very enjoyable and will be followed up by a basket weaving class.

Willow
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