The Open Apiary on 17th May was enjoyable, informative, and blessed with lovely weather.
If you’ve recently completed the Introduction course or are still in your first few years of beekeeping, these sessions offer the perfect opportunity to gain valuable techniques and knowledge. You will receive excellent support from our experienced members, who are very generous with their time and advice.
Wednesday 4th June – 7 for 7.30pm
Bishops Cannings Village Hall
Guest Speaker: Brigit Strawbridge
Brigit is a wildlife gardener, amateur naturalist, and advocate for native pollinators. Based in Cornwall, she writes and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance and diversity of wild bees. She is author of Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature.
In her illustrated talk, The Hidden Lives of Garden Bees, Brigit explores:
Social media:
Instagram: @brigitstrawbridge1
Bluesky: @brigitstrawbridge@bsky.social
X: @B_Strawbridge
The Bee Depot
Diane will be in the car park for pre-orders.
Place your order by Monday 2nd: sales@thebeedepot.com or call 07879 811967.
Saturday 14th and 28th June
Arrive from 1.00pm for 1.30pm start.
Saturday 12th July – Visit and Picnic at Morgan’s Hill Wildlife Reserve
(Alternative date if poor weather: Saturday 19th July)
As May ends and meteorological summer begins, here are a few notes to keep in mind:
KBKA runs two to four Beginners’ Courses each year (typically in February, May, and July). Topics include:
Interactive tools like lifecycle models help bring the theory to life. All beginners are also encouraged to attend the fortnightly Open Apiary sessions.
Saturday 28th June – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Market Lavington Community Hall, Saint Mary’s Road, SN10 4DG
Can you confidently identify signs of American or European Foulbrood? This event, in partnership with the National Bee Unit, helps beekeepers understand key threats and includes hands-on experience with infected frames.
Free tickets (first come, first served):
https://bit.ly/hbt2806
Available to non-Wiltshire BKA members from 1st June.
Bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Help needed: If you can assist with setup or refreshments, please contact Rachael Banyard: rachael.banyard@gmail.com or 07840 166097.
Small Scale Queen Rearing with Jane Medwell
Tuesday 17th June – 7pm
Jane Medwell is a Master Beekeeper, BBKA Examiner, and Education Committee Chair. The talk will be recorded for later viewing.
Zoom link:
Join Meeting
Meeting ID: 812 3381 9992
Passcode: 527929
KBKA at Local Fetes
We will have stalls at Easterton and Upavon fetes. Contact John Hooper if you’d like to help or sell your products: johnhooper854@gmail.com
BDI AGM
Tuesday 3rd June – 7pm on Zoom
Join AGM
Wiltshire currently has no dedicated inspector. Contact:
A site is available for hives in Collingbourne Kingston, near Marlborough.
Please contact elainelewis@hotmail.co.uk if interested.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at Brigit’s talk. She’ll have copies of her book for sale on the night (approx. £11–£12), so bring cash if you’re interested.
Best wishes,
Sonia Meadows
Chair, Kennet Beekeepers Association
