The tutors are:
LW – Liz Westcott
DE – Derek Evans – vice chairman of Tiverton BKA
MT – Mike Ticehurst – webmaster for Devon, membership secretary Torbay
DP – David Packham – Regional Bee Inspector
VT – Viv Thorn – Chair of Devon Beekeepers
J & J Sh O – James and Jane Schindler Ord – Chair of Torbay BKA and Editor of Torbay Buzz magazine
Pan-Devon Beekeeping beginners syllabus
- Week 1 18-1-2012 (LW)
- The honey bee, it’s importance. Where & when to get bees.
- What are BBKA, DBKA and branches
- Basic anatomy & physiology
- Week 2 25-1-2021 ( LW)
- Life cycle and division of labour
- Pollination of plants, collection of nectar, pollen, water and propolis
- Week 3 01-02-2021(DE)
- Getting started, keeping records, Apiary siting
- Beekeeping equipment,
- Types of hive, components, types and bee space
- Week 4 8-2-2021 (DE & MT)
- Opening the hive, checklist for inspection, use of smoker,
- Making a frame
- Week 5 15-2-2021(DP)
- Signs of swarming, feeding, adding supers, uniting, introducing queens, marking, robbing, managing difficult colonies
- Week 6 22-2-2021 [DP]
- Swarm control methods and making splits
- Stings and first aid (VT]
- Week 7 01-03-2021(LW)
- Honey extraction, preparation and sales, labelling and statutory requirements.
- Week 8 -3-2021 ( LW)
- Harvesting beeswax and products of the hive
- Week 9 15-3-2021 (DP))
- Integrated pest management, apiary hygiene, comb replacement, pests and diseases
- Week 10 22-3-2021 ( J&J Sh-O))
- Beekeepers year, spring build up, summer management, harvest, preparations for winter.
- Where & when to get bees, mentoring and on going support. Further education . Basic and modular examinations
