Welcome to the Devon Beekeepers Association

Spirit of the Beehive

Nina Perry's composed feature 'Spirit of the Beehive' explores our enduring relationship with the honeybee, lifting the lid of the beehive to hear some surprising lessons to be learnt through observing and working with bees, as well as how the life of bees inspires human endeavours in the arts and in business.

We follow a group of young people from Hackney in London who are passionate urban beekeepers. They work for The Golden Company, a social enterprise taking their beekeeping to new heights by installing bees on the roof of investment bank Nomura - where the bees are seen as a symbol of productivity and growth in the city.

Scientists at Sussex University explain how they are looking at ways to help the honeybee by eavesdropping in on their communication system, the waggle dance. We peek inside the bee-inspired Parisian Artist community La Ruche (the beehive) and are lead through the bee sanctuary of the Natural Beekeeping Trust to discover the virtues of listening to bees.

DON'T SELL ALL YOUR HONEY YET!

Devon County Show honey sales needs your honey and other hive products to sell at this years County Show.
Honey always sells well, but so do candles, and other hive products. So get making and use this opportunity to promote your products. Our customers usually purchase honey from the area where they come from, so take the opportunity to promote your honey by donating some jars for the Taste of Honey Stall; sampling your honey is the best way to sell it! The County retains 20% of the selling price as commission.

Please look at the Honey Sales form for a list of this year’s prices, and offer form, OR contact Jack Mummery with your offers of produce by 6th May 2012.
Jack Mummery, County Show Honey Sales Coordinator,
Jabeda Barton, West Buckland, EX32 0SG
Tel: 01598-760209
e-mail: jackmummery@mypostoffice.co.uk

Getting Started in Bee Improvement

January 28, 2012
Saturday, 9.30 am to 4.00 pm atDobwalls Memorial Hall, Higher Meadow, Dobwalls PL14 6LS
A one-day event, organised by BIPCo (Bee Improvement Programme for Cornwall).
Topics covered will include:

• assessment of colonies
• breeding within a strain or sub-species
• morphometry
• queen rearing
• queen mating and the use of nucs and mini-nucs

A programme for all those interested in improving the quality of their bees through assessment, selection and the rearing of new queens.

Tickets are £10.00 for those registered before the day or £15.00 on the day. Please confirm your place by emailing info@bipco.org.uk or by post to:
BIPCo, 4 West Street, Millbrook, Torpoint PL10 1AA.
Payment on the day.

DBKA County Honey Show - 17th to 19th May 2012

I'm not sure where the last few months have disappeared to, but we are already planning for the Bees & Honey Marquee at the 2012 Devon County Show, Westpoint, Exeter. The Marquee stalls include Candle Rolling, Honey Sales, Honey Tasting, Live Bee Handling, and Equipment Sales. Information on all aspects of bees and beekeeping is available. There are 41 classes for the Bees & Honey Competition, including Branch entries for the Stevenson Trophy. The Bees & Honey Marquee is highly rated, receiving the Gold Medal for the best 'Features Tradestand' in 2011.

The Show Committee is supported in running the Marquee by an enthusiastic, large group of volunteer Stewards. Without that help it would not be possible to present the outstanding profile of the DBKA properly to the public. We are always looking for new volunteers - particularly the younger ones of you out there and those new to the Branches across the County. The commitment ranges from a single half-day to a full 3 days of help - the choice is yours - and there are opportunities to help on a particular stall or section, or in a general role. An entry ticket to the Show is included, which means you can enjoy the show as well - for free - in return for your help. Parking at the Show is free.

Anyone interested in having a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable day out, and joining a very friendly and enthusiastic team, please contact me on 01805-601715; 07789-435477; or e-mail tupnce@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.
Barry Neal
Chief Steward

Wanted!! Your Exhibits for the Devon County Show

Classes for all aspects of beekeeping, something for everyone:
Mead Photography Candles Beeswax Honey Cookery Art & Craft Cosmetics Flower- Arrangements
Reward, subject to judging - trophies, gift vouchers, certificates, cash!

Details & Show Schedule will be available on-line at:
www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/competitors

If you cannot get to the Show, but would like to enter your exhibits, please ask your Branch Secretary if he/she can co-ordinate a transport link with members who are able to attend.