Dean Forest Beekeepers

Whether you are an experienced beekeeper, a recent starter, or are simply interested to find out more, you will find a warm welcome in Dean Forest Beekeepers.

Probably the most valuable aspect of membership of any beekeeping association is the opportunity to talk to other beekeepers. There is enormous benefit in being able to discuss your questions, problems, ideas and experiences with people who are dealing with the same issues.

Through the monthly indoor meetings and weekly apiary sessions, Dean Forest Beekeepers gives it members plenty of time to meet and talk, and the Forum on this site is also available for discussion of any beekeeping topic.

We have members of all ages and all levels of experience, so you are sure to find friends who share your particular interests.

There are three classes of membership: Full, which includes BBKA membership and insurance, Social, and Junior membership (for those under 21)

Our fees for 2010 are:

Full membership includes beekeeping insurance provided through the BBKA.

You can download a Dean Forest Beekeepers Membership Form here

or for more information email us at info@deanforestbeekeepers.co.uk

GBKA and BBKA membership

Full members of Dean Forest Beekeepers are automatically members of Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association , of which we are a Branch, and also members of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).

Members can attend meetings of any of the seven branches in the Gloucestershire Association.

The BBKA represent and support beekeepers in many ways, organise a National Convention each spring, and a National Honey Show in the autumn.

The GBKA produce a quarterly newsletter and the BBKA a bi-monthly one: both are sent free to members.

Full details of BBKA membership are available on the BBKA web site here: http://www.britishbee.org.uk

Insurance

Through the BBKA, your membership will give you the following two types of insurance:

Public Liability and Product Insurance

The Public Liability relates to beekeeping activities of members in the UK and has a £5million limit of liability. A notice of cover is available for members attending farmers markets etc, where proof of cover is required. In addition the insurance covers product liability up to £5million.

Brood Disease Insurance

Membership includes insurance which will compensate you if your hives have to be destroyed because of American or European Foul Brood. Standard cover is for up to 3 hives: additional hives can be covered for an extra fee.

Full details are available on the BBKA web site here: BBKA Insurance Cover

Our events programme

The Association arranges a varied programme which aims to covers most interests over the year. From September to March we have monthly indoor meetings where an invited speaker gives a talk or demonstration, followed by ample time for members to meet and talk.

From April to September we have practical sessions at our Apiary. These sessions give new beekeepers the chance to see hives in virtually all conditions and stages of development, with experienced members on hand to explain and advise.

In addition we arrange special events and trips during the year, some linked to events organised by other associations, but most specifically for Dean Forest members.

Our 2010 Calendar is a good example of what we do.

The apiary

Our Apiary, moved to its present location, in an area of mixed farmland and woodland near Lydney, in 2007. There we have around 15 hives (the number varies through the year), mostly National hives but we have some other types.

Apiary sessions are held one evening a week during spring and summer, and are arranged so that hive checks and any necessary changes or treatment are carried out by members in small teams. Each team has both recent and experienced members. Essential supplies are kept on site, so if we need to add supers or make up additional frames we can do that on the spot.

As well as helping to maintain and develop the apiary, the sessions offer an ideal way to learn by putting theory into practice and carrying out real tasks with help at hand.

( Our Chairman, Val Vivian-Griffiths, has produced an illustrated history of the quest for an Association apiary: From Little Acorns )

Beginners courses

For several years we have run a course for new beekeepers and those interested in starting.

Usually held from February to April, the course consists of six evening lectures and four weekend practical sessions.

The subjects covered are:

• natural history of the honey bee
• beekeeping principles and practice
• equipment and clothing
• disease poisoning and pests
• manipulation of a honey bee colony

The course follows the syllabus defined by the British Beekeeping Association for their Basic Assessment in Beekeeping. The assessment can be taken after you have been keeping bees for 12 months.

Our previous courses have been very popular and very successful. Those students who have decided to take the assessment have 100% pass record!

More details on the syllabus and the assessment can be found here: BBKA Examinations and Assessments.

Our course for 2010 is fully subscribed, but this year we are also running a one day course as an introduction to beekeeping. For more details see the 2010 Calendar.

Our library

We have a selection of books and recordings available for members to borrow. There is a list here: Library list.

The books and recordings may be borrowed and returned at our meetings.

Honey extraction

The Association has a three-frame stainless steel centrifugal honey extractor which is available for members to hire. The cost is £10, with a £50 cheque deposit which will be returned provided the extractor is returned in a clean undamaged condition. There is a rental agreement here: Extractor Rental Agreement.

To reserve the extractor for a particular time please contact our co-ordinator, Patrick James. His phone number is 07786 013869, email address patrick.james at glosfire.gov.uk. (Replace at with @)

Discounts

The following discounts are available to members:

• 10% discount on bee suits and clothing from BB Wear. Ask about the discount offer when placing your order.

• reduced prices for frames and foundation from Maisemore Apiaries who are located near Gloucester and just outside the Forest of Dean. The Association can get a discount when making a bulk purchase. Contact Stuart Skinner to find out what is being ordered and when. His email address is skinnerstuart at yahoo.co.uk (replace at with @).

• 10% discount on beekeeping equipment and supplies from Fragile Planet. Members can contact the Secretary to obtain a discount code.

• membership of the Booker wholesale stores group where good prices are available on many household and food supplies, including sugar.
  Take your BBKA membership card along to any Booker store for free registration.

Dean Forest Specials

We have sourced a number of good quality, good value clothing products made especially for our members. These items, which include T shirts, fleeces and caps with our logo, are available from Stuart Skinner.