Summer Visits - May 2025 (Note: to minimise the spread of infection for all visits please make sure your bee suit and accessories are clean)
Barbara Gray has kindly agreed to host our first 'summer' meeting at her Culbokie Apiary on Saturday 10th May
2pm Beginners.
We will do a basic hive inspection covering brood in all stages (BIAS), drones, adding supers. Maximum 8 members so please reserve a space. (dingwall.beekeeping@gmail.com)
3pm All members.
Discussion of the use of double brood in a National Hive. Maximum 10 members so please reserve a space.
Parking will be an issue in Culbokie that day as the hall is in use as is the Sharing Shed car park. However, there is parking at the football field and on the main road. Please do not park in Schoolcroft as there is insufficient parking for residents and please do not park on pavements.
It is proposed to ask the Culbokie Church if we could park and have tea there.
Sunday 25th May -
An Apiary visit to Inverewe! We are invited to a meeting at Kirsty WIlliams' apiary in the wild flower meadow opposite the Inverewe gardens on May 25th (Sunday) at 2.00pm.
We can park at Inverewe and the restaurant will be open for refreshments after the visit. No restrictions on numbers as there will be plenty of space.
(https://kirstywilliamsbees.wixsite.com/thebritishbeecompany)
Office Bearers and Committee for 25/26
The Association AGM was held on the 16th April 2025
President: Angie Dunn (president.dingwallbeekeepers@gmail.com)
Secretary: Barbara Gray (dingwall.beekeeping@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Sam Smith (treasurer.dingwall.beekeeping@gmail.com)
Vice President: Stuart Young
Committee:
Angie Dunn
Stuart Young
Barbara Gray
Sam Smith
Roger Piercy
Don Fraser
Julia Garrison
Bill Cormack
Pravin Whiles
Emma Hickey
Caroline MacKenzie
Bruce Taylor
Here are some pics of the recent AGM in Dingwall
This was posted on Facebook from the BBKA
First Inspections.....
Around now first inspections are being considered.
Aim for a warm, sunny, and calm day (ideally above 15°C) to check for colony health, food stores, healthy queen and brood, and to prepare the hive for the upcoming season.
In more detail:
Timing and Conditions:
Weather: Choose a warm, sunny day with minimal wind and no rain, as this allows for a calm and effective inspection.
Time of Day: Mid-day is ideal, when most foragers are out and the temperature is warmest.
What to Look For:
Colony Health:
Dead Bees: Check the bottom board for dead bees, which may indicate winter losses or other health issues. Close up any dead colonies
Brood: Look for signs of healthy brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae) in the frames. How many frames of brood?
Queen: Keep an eye out for the queen or eggs to ensure she is present. If failing check health, consider uniting
Bees: Observe the bees' temperament; any action needed?
Food Stores:
Honey: Check for adequate honey stores until the next inspection.
Pollen: Ensure there are sufficient pollen stores for brood rearing.
Hive Condition:
Cleanliness: Check the hive for debris and swap out dirty floors.
Damage: Inspect the hive for any signs of damage or pest infestations.
Pests and Diseases:
Varroa: Look for signs of Varroa mites
Other Pests: Check for signs of wax moths or other pests.
Actions to Take:
Replace or Repair: Address any damage or issues with the hive.
Feed if Necessary: If food stores are low
Add Space: If the hive appears overcrowded, consider adding more boxes.
Monitor Regularly: consider frequency of subsequent inspections.
Findings:
Keep a record of your observations and any actions taken.
DIARY
MAY
Sunday 25th - An Apiary visit to Inverewe! We are invited to a meeting at Kirsty WIlliams' apiary in the wild flower meadow opposite the Inverewe gardens on May 25th (Sunday) at 2.00pm. We can park at Inverewe and the restaurant will be open for refreshments after the visit. No restrictions on numbers as there will be plenty of space.
https://kirstywilliamsbees.wixsite.com/thebritishbeecompany
The "Latest news" column will be regularly updated with what's new for the Association.
We will continue to keep you up to date with emails. Feel free to use our Facebook page to communicate with your fellow members.
Recent events
Wednesday16th April
7.30pm AGM and Quiz, St Clements Hall. A straightforward AGM with three new committee members and then tea & cake. The evening ended with a few rounds of the Presidents Annual Quiz
Wednesday 19th March
Bron and David Wright came up from Edinburgh to speak to us at St Clements Hall about 'Bees and Trees'.
Thursday 6th March
Jack Sillberrad gave a very interesting and informative ZOOM talk entitled "99p or EFB". There was lots of good info related to EFB and other bee ailments.
There was a recording of the meeting so contact the secretary if you are interested in viewing it.
Thursday 23rd January 7.30pm
Alan Riach from SBA will gave an interesting and entertaining talk entitled "Beekeeping - My Methods and Experiments". This ZOOM meeting was recorded so may be available for members to watch
Wednesday 27th November 7.30pm
Caroline MacKenzie gave an entertaining presentation entitled "Honey Delights". There were many flavoured honeys along with the many 'add ins' that can be used to suit your palate. Barbara Gray gave a short demo on honey butter.
After the presentations there were lots of tastings of the different honeys, butters and also some of the honey samples that members brought to add to the mix.
Jo Young did a short presentation on the candle moulds that the association have for members use.
Certificates were presented to a number of members who completed their Basic Bee Keeping Certificate.
Saturday 19th 2.00pm Candle Making with David Edes. David ran a candle making workshop for up to 8 members.
Thursday 10th October - Angie gave a talk to Primary 6/7 classes at Avoch Primary School.
Saturday 5th October - D&DBKA Honey Show - judge was Alan Riach, Education Officer, SBA. Held at Munro's Nurseries, Munlochy.
Wednesday 18th September - Arthur Hill gave a short talk on 'A Victor Meldrew vision of modern beekeeping' before introducing Clifford Smith, our friendly Environmental Health Officer who talked about safely processing our honey. Caroline Mackenzie will then give a chat about preparation and tips for the Honey Show.
Saturday 7th September - Feil Maree - a community event in Dingwall. Photos available in Gallery.
Saturday 24th August - Black Isle Food and Drink Festival - a well-attended demonstration of honey-associated products conducted by Caroline Mackenzie and Barbara Gray. Photos available in Gallery.
Friday 9th August - Barbara Gray hosted a meeting on the subject of assessing varroa levels and treatment options. Photographs, courtesy of Angie and David, are available here and in the Gallery.
Monday 5th August - Angie gave a talk to the Fortrose Guides. Photograph in Gallery.
Saturday 27th July- Arthur Hill's apiary at Scatwell. Refreshments were made available at the Community Centre for a donation to the community. It was great to be able to enjoy the conditions and get to socialise on this, the first outdoor session of the year - remarkable!
Saturday 29th June- Kay Liston Apiary visit - Loch Carron. Again another indoor chat due to poor conditions.
Wednesday 19th June - Jo and Stuart Young Apiary visit, Aigas. Poor conditions so an indoor chat.
Friday 31st May- Barbara Gray held a 2nd session for Beginners at her Culbokie Apiary.
Wednesday/Thursday 29th/30th MayThe Association was invited by RHET to provide educational sessions for some S1 children on at the Black Isle Showground for Primary 5-7 on the Importance of Pollinators to Food Production.
Friday 17th May - Barbara Gray hosted a session for Beginners at her Culbokie Apiary.
Tuesday 14th May The Association was invited by RHET to provide educational sessions for some S1 children at Fortrose Academy on 14th May on Food.
Saturday 27th April AGM of SBA - Spectrum Centre, Inverness. Our Association and Inverness-shire co-hosted the event at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness. The SBA AGM business will take place in the morning and there was 3 talks in the afternoon with something to interest all beekeepers.
Saturday 20th April 10am-4pm at Culloden Baptist Church, Wellside, Balloch IV2 7GS. Andrew Card of Loch Ness Honey organised a visit from Abelo with their Equipment Trade Show. We were delighted with our reception at the Show, meeting members and prospective new members and spending more money than intended! Thanks, Andrew Card.
Memberships are renewed as from the April AGM. A link to the membership/ renewal form can be found on the "Joining the Association" page. A new password will be forwarded to you by the Membership Secretary.